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Notes that are not verse specific
In calling Abraham a prophet ("nabi"- see Michael's comments for 2007), God is envisaging a wider sense of the word than that which we might at first think. In having the promises made and reiterated to him between chs 12-22, he would be the embodiment of prophecies actually made by Yahweh. In having his name changed on the strength of these Gen 17:5, he would also be a living witness to God's word. Furthermore, in being the means by which the Gentiles were justified (Gal 3:8,), he would also be the Father of faith. In all these senses Abraham was a "prophet/spokesman" or "nabi".
Ross Melles [Waitakere, Auckland (NZ)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Ross
Why move?
Why did Abraham move away? He had a good thing going where he was, with plenty of servants and livestock. He was in league with his neighbours too. So why upset all that?
The answer is given later, in Gen 26:1 - there was a famine in the land.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
Gen 20:7 Abraham was a prophet and was to perform the role of mediator between Abimelech and the LORD. Sarah appears to have been complicit with Abraham in the half truth because she confirmed Abraham’s half truth to Abimelech, Gen 20:2. “He is my brother“ she said, Gen 20:5. God told Abimelech to go to Abraham who would pray for him. Until this happened the LORD had closed the wombs of the female members of Abimelech’s family Gen 20:18.
Now, Sarah was also barren Gen 11:30. Abraham had prayed for Abimelech Gen 20:17 and the LORD opened the wombs of those in Abimemech’s house. It was also after Abraham’s prayer that we are told Sarah would bear her son Isaac Gen 21:1-2
Job also was required to be a mediator praying for forgiveness for the folly of his three friends towards him. Job 42:8. It was only when Job prayed for them that the Lord blessed Job. Job 42:10. Having prayed for his friends Job was blessed with wealth and his wife with a fruitful womb, a further 7 sons and 3 daughters, Job 42:12-13.
Jesus teaches us to pray for those who despitefully use us, Matt 5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Adding, verse 45 “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven...”
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
This chapter is about who we listen to. Abraham had been too hasty in listening to the words of his wife:
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. **And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai**. (Gen 16:2 KJV)
And that had put him in this difficult situation where he had a child with his wife's servant. The proverbs say this about the situation:
For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. (Pro 30:21-23 KJV)
A handmaid that succeeds her mistress is something unbearable, says the proverb, and such was the situation with Hagar and Sarah:
And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee. (Gen 16:4-5 KJV)
Sarah recognises that her husband should not have listened to her on that occasion. The implication is that he knew better, but gave in.
Abraham seems to have learned from this, and in our chapter we find him having to deal with the aftermath. This time, even though Sarah's words have a ring of wisdom about them, he isn't going to grant her wish:
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. (Gen 21:9-11 KJV)
Yet, curiously, on this occasion God Himself steps in and tells Abraham to listen to his wife:
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. (Gen 21:12 KJV)
Clearly Sarah is the wiser here, and the one who remembers the words of God's promise correctly (see Gen 17:19). The new testament picks up on these words and reveals something extraordinary we might not have otherwise seen:
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. (Gal 4:29-30 KJV)
Galatians tells us that Ishmael persecuted Isaac. Clearly there was more to it than mocking. And in this the wisdom of Sarah is revealed. Did she have in mind the jealousy of Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve, who when he was succeeded by his younger brother, killed him? Is it possible that this is where things were going and that Sarah could see it?
After the servant and the boy (now 14 years old) were cast out, the scripture tells us that Hagar wept and cried out. Yet the record is clear that God does not hear her. Instead, He hears the cries of the boy:
she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. And **God heard the voice of the lad**; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for **God hath heard the voice of the lad** where he is. (Gen 21:16-17 KJV)
God did not hear the voice of the handmaid who had despised Sarah, of whom the promised seed was born. He did hear the boy, who had been born to Abraham, and had been circumcised in his household as a sign of being in covenant with God through Abraham. Thus Abraham's blessing passed to the boy, who himself obtained promises, and God was with him to make him a great nation:
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed ... And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. (Gen 21:13, 20 KJV)
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Rob
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1. And Abraham <85> journeyed <5265>(8799) from thence toward the south <5045> country <776>, and dwelled <3427>(8799) between Kadesh <6946> and Shur <7793>, and sojourned <1481>(8799) in Gerar <1642>.
2. And Abraham <85> said <559>(8799) of <413> Sarah <8283> his wife <802>, She is my sister <269>: and Abimelech <40> king <4428> of Gerar <1642> sent <7971>(8799), and took <3947>(8799) Sarah <8283>.
3. But God <430> came <935>(8799) to Abimelech <40> in a dream <2472> by night <3915>, and said <559>(8799) to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man <4191>(8801), for the woman <802> which thou hast taken <3947>(8804); for she is a man's <1167> wife <1166>(8803).
4. But Abimelech <40> had not come near <7126>(8804) her: and he said <559>(8799), Lord <136>, wilt thou slay <2026>(8799) also a righteous <6662> nation <1471>?
5. Said <559>(8804) he not unto me, She <1931> is my sister <269>? and she <1931>, even <1571> she <1931> herself said <559>(8804), He is my brother <251>: in the integrity <8537> of my heart <3824> and innocency <5356> of my hands <3709> have I done <6213>(8804) this.
6. And God <430> said <559>(8799) unto him in a dream <2472>, Yea <1571>, I know <3045>(8804) that thou didst <6213>(8804) this in the integrity <8537> of thy heart <3824>; for I also withheld <2820>(8799) thee from sinning <2398>(8800) against me: therefore suffered <5414>(8804) I thee not to touch <5060>(8800) her.
7. Now therefore restore <7725>(8685) the man <376> his wife <802>; for he is a prophet <5030>, and he shall pray <6419>(8691) for thee <1157>, and thou shalt live <2421>(8798): and if thou restore <7725>(8688) her not, know <3045>(8798) thou that thou shalt surely <4191>(8800) die <4191>(8799), thou, and all that are thine.
8. Therefore Abimelech <40> rose early <7925>(8686) in the morning <1242>, and called <7121>(8799) all his servants <5650>, and told <1696>(8762) all these things <1697> in their ears <241>: and the men <582> were sore <3966> afraid <3372>(8799).
9. Then Abimelech <40> called <7121>(8799) Abraham <85>, and said <559>(8799) unto him, What hast thou done <6213>(8804) unto us? and what have I offended <2398>(8804) thee, that thou hast brought <935>(8689) on me and on my kingdom <4467> a great <1419> sin <2401>? thou hast done <6213>(8804) deeds <4639> unto me that ought not to be done <6213>(8735).
10. And Abimelech <40> said <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, What <4100> sawest thou <7200>(8804), that thou hast done <6213>(8804) this thing <1697>?
11. And Abraham <85> said <559>(8799), Because I thought <559>(8804), Surely <7535> the fear <3374> of God <430> is not in this place <4725>; and they will slay me <2026>(8804) for my wife's <802> sake <1697>.
12. And yet indeed <546> she is my sister <269>; she is the daughter <1323> of my father <1>, but not the daughter <1323> of my mother <517>; and she became my wife <802>.
13. And it came to pass, when God <430> caused me to wander <8582>(8689) from my father's <1> house <1004>, that I said <559>(8799) unto her, This is thy kindness <2617> which thou shalt shew <6213>(8799) unto me; at every place <4725> whither we shall come <935>(8799), say <559>(8798) of me, He is my brother <251>.
14. And Abimelech <40> took <3947>(8799) sheep <6629>, and oxen <1241>, and menservants <5650>, and womenservants <8198>, and gave <5414>(8799) them unto Abraham <85>, and restored <7725>(8686) him Sarah <8283> his wife <802>.
15. And Abimelech <40> said <559>(8799), Behold, my land <776> is before thee <6440>: dwell <3427>(8798) where it pleaseth <2896> <5869> thee.
16. And unto Sarah <8283> he said <559>(8804), Behold, I have given <5414>(8804) thy brother <251> a thousand <505> pieces of silver <3701>: behold, he is to thee a covering <3682> of the eyes <5869>, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved <3198>(8737).
17. So Abraham <85> prayed <6419>(8691) unto God <430>: and God <430> healed <7495>(8799) Abimelech <40>, and his wife <802>, and his maidservants <519>; and they bare <3205>(8799) children.
18. For the LORD <3068> had fast <6113>(8800) closed up <6113>(8804) all the wombs <7358> of the house <1004> of Abimelech <40>, because <1697> of Sarah <8283> Abraham's <85> wife <802>.
1. And the LORD <3068> visited <6485>(8804) Sarah <8283> as he had said <559>(8804), and the LORD <3068> did <6213>(8799) unto Sarah <8283> as he had spoken <1696>(8765).
2. For Sarah <8283> conceived <2029>(8799), and bare <3205>(8799) Abraham <85> a son <1121> in his old age <2208>, at the set time <4150> of which God <430> had spoken <1696>(8765) to him.
3. And Abraham <85> called <7121>(8799) the name <8034> of his son <1121> that was born <3205>(8737) unto him, whom Sarah <8283> bare <3205>(8804) to him, Isaac <3327>.
4. And Abraham <85> circumcised <4135>(8799) his son <1121> Isaac <3327> being eight <8083> days <3117> old <1121>, as God <430> had commanded <6680>(8765) him.
5. And Abraham <85> was an hundred <3967> years <8141> old <1121>, when his son <1121> Isaac <3327> was born <3205>(8736) unto him.
6. And Sarah <8283> said <559>(8799), God <430> hath made <6213>(8804) me to laugh <6712>, so that all that hear <8085>(8802) will laugh <6711>(8799) with me.
7. And she said <559>(8799), Who would have said <4448>(8765) unto Abraham <85>, that Sarah <8283> should have given children <1121> suck <3243>(8689)? for I have born <3205>(8804) him a son <1121> in his old age <2208>.
8. And the child <3206> grew <1431>(8799), and was weaned <1580>(8735): and Abraham <85> made <6213>(8799) a great <1419> feast <4960> the same day <3117> that Isaac <3327> was weaned <1580>(8736).
9. And Sarah <8283> saw <7200>(8799) the son <1121> of Hagar <1904> the Egyptian <4713>, which she had born <3205>(8804) unto Abraham <85>, mocking <6711>(8764).
10. Wherefore she said <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, Cast out <1644>(8761) this bondwoman <519> and her son <1121>: for the son <1121> of this bondwoman <519> shall not be heir <3423>(8799) with my son <1121>, even with Isaac <3327>.
11. And the thing <1697> was very <3966> grievous <3415>(8799) in Abraham's <85> sight <5869> because <182> of his son <1121>.
12. And God <430> said <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, Let it not be grievous <3415>(8799) in thy sight <5869> because of the lad <5288>, and because of thy bondwoman <519>; in all that Sarah <8283> hath said <559>(8799) unto thee, hearken <8085>(8798) unto her voice <6963>; for in Isaac <3327> shall thy seed <2233> be called <7121>(8735).
13. And also of the son <1121> of the bondwoman <519> will I make <7760>(8799) a nation <1471>, because he is thy seed <2233>.
14. And Abraham <85> rose up early <7925>(8686) in the morning <1242>, and took <3947>(8799) bread <3899>, and a bottle <2573> of water <4325>, and gave <5414>(8799) it unto Hagar <1904>, putting <7760>(8804) it on her shoulder <7926>, and the child <3206>, and sent her away <7971>(8762): and she departed <3212>(8799), and wandered <8582>(8799) in the wilderness <4057> of Beersheba <884>.
15. And the water <4325> was spent <3615>(8799) in <4480> the bottle <2573>, and she cast <7993>(8686) the child <3206> under one <259> of the shrubs <7880>.
16. And she went <3212>(8799), and sat her down <3427>(8799) over against <5048> him a good way off <7368>(8687), as it were a bowshot <2909>(8764) <7198>: for she said <559>(8804), Let me not see <7200>(8799) the death <4194> of the child <3206>. And she sat <3427>(8799) over against him, and lift up <5375>(8799) her voice <6963>, and wept <1058>(8799).
17. And God <430> heard <8085>(8804) the voice <6963> of the lad <5288>; and the angel <4397> of God <430> called <7121>(8799) to Hagar <1904> out of heaven <8064>, and said <559>(8799) unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar <1904>? fear <3372>(8799) not; for God <430> hath heard <8085>(8799) the voice <6963> of the lad <5288> where he is.
18. Arise <6965>(8798), lift up <5375>(8798) the lad <5288>, and hold <2388>(8685) him in thine hand <3027>; for I will make <7760>(8799) him a great <1419> nation <1471>.
19. And God <430> opened <6491>(8799) her eyes <5869>, and she saw <7200>(8799) a well <875> of water <4325>; and she went <3212>(8799), and filled <4390>(8762) the bottle <2573> with water <4325>, and gave <8248> <0> the lad <5288> drink <8248>(8686).
20. And God <430> was with the lad <5288>; and he grew <1431>(8799), and dwelt <3427>(8799) in the wilderness <4057>, and became an archer <7235>(8802) <7199>.
21. And he dwelt <3427>(8799) in the wilderness <4057> of Paran <6290>: and his mother <517> took <3947>(8799) him a wife <802> out of the land <776> of Egypt <4714>.
22. And it came to pass at that time <6256>, that Abimelech <40> and Phichol <6369> the chief captain <8269> of his host <6635> spake <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, saying <559>(8800), God <430> is with thee in all that thou doest <6213>(8802):
23. Now therefore swear <7650>(8734) unto me here <2008> by God <430> that thou wilt not deal falsely <8266>(8799) with me, nor with my son <5209>, nor with my son's son <5220>: but according to the kindness <2617> that I have done <6213>(8804) unto thee, thou shalt do <6213>(8799) unto me, and to the land <776> wherein thou hast sojourned <1481>(8804).
24. And Abraham <85> said <559>(8799), I will swear <7650>(8735).
25. And Abraham <85> reproved <3198>(8689) Abimelech <40> because <182> of a well <875> of water <4325>, which Abimelech's <40> servants <5650> had violently taken away <1497>(8804).
26. And Abimelech <40> said <559>(8799), I wot <3045>(8804) not who hath done <6213>(8804) this thing <1697>: neither <3808> didst thou tell <5046>(8689) me, neither <3808> yet heard <8085>(8804) I of it, but <1115> to day <3117>.
27. And Abraham <85> took <3947>(8799) sheep <6629> and oxen <1241>, and gave <5414>(8799) them unto Abimelech <40>; and both of them <8147> made <3772>(8799) a covenant <1285>.
28. And Abraham <85> set <5324>(8686) seven <7651> ewe lambs <3535> of the flock <6629> by themselves.
29. And Abimelech <40> said <559>(8799) unto Abraham <85>, What <2008> mean these seven <7651> ewe lambs <3535> which thou hast set <5324>(8689) by themselves?
30. And he said <559>(8799), For these seven <7651> ewe lambs <3535> shalt thou take <3947>(8799) of my hand <3027>, that <5668> they may be a witness <5713> unto me, that I have digged <2658>(8804) this well <875>.
31. Wherefore he called <7121>(8804) that place <4725> Beersheba <884>; because there they sware <7650>(8738) both of them <8147>.
32. Thus they made <3772>(8799) a covenant <1285> at Beersheba <884>: then Abimelech <40> rose up <6965>(8799), and Phichol <6369> the chief captain <8269> of his host <6635>, and they returned <7725>(8799) into the land <776> of the Philistines <6430>.
33. And Abraham planted <5193>(8799) a grove <815> in Beersheba <884>, and called <7121>(8799) there on the name <8034> of the LORD <3068>, the everlasting <5769> God <410>.
34. And Abraham <85> sojourned <1481>(8799) in the Philistines <6430>' land <776> many <7227> days <3117>.
Notes that are not verse specific
25:2 - How can we possibly not be ashamed before God? Well, although David's comment refers, it seems, to his physical enemies, the principle applies to the way in which God is willing to give us strength that our enemy (sin) does not triumph over us. We are instructed to pray 'Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil' which clearly suggests that God is will to do this. This way, by His grace, we are presented righteous before Him, our shame removed. Ultimately, in the time of Eden restored (naked and not ashamed) we will have no shame to remove, but now God removes it so that we can be His.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
Psalm 23 David in this Psalm relates his experiences of tending to the flock of sheep to God's care for him in his life.
Psalm 24 This Psalm was probably written when the Ark of God was brought into Jerusalem. The Psalm sets out the conditions for those who would stand in the holy place.
Psalm 25 A Psalm of David, expressing faith in God who is good and upright and who will teach sinners the (right) way.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Psa.23 seems to be bookended by Psalms referring to Christ. It would seem there may be more than one application here in that it may refer to David, Christ, and perhaps even followers of Christ..
Charles Link, Jr. [Moorestown, (NJ, USA)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Charles
Psalm 25 David was a lover of life and expressed himself with enthusiasm when he had occasion. At other times, David was down and sombre. He experienced tremendous tragedy in his life, and was under great stress, at times. For example, he was on the run from Saul; and on another occasion had personal disaster in his own family. His beloved son, Absalom, led a rebellion against him aided by Bath-Sheba's grandfather. Sometimes, he must have felt alone, no wonder he felt blue. We all have up days and down days. Sometimes we are elated, and at other times, we feel down in the dumps. That's life! But, imagine what David must have gone through compared to most of us. However, there is simply not enough evidence from scripture to medically diagnose David as having Bi-Polar Disorder, as has been suggested.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
Psa.25:21 The Hebrew phrase translated "wait on thee" means to bind together, perhaps by twisting. This conjures up a picture in my mind of two wires being twisted together or two pieces of rope spliced together. It's best exemplified by Jesus in John 10:30 I and my Father are one
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Ken
Psa 24.3-4 use very similar language to Psa 15:1-2
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
Psalm 23 has much in common with the events leading up to the feeding of the 5000. Mark 6:32-33 tells us that Jesus and his disciples were in a boat and that the people ran round the lake to the other side and outwent the boat. From this we can conclude that the waters were still and that there was little wind, otherwise the boat would have arrived first. Jesus, although on a boat, led the people by quiet waters.
He fed them - their souls were restored and there was plenty left over - there was no more want amongst the people.
Mark 6:39 talks of sitting on green grass. Mark is the only gospel writer who comments on the colour. It was green because this was just after the Passover, when the spring rains would have turned everything green. This also means that the Jordan would have probably been in flood when the people waded across it in order to reach Jesus on the opposite shore.
The word translated as sit also means to lean back or to lay. Jesus was laid in a manger (Luke 2:7) which is the same Greek word.
Mark 6:34 tells us that Jesus saw the people as sheep without a shepherd and promptly started leading them.
How keen are we to be with the Lord? Do we hear his voice? Do we run to the meeting on a Sunday? Afterwards are we satisfied, no longer in want of anything?
Ken Trelfer [Rockingham Forest, UK] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Ken
Psalm 25 seems to be an intensely personal confession (eg. see vv 7,11,17). Yet even in this context David ends on a thought which shows the preoccupation of his heart. He prays for the redemption of "Israel out of his troubles". Ironically , a part of the problem with Israel was what produced the very problems for which he is praying here (eg. v19). As we know these things got to the point of the ruination of his family, yet he still maintained his reliance on Yahweh.
Ross Melles [Waitakere, Auckland (NZ)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Ross
The use of the rod in the shepherd's hand was to examine and count the sheep.
Eze 20:37). “And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant”
In the terminology of the Old Testament this examination was referred to as passing "under the rod":
This meant not only coming under the owner's control and authority, but also to be subject to his most careful, intimate and firsthand examination.
A sheep that passed "under the rod" was one which had been counted and looked over with great care to make sure all was well with it.
This is exactly what the father is referring to here in Ps 23 looking after his sheep with care.
In caring for his sheep, a shepherd will from time to time make a careful examination of each individual sheep as it passes in and out of the sheepfold. He opens the fleece with the rod; he runs his skillful hands over the body; he feels for any sign of trouble; he examines the sheep with care to see if all is well.
Because of their long wool it is not always easy to detect disease, wounds, or defects in sheep. At a sheep show an inferior sheep can be clipped and shaped and shown so as to appear a perfect specimen. But the skilled judge will take his rod and part the sheep's wool to determine the condition of the skin, the cleanliness of the fleece and the conformation of the body and brightness of eyes. This is where the expression pulling the wool over someone’s eyes comes from.
The reason he inspects us is not to criticize but because he cares for us and he will use his rod and staff to correct us. And that is a wonderful privilage isnt it?
In Psalm 23 we see 7 names that our father uses to care for his sheep.
V1---- Yahweh Rohi- The lord is my shepherd.
“i shall not want” Yahweh Jireh – The lord will provide
V2--- he leadeth me beside still waters” Yaheh Shalom- The lord send peace “
V3--- “he restoreth my soul” Yahweh Rophi- The lord that healeth
“paths of rightousness” Yahweh Tsidkenu- The lord our rightousness
V4--- “thou art with me” Yahweh Shammah- The lord is there
V5--- “in the presence of my enemies” And Yahweh Nissi - The lord is my banner
stephen cox [Sedgley UK] Comment added in 2014 Reply to stephen
Psalm 25: Learning God's way during trials
Have you noticed that in the middle of the trouble David is describing here, his focus is that God might teach him?
Verse |
Reference to teaching |
v4 |
teach me thy paths |
v5 |
lead me in thy truth, and teach me |
v8 |
therefore will He teach sinners in the way |
v9 |
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. |
v12 |
What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. |
v14 |
He will shew them His covenant |
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rob
WHO SHALL ASCEND?
Psalm 24:3-5
This Psalm was probably written when the Ark of God was brought into Jerusalem and the question posed has to do with the conditions for those who would stand in the holy place. The ark which they bore had brought disaster to Dagon's temple, so that the Philistine lords had asked in terror, "Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God?"
Jesus said "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." But what did he mean? One thing we do know is that "all men have sinned" (Rom 3:23), so the ‘pure heart’ is not the heart of a man who never sins, but one who makes God the centre of his life and makes a "covenant with his eyes" (Job 31:1) to not let the contaminating forces of this world bring us down. It all starts with our thinking. We need to guard our thoughts - as they say "garbage in - garbage out". We need to be careful about the influences we allow into our lives - the things we watch on TV - the music we listen to - the friends we associate with. We have to make sure that what we allow into our minds is pleasing to God - we have to allow our minds to ascend to the "heavenly places" that God has in store for us because what we allow into our minds will filter into our hearts and actions.
If we are going to ascend to the Holy place - we need to develop a spiritual mind now, that in the age to come, God will grant us an spiritual body that we may partake of the blessing God has in store for us.
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
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1. A Psalm <4210> of David <1732>. The LORD <3068> is my shepherd <7462>(8802); I shall not want <2637>(8799).
2. He maketh me to lie down <7257>(8686) in green <1877> pastures <4999>: he leadeth <5095>(8762) me beside the still <4496> waters <4325>.
3. He restoreth <7725>(8787) my soul <5315>: he leadeth <5148>(8686) me in the paths <4570> of righteousness <6664> for his name's <8034> sake.
4. Yea, though I walk <3212>(8799) through the valley <1516> of the shadow of death <6757>, I will fear <3372>(8799) no evil <7451>: for thou art with me; thy rod <7626> and thy staff <4938> they comfort <5162>(8762) me.
5. Thou preparest <6186>(8799) a table <7979> before <6440> me in the presence of mine enemies <6887>(8802): thou anointest <1878>(8765) my head <7218> with oil <8081>; my cup <3563> runneth over <7310>.
6. Surely goodness <2896> and mercy <2617> shall follow <7291>(8799) me all the days <3117> of my life <2416>: and I will dwell <3427>(8804) in the house <1004> of the LORD <3068> for ever <753>.
1. A Psalm <4210> of David <1732>. The earth <776> is the LORD'S <3068>, and the fulness <4393> thereof; the world <8398>, and they that dwell <3427>(8802) therein.
2. For he hath founded <3245>(8804) it upon the seas <3220>, and established <3559>(8787) it upon the floods <5104>.
3. Who shall ascend <5927>(8799) into the hill <2022> of the LORD <3068>? or who shall stand <6965>(8799) in his holy <6944> place <4725>?
4. He that hath clean <5355> hands <3709>, and a pure <1249> heart <3824>; who hath not lifted up <5375>(8804) his soul <5315> unto vanity <7723>, nor sworn <7650>(8738) deceitfully <4820>.
5. He shall receive <5375>(8799) the blessing <1293> from the LORD <3068>, and righteousness <6666> from the God <430> of his salvation <3468>.
6. This is the generation <1755> of them that seek <1875>(8802) him, that seek <1245>(8764) thy face <6440>, O Jacob <3290>. Selah <5542>.
7. Lift up <5375>(8798) your heads <7218>, O ye gates <8179>; and be ye lift up <5375>(8734), ye everlasting <5769> doors <6607>; and the King <4428> of glory <3519> shall come in <935>(8799).
8. Who is this King <4428> of glory <3519>? The LORD <3068> strong <5808> and mighty <1368>, the LORD <3068> mighty <1368> in battle <4421>.
9. Lift up <5375>(8798) your heads <7218>, O ye gates <8179>; even lift them up <5375>(8798), ye everlasting <5769> doors <6607>; and the King <4428> of glory <3519> shall come in <935>(8799).
10. Who is this King <4428> of glory <3519>? The LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>, he is the King <4428> of glory <3519>. Selah <5542>.
1. A Psalm of David <1732>. Unto thee, O LORD <3068>, do I lift up <5375>(8799) my soul <5315>.
2. O my God <430>, I trust <982>(8804) in thee: let me not be ashamed <954>(8799), let not mine enemies <341>(8802) triumph <5970>(8799) over me.
3. Yea, let none that wait <6960>(8802) on thee be ashamed <954>(8799): let them be ashamed <954>(8799) which transgress <898>(8802) without cause <7387>.
4. Shew <3045>(8685) me thy ways <1870>, O LORD <3068>; teach <3925>(8761) me thy paths <734>.
5. Lead <1869>(8685) me in thy truth <571>, and teach <3925>(8761) me: for thou art the God <430> of my salvation <3468>; on thee do I wait <6960>(8765) all the day <3117>.
6. Remember <2142>(8798), O LORD <3068>, thy tender mercies <7356> and thy lovingkindnesses <2617>; for they have been ever of old <5769>.
7. Remember <2142>(8799) not the sins <2403> of my youth <5271>, nor my transgressions <6588>: according to thy mercy <2617> remember <2142>(8798) thou me for thy goodness <2898>' sake, O LORD <3068>.
8. Good <2896> and upright <3477> is the LORD <3068>: therefore will he teach <3384>(8686) sinners <2400> in the way <1870>.
9. The meek <6035> will he guide <1869>(8686) in judgment <4941>: and the meek <6035> will he teach <3925>(8762) his way <1870>.
10. All the paths <734> of the LORD <3068> are mercy <2617> and truth <571> unto such as keep <5341>(8802) his covenant <1285> and his testimonies <5713>.
11. For thy name's <8034> sake, O LORD <3068>, pardon <5545>(8804) mine iniquity <5771>; for it is great <7227>.
12. What man <376> is he that feareth <3373> the LORD <3068>? him shall he teach <3384>(8686) in the way <1870> that he shall choose <977>(8799).
13. His soul <5315> shall dwell <3885>(8799) at ease <2896>; and his seed <2233> shall inherit <3423>(8799) the earth <776>.
14. The secret <5475> of the LORD <3068> is with them that fear <3373> him; and he will shew <3045>(8687) them his covenant <1285>.
15. Mine eyes <5869> are ever <8548> toward the LORD <3068>; for he shall pluck <3318>(8686) my feet <7272> out of the net <7568>.
16. Turn <6437>(8798) thee unto me, and have mercy <2603>(8798) upon me; for I am desolate <3173> and afflicted <6041>.
17. The troubles <6869> of my heart <3824> are enlarged <7337>(8689): O bring thou me out <3318>(8685) of my distresses <4691>.
18. Look <7200>(8798) upon mine affliction <6040> and my pain <5999>; and forgive <5375>(8798) all my sins <2403>.
19. Consider <7200>(8798) mine enemies <341>(8802); for they are many <7231>(8804); and they hate <8130>(8804) me with cruel <2555> hatred <8135>.
20. O keep <8104>(8798) my soul <5315>, and deliver <5337>(8685) me: let me not be ashamed <954>(8799); for I put my trust <2620>(8804) in thee.
21. Let integrity <8537> and uprightness <3476> preserve <5341>(8799) me; for I wait <6960>(8765) on thee.
22. Redeem <6299>(8798) Israel <3478>, O God <430>, out of all his troubles <6869>.
Notes that are not verse specific
The parable of the wheat and tares is interesting. At first glance it might appear that the wheat and tares were clearly distinguishable. However, that is not the case. The tares referred to is darnel (genus lolium) which looks very similar to wheat. If one were to survey a field mixed with wheat and darnel it would look all the same. Essentially, the parable pits the members of the ecclesia against unbelievers in the world. However, we could apply the parable to the household of faith where the distinction between the two plants is even less obvious. Clearly, not all who are in the household of faith will attain the Kingdom. But, the job for us is to take care of our own walk (Phil 2:12); encourage our brethren in their walk (Heb 13:13); and not to judge (condemn) others - Luke 6:37. The Lord will make the final determination when He comes.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Michael
TOO FAMILIAR
When Jesus went into his hometown, the sad fact is recorded that "they took offence at him" as he taught them. (Matt 15:37) These people had all grown up with Jesus. They had seen him as a young child, growing up, going through his teen years, at school and working in the carpenter's shop. So when he started teaching about the kingdom of God, they saw no advantage to his learning above their own. As a result, Jesus was not accepted as a prophet in his home town. The people were too familiar with who they thought he was (or should be) to accept him for who he was. Matthew's comment on their attitude toward Jesus was this: "And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." (v.58)
In some ways we are a lot like the people in the hometown of Jesus. Many of us have been brought up knowing Jesus all our lives. His words, his teachings, and the stories about him are all very familiar to us. There is an old saying that goes, "Familiarity breeds contempt." This was certainly true in Jesus' hometown.
What about us? Have we become so familiar with Jesus that we no longer consider him such a special part of our lives? Could it be that our lives will have the same result as the people in his hometown had where because of their lack of faith he would not do many miracles?
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Robert
Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8
The parables of the sower and the tares show some of the prophecies of Jesus, foretells some of the mercies of God, and warns us. These parables are a prophecy of Jesus' ministry and the judgment.
Jesus prophesized that people will hear but not understand, that of the four types of listeners only one will understand, an enemy will sow bad seed after Jesus, the harvest will occur only after the wheat is mature, the angels will be the harvesters, the tares will be destroyed, and the righteous will shine forth as the sun.
Jesus explained some of explicit mercies of God in that God: provided the seed and the sower, sowed the good seed on good and bad soil alike, will defer the harvest until the wheat matures, will provide the angels to perform the harvest and not us, will separate the tares from the wheat, and will provide separate places for the harvested wheat and the tares. Implicitly God's mercies include His: provision of a plan for salvation at the time of creation, provision of a earth with the earth and good environment for the sowing and growing of the wheat, provision of John the Baptist to plow the fields before sowing, and so on.
Jesus warned us to be the good soil so that we hear and understand God's word, that there will be an enemy sowing bad seed, and that we don't want to listen to the bad seed and end up like the tares and be thrown into the fire.
Stephen DeMarco [Honesdale PA in the USA] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Stephen
13:21-22 Whilst it was certainly the case that in the first century there were false teachers we should not think that Jesus’ statement has no relevance today. The history of God’s dealing with men and women is littered with false teachers who sought to present a more appealing message than that God had revealed.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
Relating the parable of the sower to the context
Note the first thing said in the chapter is:
"The same day...",
so the writer means us to put this chapter into the context of the previous event. In the previous event, his mother and brothers came to see Jesus, but notice the wording:
"While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him." Matt 12:46
Jesus was inside, teaching the people about God. They were outside, asking him to come away from what he was doing and talk to them instead. They felt that their natural claim on him as blood relatives gave them more claim over his time than others - and this is natural. Jesus makes the point that the ones inside the room, wishing to be his spiritual family, were more important to him than his natural family.
One could ask the question - why weren't his family listening to him too? Did they not need salvation? Did they somehow have better things to do? Were they better than the ones in the house who needed to listen?
We all have a choice whether to come into the house with Jesus, or to stay outside. We can make up any number of great sounding reasons why he should come outside to us - but all of them are selfish and proud. Jesus is in a specific place, even now, where we will find him. He has set out a specific path to follow to find him. If we ignore that and instead expect him to meet us on our terms, I'm afraid we'll get the same response as his family did.
Q.1 Can you find a place in the parable of the sower where Jesus might be mentioning the attitude of his family?
Q.2 Can you find a place in the parable where he might be talking about those who were listening to him?
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
The parable of the sower.
Do we have a link to our readings about Abraham? Do these examples of the sowers fit in with Abrahams family?
Gen 11:32 Terah died in Haran. Heard word but died in Haran. 1st sower
Gen 11:29, Gen 24:10 Nahor. Heard word but didnt cross Euphrates (wasnt baptised) stayed in Messoptania. The area which became Babylon, he stayed in Nahor which means snorer he heard word repsonded, but fell spiritually asleep. 2nd sower.
Lot- Heard the word, crossed the Euphrates (baptised) but in Gen 13:10 like the 3rd sower who looked to the pleasures of this life Lot looked to Sodom.
Abraham of course responded fully as the 4th sower, he responded to the word was baptised and displayed fruit to Yahweh
Just a suggestion but a nice one at that..
stephen cox [Sedgley UK] Comment added in 2014 Reply to stephen
13:57 It would appear that Jesus includes his own family in this rebuke. This aligns with what John says in his gospel in John 7:5 "For neither did his brethren believe in him."
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Alex
12:31 Blasphemy against the holy spirit is the same as the way in which Israel vexed God’s holy spirit –Isa 63:10. Isaiah’s comment is about Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness when they did not believe that God could provide for them. Here the leaders are implying that God, through Jesus, could not heal.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2018 Reply to Peter
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1. <1161> The same <1722> <1565> day <2250> went <1831>(5631) Jesus <2424> out of <575> the house <3614>, and sat <2521>(5711) by <3844> the sea side <2281>.
2. And <2532> great <4183> multitudes <3793> were gathered together <4863>(5681) unto <4314> him <846>, so that <5620> he went <1684>(5631) into <1519> a ship <4143>, and sat <2521>(5738); and <2532> the whole <3956> multitude <3793> stood <2476>(5715) on <1909> the shore <123>.
3. And <2532> he spake <2980>(5656) many things <4183> unto them <846> in <1722> parables <3850>, saying <3004>(5723), Behold <2400>(5628), a sower <4687>(5723) went forth <1831>(5627) to sow <4687>(5721);
4. And <2532> when <1722> he <846> sowed <4687>(5721), some <3739> <3303> seeds fell <4098>(5627) by <3844> the way side <3598>, and <2532> the fowls <4071> came <2064>(5627) and <2532> devoured <2719> <0> them <846> up <2719>(5627):
5. Some <1161> <243> fell <4098>(5627) upon <1909> stony places <4075>, where <3699> they had <2192>(5707) not <3756> much <4183> earth <1093>: and <2532> forthwith <2112> they sprung up <1816>(5656), because <1223> they had <2192>(5721) no <3361> deepness <899> of earth <1093>:
6. And <1161> when the sun <2246> was up <393>(5660), they were scorched <2739>(5681); and <2532> because <1223> they had <2192>(5721) no <3361> root <4491>, they withered away <3583>(5681).
7. And <1161> some <243> fell <4098>(5627) among <1909> thorns <173>; and <2532> the thorns <173> sprung up <305>(5627), and <2532> choked <638>(5656) them <846>:
8. But <1161> other <243> fell <4098>(5627) into <1909> good <2570> ground <1093>, and <2532> brought forth <1325>(5707) fruit <2590>, some <3303> an hundredfold <1540>, some <1161> sixtyfold <1835>, some <1161> thirtyfold <5144>.
9. Who <3588> hath <2192>(5723) ears <3775> to hear <191>(5721), let him hear <191>(5720).
10. And <2532> the disciples <3101> came <4334>(5631), and said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Why <1302> speakest thou <2980>(5719) unto them <846> in <1722> parables <3850>?
11. He answered <611>(5679) and <1161> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Because <3754> it is given <1325>(5769) unto you <5213> to know <1097>(5629) the mysteries <3466> of the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>, but <1161> to them <1565> it is <1325> <0> not <3756> given <1325>(5769).
12. For <1063> whosoever <3748> hath <2192>(5719), to him <846> shall be given <1325>(5701), and <2532> he shall have more abundance <4052>(5701): but <1161> whosoever <3748> hath <2192>(5719) not <3756>, from <575> him <846> shall be taken away <142>(5701) even that <2532> he hath <2192>(5719).
13. Therefore <1223> <5124> speak I <2980>(5719) to them <846> in <1722> parables <3850>: because <3754> they seeing <991>(5723) see <991>(5719) not <3756>; and <2532> hearing <191>(5723) they hear <191>(5719) not <3756>, neither <3761> do they understand <4920>(5719).
14. And <2532> in <1909> them <846> is fulfilled <378>(5743) the prophecy <4394> of Esaias <2268>, which <3588> saith <3004>(5723), By hearing <189> ye shall hear <191>(5692), and <2532> shall <4920> <0> not <3364> understand <4920>(5655); and <2532> seeing <991>(5723) ye shall see <991>(5692), and <2532> shall <1492> <0> not <3364> perceive <1492>(5632):
15. For <1063> this <5127> people's <2992> heart <2588> is waxed gross <3975>(5681), and <2532> their ears <3775> are dull <917> of hearing <191>(5656), and <2532> their <848> eyes <3788> they have closed <2576>(5656); lest at any time <3379> they should see <1492>(5632) with their eyes <3788>, and <2532> hear <191>(5661) with their ears <3775>, and <2532> should understand <4920>(5632) with their heart <2588>, and <2532> should be converted <1994>(5661), and <2532> I should heal <2390>(5667) them <846>.
16. But <1161> blessed <3107> are your <5216> eyes <3788>, for <3754> they see <991>(5719): and <2532> your <5216> ears <3775>, for <3754> they hear <191>(5719).
17. For <1063> verily <281> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, That <3754> many <4183> prophets <4396> and <2532> righteous <1342> men have desired <1937>(5656) to see <1492>(5629) those things which <3739> ye see <991>(5719), and <2532> have <1492> <0> not <3756> seen <1492>(5627) them; and <2532> to hear <191>(5658) those things which <3739> ye hear <191>(5719), and <2532> have <191> <0> not <3756> heard <191>(5656) them.
18. Hear <191>(5657) ye <5210> therefore <3767> the parable <3850> of the sower <4687>(5723).
19. When any <3956> one heareth <191>(5723) the word <3056> of the kingdom <932>, and <2532> understandeth <4920>(5723) it not <3361>, then cometh <2064>(5736) the wicked <4190> one, and <2532> catcheth away <726>(5719) that which <3588> was sown <4687>(5772) in <1722> his <846> heart <2588>. This <3778> is <2076>(5748) he which received seed <4687>(5651) by <3844> the way side <3598>.
20. But <1161> he that received the seed <4687>(5651) into <1909> stony places <4075>, the same <3778> is <2076>(5748) he that heareth <191>(5723) the word <3056>, and <2532> anon <2117> with <3326> joy <5479> receiveth <2983>(5723) it <846>;
21. Yet <1161> hath he <2192>(5719) not <3756> root <4491> in <1722> himself <1438>, but <235> dureth <2076>(5748) for a while <4340>: for <1161> when tribulation <2347> or <2228> persecution <1375> ariseth <1096>(5637) because <1223> of the word <3056>, by and by <2117> he is offended <4624>(5743).
22. He also <1161> that received seed <4687>(5651) among <1519> the thorns <173> is <2076>(5748) he that <3778> heareth <191>(5723) the word <3056>; and <2532> the care <3308> of this <5127> world <165>, and <2532> the deceitfulness <539> of riches <4149>, choke <4846>(5719) the word <3056>, and <2532> he becometh <1096>(5736) unfruitful <175>.
23. But <1161> he that received seed <4687>(5651) into <1909> the good <2570> ground <1093> is <2076>(5748) he <3778> that heareth <191>(5723) the word <3056>, and <2532> understandeth <4920>(5723) it; which <3739> also <1211> beareth fruit <2592>(5719), and <2532> bringeth forth <4160>(5719), some <3303> an hundredfold <1540>, some <1161> sixty <1835>, some <1161> thirty <5144>.
24. Another <243> parable <3850> put he forth <3908>(5656) unto them <846>, saying <3004>(5723), The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is likened <3666>(5681) unto a man <444> which sowed <4687>(5723)(5625) <4687>(5660) good <2570> seed <4690> in <1722> his <848> field <68>:
25. But <1161> while <1722> men <444> slept <2518>(5721), his <846> enemy <2190> came <2064>(5627) and <2532> sowed <4687>(5656) tares <2215> among <303> <3319> the wheat <4621>, and <2532> went his way <565>(5627).
26. But <1161> when <3753> the blade <5528> was sprung up <985>(5656), and <2532> brought forth <4160>(5656) fruit <2590>, then <5119> appeared <5316>(5648) the tares <2215> also <2532>.
27. So <1161> the servants <1401> of the householder <3617> came <4334>(5631) and said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Sir <2962>, didst <4687> <0> not <3780> thou sow <4687>(5656) good <2570> seed <4690> in <1722> thy <4674> field <68>? from whence <4159> then <3767> hath it <2192>(5719) tares <2215>?
28. <1161> He said <5346>(5713) unto them <846>, An enemy <2190> <444> hath done <4160>(5656) this <5124>. <1161> The servants <1401> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Wilt thou <2309>(5719) then <3767> that we go <565>(5631) and gather <4816> <0> them <846> up <4816>(5661)?
29. But <1161> he said <5346>(5713), Nay <3756>; lest <3379> while ye gather up <4816>(5723) the tares <2215>, ye root up <1610>(5661) also the wheat <4621> with <260> them <846>.
30. Let <863>(5628) both <297> grow together <4885>(5745) until <3360> the harvest <2326>: and <2532> in <1722> the time <2540> of harvest <2326> I will say <2046>(5692) to the reapers <2327>, Gather ye together <4816>(5657) first <4412> the tares <2215>, and <2532> bind <1210>(5657) them <846> in <1519> bundles <1197> to <4314> burn <2618>(5658) them <846>: but <1161> gather <4863>(5628) the wheat <4621> into <1519> my <3450> barn <596>.
31. Another <243> parable <3850> put he forth <3908>(5656) unto them <846>, saying <3004>(5723), The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) like <3664> to a grain <2848> of mustard seed <4615>, which <3739> a man <444> took <2983>(5631), and sowed <4687>(5656) in <1722> his <848> field <68>:
32. Which <3739> indeed <3303> is <2076>(5748) the least <3398> of all <3956> seeds <4690>: but <1161> when <3752> it is grown <837>(5686), it is <2076>(5748) the greatest <3187> among herbs <3001>, and <2532> becometh <1096>(5736) a tree <1186>, so that <5620> the birds <4071> of the air <3772> come <2064>(5629) and <2532> lodge <2681>(5721) in <1722> the branches <2798> thereof <846>.
33. Another <243> parable <3850> spake he <2980>(5656) unto them <846>; The kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) like <3664> unto leaven <2219>, which <3739> a woman <1135> took <2983>(5631), and hid <1470>(5656) in <1519> three <5140> measures <4568> of meal <224>, till <2193> the whole <3650> was <3739> leavened <2220>(5681).
34. All <3956> these things <5023> spake <2980>(5656) Jesus <2424> unto the multitude <3793> in <1722> parables <3850>; and <2532> without <5565> a parable <3850> spake he <2980>(5707) not <3756> unto them <846>:
35. That <3704> it might be fulfilled <4137>(5686) which <3588> was spoken <4483>(5685) by <1223> the prophet <4396>, saying <3004>(5723), I will open <455>(5692) my <3450> mouth <4750> in <1722> parables <3850>; I will utter <2044>(5695) things which have been kept secret <2928>(5772) from <575> the foundation <2602> of the world <2889>.
36. Then <5119> Jesus <2424> sent <863> <0> the multitude <3793> away <863>(5631), and went <2064>(5627) into <1519> the house <3614>: and <2532> his <846> disciples <3101> came <4334>(5656) unto him <846>, saying <3004>(5723), Declare <5419>(5657) unto us <2254> the parable <3850> of the tares <2215> of the field <68>.
37. He answered <611>(5679) and <1161> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, He that soweth <4687>(5723) the good <2570> seed <4690> is <2076>(5748) the Son <5207> of man <444>;
38. <1161> The field <68> is <2076>(5748) the world <2889>; <1161> the good <2570> seed <4690> are <3778> <1526>(5748) the children <5207> of the kingdom <932>; but <1161> the tares <2215> are <1526>(5748) the children <5207> of the wicked <4190> one;
39. <1161> The enemy <2190> that sowed <4687>(5660) them <846> is <2076>(5748) the devil <1228>; <1161> the harvest <2326> is <2076>(5748) the end <4930> of the world <165>; and <1161> the reapers <2327> are <1526>(5748) the angels <32>.
40. As <5618> therefore <3767> the tares <2215> are gathered <4816>(5743) and <2532> burned <2618>(5743) in the fire <4442>; so <3779> shall it be <2071>(5704) in <1722> the end <4930> of this <5127> world <165>.
41. The Son <5207> of man <444> shall send forth <649>(5692) his <848> angels <32>, and <2532> they shall gather <4816>(5692) out of <1537> his kingdom <932> all things <3956> that offend <4625>, and <2532> them which do <4160>(5723) iniquity <458>;
42. And <2532> shall cast <906>(5692) them <846> into <1519> a furnace <2575> of fire <4442>: there <1563> shall be <2071>(5704) wailing <2805> and <2532> gnashing <1030> of teeth <3599>.
43. Then <5119> shall the righteous <1342> shine forth <1584>(5692) as <5613> the sun <2246> in <1722> the kingdom <932> of their <848> Father <3962>. Who <3588> hath <2192>(5723) ears <3775> to hear <191>(5721), let him hear <191>(5720).
44. Again <3825>, the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) like <3664> unto treasure <2344> hid <2928>(5772) in <1722> a field <68>; the which <3739> when a man <444> hath found <2147>(5631), he hideth <2928>(5656), and <2532> for <575> joy <5479> thereof <846> goeth <5217>(5719) and <2532> selleth <4453>(5719) all <3956> that <3745> he hath <2192>(5719), and <2532> buyeth <59>(5719) that <1565> field <68>.
45. Again <3825>, the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) like <3664> unto a merchant <1713> man <444>, seeking <2212>(5723) goodly <2570> pearls <3135>:
46. Who <3739>, when he had found <2147>(5631) one <1520> pearl <3135> of great price <4186>, went <565>(5631) and sold <4097>(5758) all <3956> that <3745> he had <2192>(5707), and <2532> bought <59>(5656) it <846>.
47. Again <3825>, the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) like <3664> unto a net <4522>, that was cast <906>(5685) into <1519> the sea <2281>, and <2532> gathered <4863>(5631) of <1537> every <3956> kind <1085>:
48. Which <3739>, when <3753> it was full <4137>(5681), they drew <307>(5660) to <1909> shore <123>, and <2532> sat down <2523>(5660), and gathered <4816>(5656) the good <2570> into <1519> vessels <30>, but <1161> cast <906>(5627) the bad <4550> away <1854>.
49. So <3779> shall it be <2071>(5704) at <1722> the end <4930> of the world <165>: the angels <32> shall come forth <1831>(5695), and <2532> sever <873>(5692) the wicked <4190> from <1537> among <3319> the just <1342>,
50. And <2532> shall cast <906>(5692) them <846> into <1519> the furnace <2575> of fire <4442>: there <1563> shall be <2071>(5704) wailing <2805> and <2532> gnashing <1030> of teeth <3599>.
51. Jesus <2424> saith <3004>(5719) unto them <846>, Have ye understood <4920>(5656) all <3956> <0> these <5023> things <3956>? They say <3004>(5719) unto him <846>, Yea <3483>, Lord <2962>.
52. Then <1161> said <2036>(5627) he unto them <846>, Therefore <1223> <5124> every <3956> scribe <1122> which is instructed <3100>(5685) unto <1519> the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is <2076>(5748) like <3664> unto a man <444> that is an householder <3617>, which <3748> bringeth forth <1544>(5719) out of <1537> his <848> treasure <2344> things new <2537> and <2532> old <3820>.
53. And <2532> it came to pass <1096>(5633), that when <3753> Jesus <2424> had finished <5055>(5656) these <5025> parables <3850>, he departed <3332>(5656) thence <1564>.
54. And <2532> when he was come <2064>(5631) into <1519> his own <848> country <3968>, he taught <1321>(5707) them <846> in <1722> their <846> synagogue <4864>, insomuch that <5620> they were astonished <1605>(5745), and <2532> said <3004>(5721), Whence <4159> hath this man <5129> this <3778> wisdom <4678>, and <2532> these mighty works <1411>?
55. Is <2076>(5748) not <3756> this <3778> the carpenter's <5045> son <5207>? is <3004> <0> not <3780> his <846> mother <3384> called <3004>(5743) Mary <3137>? and <2532> his <846> brethren <80>, James <2385>, and <2532> Joses <2500>, and <2532> Simon <4613>, and <2532> Judas <2455>?
56. And <2532> his <846> sisters <79>, are they <1526>(5748) not <3780> all <3956> with <4314> us <2248>? Whence <4159> then <3767> hath this man <5129> all <3956> these things <5023>?
57. And <2532> they were offended <4624>(5712) in <1722> him <846>. But <1161> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, A prophet <4396> is <2076>(5748) not <3756> without honour <820>, save <1508> in <1722> his own <848> country <3968>, and <2532> in <1722> his own <848> house <3614>.
58. And <2532> he did <4160>(5656) not <3756> many <4183> mighty works <1411> there <1563> because <1223> of their <846> unbelief <570>.