WEBNETListen to the readings for Mar 9 from the NET Bible (Video)
or the World English Bible
This page is now calculating which verses have comments and referenced comments. Please be patient.
You will not be able to view any Comments in the Verse sections below until this notice disappears
Notes that are not verse specific
So having recorded all the details of the laws of cleanness and uncleanness we come upon the sacrifice of the day of atonement. It is as if God is telling Israel that even after they have ensured that they are ceremonially clean they still have to recognise that they are sinners. The New Testament takes this one stage further by reminding the Jew [Hebrews 10:1-2] that even this great sacrifice had its shortcomings in that it had to be made annually.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
OUR ATONEMENT
The parallels between the day of atonement and the death of Christ are amazing.
Firstly the priest had to offer a bull for his own sin offering so that when he came to offer the sacrifices for the community he would be sinless. Jesus lived a perfect life and was already sinless.
Two male goats were required for a sin offering for the community. One was to be set free bearing the sins of the community and the other was to be offered as a sin offering. Before Jesus was crucified the crowd made their choice: they set Barabbas free - a sinner, murderer and rebel - and they crucified the sinless Son of God.
With the sacrifice of the goat the sins of the people were forgiven, and so, with the sacrifice of Jesus the sins of the world could be forgiven.
After this the priest could enter into the Most Holy Place. This is one of the things that is graphically pointed out as Jesus died. We read that "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." (Matthew 27 v 51). So Jesus opened the way into the Most Holy Place.
After his resurrection he ascended into heaven to become our High Priest. He has ascended into the Most Holy Place - not the copy that Moses built, but the real thing. There he acts as our High Priest to make atonement for us.
Praise the Lord for his love in giving us Jesus!
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
V4 On one occasion, associated with the first part of the solemn ritual of the Day of Atonement, the priest (Aaron) did not wear the priest's garments that were for glory and beauty Exo 28:2 On this day he wore only the priestly garments which are described in detail for us in this verse.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
As the scapegoat disappeared, (v22) so Israel would see their sins forgiven and taken away Psa 103:11,12. What a huge relief must have flooded through every godly soul!
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to David
SIN AND FORGIVENESS
The Day of Atonement was the day when Israel remembered their sins, and through the sacrifices and the work of the high priest, had their sins forgiven. Living in western society we are far from the reality of what it must have been like to witness the ceremonies performed on the day of atonement.
As we watch, a bull, a ram and two goats are selected for the offerings. The bull is offered as a sin offering for the high priest and the ram as a burnt offering. It is then that the two goats are presented. Lots are cast and one goat is chosen to be killed as a sin offering for the people. The penalty of sin is death. So as we watch, we begin to realise just how sinful we are as the goat is killed and it's blood sprinkled on the atonement cover within the tabernacle. The goat was killed as a sacrifice for our sins. It died for us when it should have been us that was put to death for our own sins. Because of our sin the life of the goat was taken. The first goat makes us realise just how serious our sins are.
The second goat has a different message for us. The sins of the nation were confessed over the second goat. The goat was then released into the wilderness. From Israel the wilderness is to the east. And so our sins, on the head of the second goat, are removed from us "as far as the east is from the west." (Psa 103:12)
Praise God that our sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus and have been removed from us as far as the east is from the west.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Robert
PRAYER
The protocol for the day of atonement was very precise. It would have been interesting to watch the high priest as he went about his duties on the day of atonement to see just how everything was done. But more than interesting is the fact that the lessons we learn from the day of atonement could change our prayer lives for ever.
The day of atonement was the day when the sins of the people were remembered, repented of and forgiven. Aaron's first job was to prepare himself to meet with God. This meant he had to get washed and dressed appropriately. His next job was to offer a sin offering for himself and his household. And it was only after he had offered his own sin offering that he could begin to make atonement for the rest of the people.
Sometimes we just rush into prayer - even group prayer - without the preparation that we should put in to making our prayers really effective. Prayer should always start with us preparing our minds, just as Aaron prepared by dressing in his priestly garments. And how can we pray for others if we ourselves are outside God's presence? Let us seek forgiveness for ourselves so that our prayers will be heard before we begin to intercede for other people.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2011 Reply to Robert
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. And the LORD <3068> spake <1696>(8762) unto Moses <4872> after <310> the death <4194> of the two <8147> sons <1121> of Aaron <175>, when they offered <7126>(8800) before <6440> the LORD <3068>, and died <4191>(8799);
2. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Moses <4872>, Speak <1696>(8761) unto Aaron <175> thy brother <251>, that he come <935>(8799) not at all times <6256> into the holy <6944> place within <1004> the vail <6532> before <6440> the mercy seat <3727>, which is upon the ark <727>; that he die <4191>(8799) not: for I will appear <7200>(8735) in the cloud <6051> upon the mercy <3727> seat.
3. Thus <2063> shall Aaron <175> come <935>(8799) into the holy <6944> place: with a young <1121> <1241> bullock <6499> for a sin offering <2403>, and a ram <352> for a burnt offering <5930>.
4. He shall put on <3847>(8799) the holy <6944> linen <906> coat <3801>, and he shall have the linen <906> breeches <4370> upon his flesh <1320>, and shall be girded <2296>(8799) with a linen <906> girdle <73>, and with the linen <906> mitre <4701> shall he be attired <6801>(8799): these <1992> are holy <6944> garments <899>; therefore shall he wash <7364>(8804) his flesh <1320> in water <4325>, and so put them on <3847>(8804).
5. And he shall take <3947>(8799) of the congregation <5712> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478> two <8147> kids <8163> of the goats <5795> for a sin offering <2403>, and one <259> ram <352> for a burnt offering <5930>.
6. And Aaron <175> shall offer <7126>(8689) his bullock <6499> of the sin offering <2403>, which is for himself <1157>, and make an atonement <3722>(8765) for himself, and for his house <1004>.
7. And he shall take <3947>(8804) the two <8147> goats <8163>, and present <5975>(8689) them before <6440> the LORD <3068> at the door <6607> of the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>.
8. And Aaron <175> shall cast <5414>(8804) lots <1486> upon the two <8147> goats <8163>; one <259> lot <1486> for the LORD <3068>, and the other <259> lot <1486> for the scapegoat <5799>.
9. And Aaron <175> shall bring <7126>(8689) the goat <8163> upon which the LORD'S <3068> lot <1486> fell <5927>(8804), and offer <6213>(8804) him for a sin offering <2403>.
10. But the goat <8163>, on which the lot <1486> fell <5927>(8804) to be the scapegoat <5799>, shall be presented <5975>(8714) alive <2416> before <6440> the LORD <3068>, to make an atonement <3722>(8763) with him, and to let him go <7971>(8763) for a scapegoat <5799> into the wilderness <4057>.
11. And Aaron <175> shall bring <7126>(8689) the bullock <6499> of the sin offering <2403>, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement <3722>(8765) for himself, and for his house <1004>, and shall kill <7819>(8804) the bullock <6499> of the sin offering <2403> which is for himself:
12. And he shall take <3947>(8804) a censer <4289> full <4393> of burning <784> <0> coals <1513> of fire <784> from off the altar <4196> before <6440> the LORD <3068>, and his hands <2651> full <4393> of sweet <5561> incense <7004> beaten small <1851>, and bring <935>(8689) it within <1004> the vail <6532>:
13. And he shall put <5414>(8804) the incense <7004> upon the fire <784> before <6440> the LORD <3068>, that the cloud <6051> of the incense <7004> may cover <3680>(8765) the mercy seat <3727> that is upon the testimony <5715>, that he die <4191>(8799) not:
14. And he shall take <3947>(8804) of the blood <1818> of the bullock <6499>, and sprinkle <5137>(8689) it with his finger <676> upon the mercy seat <3727> eastward <6924>; and before <6440> the mercy seat <3727> shall he sprinkle <5137>(8686) of the blood <1818> with his finger <676> seven <7651> times <6471>.
15. Then shall he kill <7819>(8804) the goat <8163> of the sin offering <2403>, that is for the people <5971>, and bring <935>(8689) his blood <1818> within <1004> the vail <6532>, and do <6213>(8804) with that blood <1818> as he did <6213>(8804) with the blood <1818> of the bullock <6499>, and sprinkle <5137>(8689) it upon the mercy seat <3727>, and before <6440> the mercy seat <3727>:
16. And he shall make an atonement <3722>(8765) for the holy <6944> place, because of the uncleanness <2932> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, and because of their transgressions <6588> in all their sins <2403>: and so shall he do <6213>(8799) for the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>, that remaineth <7931>(8802) among them in the midst <8432> of their uncleanness <2932>.
17. And there shall be no man <120> in the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150> when he goeth <935>(8800) in to make an atonement <3722>(8763) in the holy <6944> place, until he come out <3318>(8800), and have made an atonement <3722>(8765) for himself, and for his household <1004>, and for all the congregation <6951> of Israel <3478>.
18. And he shall go out <3318>(8804) unto the altar <4196> that is before <6440> the LORD <3068>, and make an atonement <3722>(8765) for it; and shall take <3947>(8804) of the blood <1818> of the bullock <6499>, and of the blood <1818> of the goat <8163>, and put <5414>(8804) it upon the horns <7161> of the altar <4196> round about <5439>.
19. And he shall sprinkle <5137>(8689) of the blood <1818> upon it with his finger <676> seven <7651> times <6471>, and cleanse <2891>(8765) it, and hallow <6942>(8765) it from the uncleanness <2932> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>.
20. And when he hath made an end <3615>(8765) of reconciling <3722>(8763) the holy <6944> place, and the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>, and the altar <4196>, he shall bring <7126>(8689) the live <2416> goat <8163>:
21. And Aaron <175> shall lay <5564>(8804) both <8147> his hands <3027> upon the head <7218> of the live <2416> goat <8163>, and confess <3034>(8694) over him all the iniquities <5771> of the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, and all their transgressions <6588> in all their sins <2403>, putting <5414>(8804) them upon the head <7218> of the goat <8163>, and shall send him away <7971>(8765) by the hand <3027> of a fit <6261> man <376> into the wilderness <4057>:
22. And the goat <8163> shall bear <5375>(8804) upon him all their iniquities <5771> unto a land <776> not inhabited <1509>: and he shall let go <7971>(8765) the goat <8163> in the wilderness <4057>.
23. And Aaron <175> shall come <935>(8804) into the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>, and shall put off <6584>(8804) the linen <906> garments <899>, which he put on <3847>(8804) when he went <935>(8800) into the holy <6944> place, and shall leave <3240>(8689) them there:
24. And he shall wash <7364>(8804) his flesh <1320> with water <4325> in the holy <6918> place <4725>, and put on <3847>(8804) his garments <899>, and come forth <3318>(8804), and offer <6213>(8804) his burnt offering <5930>, and the burnt offering <5930> of the people <5971>, and make an atonement <3722>(8765) for himself, and for the people <5971>.
25. And the fat <2459> of the sin offering <2403> shall he burn <6999>(8686) upon the altar <4196>.
26. And he that let go <7971>(8764) the goat <8163> for the scapegoat <5799> shall wash <3526>(8762) his clothes <899>, and bathe <7364>(8804) his flesh <1320> in water <4325>, and afterward <310> come <935>(8799) into the camp <4264>.
27. And the bullock <6499> for the sin offering <2403>, and the goat <8163> for the sin offering <2403>, whose blood <1818> was brought in <935>(8717) to make atonement <3722>(8763) in the holy <6944> place, shall one carry forth <3318>(8686) without <2351> the camp <4264>; and they shall burn <8313>(8804) in the fire <784> their skins <5785>, and their flesh <1320>, and their dung <6569>.
28. And he that burneth <8313>(8802) them shall wash <3526>(8762) his clothes <899>, and bathe <7364>(8804) his flesh <1320> in water <4325>, and afterward <310> he shall come <935>(8799) into the camp <4264>.
29. And this shall be a statute <2708> for ever <5769> unto you: that in the seventh <7637> month <2320>, on the tenth <6218> day of the month <2320>, ye shall afflict <6031>(8762) your souls <5315>, and do <6213>(8799) no work <4399> at all, whether it be one of your own country <249>, or a stranger <1616> that sojourneth <1481>(8802) among <8432> you:
30. For on that day <3117> shall the priest make an atonement <3722>(8762) for you, to cleanse <2891>(8763) you, that ye may be clean <2891>(8799) from all your sins <2403> before <6440> the LORD <3068>.
31. It shall be a sabbath <7676> of rest <7677> unto you, and ye shall afflict <6031>(8765) your souls <5315>, by a statute <2708> for ever <5769>.
32. And the priest <3548>, whom he shall anoint <4886>(8799), and whom he shall consecrate <4390>(8762) <3027> to minister in the priest's office <3547>(8763) in his father's <1> stead, shall make the atonement <3722>(8765), and shall put on <3847>(8804) the linen <906> clothes <899>, even the holy <6944> garments <899>:
33. And he shall make an atonement <3722>(8765) for the holy <6944> sanctuary <4720>, and he shall make an atonement <3722>(8762) for the tabernacle <168> of the congregation <4150>, and for the altar <4196>, and he shall make an atonement <3722>(8762) for the priests <3548>, and for all the people <5971> of the congregation <6951>.
34. And this shall be an everlasting <5769> statute <2708> unto you, to make an atonement <3722>(8763) for the children <1121> of Israel <3478> for all their sins <2403> once <259> a year <8141>. And he did <6213>(8799) as the LORD <3068> commanded <6680>(8765) Moses <4872>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Psa 119 is primarily a Psalm or hymn in praise of the Law. Almost every verse in this Psalm contains a title for the Word of God under one or other of the synonyms given below. These exhibit various shades of meanings and are not uniformly translated in the English versions. Notice the use of similar expressions to describe the Law in this Psalm.
|
TIMES
|
MEANING
|
the law
|
25
|
to direct, guide, teach,make straight.
|
statutes
|
22
|
to cut in, engrave, inscribe, mark out our way, order what we are to observe
|
precepts
|
21
|
to take notice of, to attend, have respect for, to visit us in all the duties of life.
|
commandments
|
22
|
to command, order, ordain, they show us what we should do, and should not do.
|
testimonies
|
23
|
denoting to turn back again, to go over again, to reiterate, to testify.
|
judgements
|
23
|
to judge, to determine, regulate, order, discern, set upright.
|
The word
|
24
|
to arrange in a row, hence to set forth in speech.
|
The way
|
13
|
to tread with the feet, to proceed, go on, walk.
|
word
|
19
|
to bring forth to light, hence to say.
|
righteousness
|
15
|
to do justice, to give full weight.
|
We have subtitles which are not intended to be a summary of the entire section, but describe one aspect of the Psalmist's devotion to the Word, as expressed in that section. We will display them as we go through the Psalm.
|
|
The Word
|
ALEPH
|
V.1-8
|
Its power for blessing.
|
BETH
|
v.9-16
|
Its power for sanctification.
|
GIMEL
|
V.17-24
|
Its power for knowledge.
|
DALETH
|
V.25-33
|
Its quickening power.
|
HE
|
V.33-40
|
Its power for establishing.
|
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Psalm 119 is attributable to David. This psalm is more than twice as long as any other one. It is an acrostic psalm of twenty-two parts (stanzas) - the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza of eight verses begins with a letter of the alphabet (taken in order): e.g. Vs.1-8 begin with aleph; Vs.9-16 begin with bet, etc. The wordiness of this psalm might be questioned in the light of Ecc 5:2. True, words should be thoughtfully chosen before addressing Yahweh. However, the complaint is really pointed at the fool, not the sincere worshipper (Ecc 5:3). Empty words and insincerity are the things that offend Yahweh (Matt 6:7; 15:8). But, Psalm 119 is not full of empty words or insincerity, and is, therefore, acceptable to Yahweh.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Michael
I have just listened to the whole of this Psalm in one go - the first time I have ever done this. As I was listening and reading along at the same time, I was wondering how much of what is written here our Lord used in his meditations and supplications to his Father, day and night. I like to think most of it! Christ was sorely tempted, just as we are, but each time was victorious over that temptation and its potential sin, unlike us.
So the words of Psalm 119 would be relevant to him in his struggle with mortal life and they would be a great source of strength and encouragement to him to continue in God's ways faultlessly, for our sakes, just as our meditation on these words can certainly help us in our very feeble attempts to be like our Lord and Master in our walk towards the Kingdom.
Rose Cox [Kenilworth] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rose
There is something incredible that comes out of the first verses of this Psalm. Most Christians are somewhat preoccupied with sin. Rather like watching one's weight, the more we are concerned with losing weight, the more we get preoccupied with food, and the more we think about food the more likely it is that we will bow to temptation and eat more. The same goes with sin. The more we're preoccupied with it, ultimately the more likely we will be to sin.
The Psalm gives us an alternative. Take a look at these:
Ps 119:2-3
"Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity"
Ps 119:9
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word."
Ps 119:11
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Notice that in each case, it is suggested that a preoccupation with the word of God will automatically lead to a lack of sin. It is a radical upending of traditional thinking. Taking the weight loss analogy again, it is analogous to someone falling in love with a sport and in their pursuit of mastery, the exercise and fitness having the side effect of keeping their weight healthy.
This is worth thinking about further. As a Christian do we beat ourselves up over sin? Are we preoccupied with our own failings? Or instead, are we in love with God's word, striving to learn and master it, so that in time our appetite for sin diminishes and all but disappears?
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rob
119:8 do not utterly forsake me!
Psalm 119 contains requests of God for every situation in life - joy, sadness, disappointment with personal failure, aspiration, and so on. A good exercise is to extract each of these petitions, particularly those that relate to your current circumstances - and pray them just like the Psalmist, even using the identical words!! They are acceptable requests because the inspired Psalmist has already prayed them! God will be delighted to hear them.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. ALEPH. Blessed <835> are the undefiled <8549> in the way <1870>, who walk <1980>(8802) in the law <8451> of the LORD <3068>.
2. Blessed <835> are they that keep <5341>(8802) his testimonies <5713>, and that seek <1875>(8799) him with the whole heart <3820>.
3. They also do <6466>(8804) no iniquity <5766>: they walk <1980>(8804) in his ways <1870>.
4. Thou hast commanded <6680>(8765) us to keep <8104>(8800) thy precepts <6490> diligently <3966>.
5. O that <305> my ways <1870> were directed <3559>(8735) to keep <8104>(8800) thy statutes <2706>!
6. Then shall I not be ashamed <954>(8799), when I have respect <5027>(8687) unto all thy commandments <4687>.
7. I will praise <3034>(8686) thee with uprightness <3476> of heart <3824>, when I shall have learned <3925>(8800) thy righteous <6664> judgments <4941>.
8. I will keep <8104>(8799) thy statutes <2706>: O forsake <5800>(8799) me not utterly <3966>.
9. BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man <5288> cleanse <2135>(8762) his way <734>? by taking heed <8104>(8800) thereto according to thy word <1697>.
10. With my whole heart <3820> have I sought <1875>(8804) thee: O let me not wander <7686>(8686) from thy commandments <4687>.
11. Thy word <565> have I hid <6845>(8804) in mine heart <3820>, that I might not sin <2398>(8799) against thee.
12. Blessed <1288>(8803) art thou, O LORD <3068>: teach <3925>(8761) me thy statutes <2706>.
13. With my lips <8193> have I declared <5608>(8765) all the judgments <4941> of thy mouth <6310>.
14. I have rejoiced <7797>(8804) in the way <1870> of thy testimonies <5715>, as much as in <5921> all riches <1952>.
15. I will meditate <7878>(8799) in thy precepts <6490>, and have respect <5027>(8686) unto thy ways <734>.
16. I will delight <8173>(8698) myself in thy statutes <2708>: I will not forget <7911>(8799) thy word <1697>.
17. GIMEL. Deal bountifully <1580>(8798) with thy servant <5650>, that I may live <2421>(8799), and keep <8104>(8799) thy word <1697>.
18. Open <1540>(8761) thou mine eyes <5869>, that I may behold <5027>(8686) wondrous things <6381>(8737) out of thy law <8451>.
19. I am a stranger <1616> in the earth <776>: hide <5641>(8686) not thy commandments <4687> from me.
20. My soul <5315> breaketh <1638>(8804) for the longing <8375> that it hath unto thy judgments <4941> at all times <6256>.
21. Thou hast rebuked <1605>(8804) the proud <2086> that are cursed <779>(8803), which do err <7686>(8802) from thy commandments <4687>.
22. Remove <1556>(8798) from me reproach <2781> and contempt <937>; for I have kept <5341>(8804) thy testimonies <5713>.
23. Princes <8269> also did sit <3427>(8804) and speak <1696>(8738) against me: but thy servant <5650> did meditate <7878>(8799) in thy statutes <2706>.
24. Thy testimonies <5713> also are my delight <8191> and my counsellors <582> <6098>.
25. DALETH. My soul <5315> cleaveth <1692>(8804) unto the dust <6083>: quicken <2421>(8761) thou me according to thy word <1697>.
26. I have declared <5608>(8765) my ways <1870>, and thou heardest <6030>(8799) me: teach <3925>(8761) me thy statutes <2706>.
27. Make me to understand <995>(8685) the way <1870> of thy precepts <6490>: so shall I talk <7878>(8799) of thy wondrous works <6381>(8737).
28. My soul <5315> melteth <1811>(8804) for heaviness <8424>: strengthen <6965>(8761) thou me according unto thy word <1697>.
29. Remove <5493>(8685) from me the way <1870> of lying <8267>: and grant me thy law <8451> graciously <2603>(8798).
30. I have chosen <977>(8804) the way <1870> of truth <530>: thy judgments <4941> have I laid <7737>(8765) before me.
31. I have stuck <1692>(8804) unto thy testimonies <5715>: O LORD <3068>, put me not to shame <954>(8686).
32. I will run <7323>(8799) the way <1870> of thy commandments <4687>, when thou shalt enlarge <7337>(8686) my heart <3820>.
33. HE. Teach <3384>(8685) me, O LORD <3068>, the way <1870> of thy statutes <2706>; and I shall keep <5341>(8799) it unto the end <6118>.
34. Give me understanding <995>(8685), and I shall keep <5341>(8799) thy law <8451>; yea, I shall observe <8104>(8799) it with my whole heart <3820>.
35. Make me to go <1869>(8685) in the path <5410> of thy commandments <4687>; for therein do I delight <2654>(8804).
36. Incline <5186>(8685) my heart <3820> unto thy testimonies <5715>, and not to covetousness <1215>.
37. Turn away <5674>(8685) mine eyes <5869> from beholding <7200>(8800) vanity <7723>; and quicken <2421>(8761) thou me in thy way <1870>.
38. Stablish <6965>(8685) thy word <565> unto thy servant <5650>, who is devoted to thy fear <3374>.
39. Turn away <5674>(8685) my reproach <2781> which I fear <3025>(8804): for thy judgments <4941> are good <2896>.
40. Behold, I have longed <8373>(8804) after thy precepts <6490>: quicken <2421>(8761) me in thy righteousness <6666>.
Notes that are not verse specific
13:11 Finally brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace
Paul's final message is meant to leave us with key takeaway ideas - and there are 5 of them. If we made conscience of each of these 5, our lives will turnaround - "the God of love and peace will be with you" (v11). These 5 are the antidote to the horrible 8 attributes of 12:20. Work at them. Practice them, even if it hurts. They are gold.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. It is <4851> <0> not <3756> expedient <4851>(5719) for me <3427> doubtless <1211> to glory <2744>(5738). <1063> I will come <2064>(5695) to <1519> visions <3701> and <2532> revelations <602> of the Lord <2962>.
2. I knew <1492>(5758) a man <444> in <1722> Christ <5547> above <4253> <0> fourteen <1180> years <2094> ago <4253>, (whether <1535> in <1722> the body <4983>, I cannot <3756> tell <1492>(5758); or whether <1535> out <1622> of the body <4983>, I cannot <3756> tell <1492>(5758): God <2316> knoweth <1492>(5758);) such an one <5108> caught up <726>(5651) to <2193> the third <5154> heaven <3772>.
3. And <2532> I knew <1492>(5758) such <5108> a man <444>, (whether <1535> in <1722> the body <4983>, or <1535> out <1622> of the body <4983>, I cannot <3756> tell <1492>(5758): God <2316> knoweth <1492>(5758);)
4. How that <3754> he was caught up <726>(5648) into <1519> paradise <3857>, and <2532> heard <191>(5656) unspeakable <731> words <4487>, which <3739> it is <1832> <0> not <3756> lawful <1832>(5752) for a man <444> to utter <2980>(5658).
5. Of <5228> such an one <5108> will I glory <2744>(5695): yet <1161> of <5228> myself <1683> I will <2744> <0> not <3756> glory <2744>(5695), but <1508> in <1722> mine <3450> infirmities <769>.
6. For <1063> though <1437> I would desire <2309>(5661) to glory <2744>(5664), I shall <2071> <0> not <3756> be <2071>(5704) a fool <878>; for <1063> I will say <2046>(5692) the truth <225>: but <1161> now I forbear <5339>(5736), lest <3361> any man <5100> should think <3049>(5667) of <1519> me <1691> above <5228> that which <3739> he seeth <991>(5719) me <3165> to be, or <2228> that he heareth <191>(5719) of <5100> <1537> me <1700>.
7. And <2532> lest <3363> I should be exalted above measure <5229>(5747) through the abundance <5236> of the revelations <602>, there was given <1325>(5681) to me <3427> a thorn <4647> in the flesh <4561>, the messenger <32> of Satan <4566> to <2443> buffet <2852>(5725) me <3165>, lest <3363> I should be exalted above measure <5229>(5747).
8. For <5228> this thing <5127> I besought <3870>(5656) the Lord <2962> thrice <5151>, that <2443> it might depart <868>(5632) from <575> me <1700>.
9. And <2532> he said <2046>(5758) unto me <3427>, My <3450> grace <5485> is sufficient <714>(5719) for thee <4671>: for <1063> my <3450> strength <1411> is made perfect <5048>(5743) in <1722> weakness <769>. Most gladly <2236> therefore <3767> will I <2744> <0> rather <3123> glory <2744>(5695) in <1722> my <3450> infirmities <769>, that <2443> the power <1411> of Christ <5547> may rest <1981>(5661) upon <1909> me <1691>.
10. Therefore <1352> I take pleasure <2106>(5719) in <1722> infirmities <769>, in <1722> reproaches <5196>, in <1722> necessities <318>, in <1722> persecutions <1375>, in <1722> distresses <4730> for <5228> <0> Christ's <5547> sake <5228>: for <1063> when <3752> I am weak <770>(5725), then <5119> am <1510>(5748) I strong <1415>.
11. I am become <1096>(5754) a fool <878> in glorying <2744>(5740); ye <5210> have compelled <315>(5656) me <3165>: for <1063> I <1473> ought <3784>(5707) to have been commended <4921>(5745) of <5259> you <5216>: for <1063> in nothing <3762> am I behind <5302>(5656) the very chiefest <3029> apostles <652> <5228>, <2532> though <1499> I be <1510>(5748) nothing <3762>.
12. Truly <3303> the signs <4592> of an apostle <652> were wrought <2716>(5681) among <1722> you <5213> in <1722> all <3956> patience <5281>, in <1722> signs <4592>, and <2532> wonders <5059>, and <2532> mighty deeds <1411>.
13. For <1063> what <5101> is it <2076>(5748) wherein <3739> ye were inferior <2274>(5681) to <5228> other <3062> churches <1577>, except <1508> it be that <3754> I <1473> myself <846> was <2655> <0> not <3756> burdensome <2655>(5656) to you <5216>? forgive <5483>(5663) me <3427> this <5026> wrong <93>.
14. Behold <2400>(5628), the third time <5154> I am <2192>(5719) ready <2093> to come <2064>(5629) to <4314> you <5209>; and <2532> I will <2655> <0> not <3756> be burdensome <2655>(5692) to you <5216>: for <1063> I seek <2212>(5719) not <3756> yours <5216>, but <235> you <5209>: for <1063> the children <5043> ought <3784>(5719) not <3756> to lay up <2343>(5721) for the parents <1118>, but <235> the parents <1118> for the children <5043>.
15. And <1161> I <1473> will very gladly <2236> spend <1159>(5692) and <2532> be spent <1550>(5701) for <5228> you <5590> <5216>; <2532> though <1499> the more abundantly <4056> I love <25>(5723) you <5209>, the less <2276> I be loved <25>(5743).
16. But <1161> be it so <2077>(5749), I <1473> did <2599> <0> not <3756> burden <2599>(5656) you <5209>: nevertheless <235>, being <5225>(5723) crafty <3835>, I caught <2983>(5627) you <5209> with guile <1388>.
17. Did I make a gain <4122>(5656) <3361> of you <5209> by <1223> any <5100> of them <846> whom <3739> I sent <649>(5758) unto <4314> you <5209>?
18. I desired <3870>(5656) Titus <5103>, and <2532> with him I sent <4882>(5656) a brother <80>. Did <4122> <0> <3387> Titus <5103> make a gain <4122>(5656) of you <5209>? walked we <4043>(5656) not <3756> in the same <846> spirit <4151>? walked we not <3756> in the same <846> steps <2487>?
19. Again <3825>, think ye <1380>(5719) that <3754> we excuse ourselves <626>(5736) unto you <5213>? we speak <2980>(5719) before <2714> God <2316> in <1722> Christ <5547>: but <1161> we do all things <3956>, dearly beloved <27>, for <5228> your <5216> edifying <3619>.
20. For <1063> I fear <5399>(5736), lest <3381> <4458>, when I come <2064>(5631), I shall <2147> <0> not <3756> find <2147>(5632) you <5209> such as <3634> I would <2309>(5719), and that I <2504> shall be found <2147>(5686) unto you <5213> such as <3634> ye would <2309>(5719) not <3756>: lest <3381> <4458> there be debates <2054>, envyings <2205>, wraths <2372>, strifes <2052>, backbitings <2636>, whisperings <5587>, swellings <5450>, tumults <181>:
21. And lest <3361>, when I come <2064>(5631) again <3825>, my <3450> God <2316> will humble <5013>(5661) me <3165> among <4314> you <5209>, and <2532> that I shall bewail <3996>(5692) many <4183> which <3588> have sinned already <4258>(5761), and <2532> have <3340> <0> not <3361> repented <3340>(5660) of <1909> the uncleanness <167> and <2532> fornication <4202> and <2532> lasciviousness <766> which <3739> they have committed <4238>(5656).
1. This <5124> is the third <5154> time I am coming <2064>(5736) to <4314> you <5209>. In <1909> the mouth <4750> of two <1417> or <2532> three <5140> witnesses <3144> shall <2476> <0> every <3956> word <4487> be established <2476>(5701).
2. I told you before <4280>(5758), and <2532> foretell you <4302>(5719), as if <5613> I were present <3918>(5752), the second <1208> time; and <2532> being absent <548>(5752) now <3568> I write <1125>(5719) to them which heretofore have sinned <4258>(5761), and <2532> to all <3956> other <3062>, that <3754>, if <1437> I come <2064>(5632) again <1519> <3825>, I will <5339> <0> not <3756> spare <5339>(5695):
3. Since <1893> ye seek <2212>(5719) a proof <1382> of Christ <5547> speaking <2980>(5723) in <1722> me <1698>, which <3739> to <1519> you-ward <5209> is <770> <0> not <3756> weak <770>(5719), but <235> is mighty <1414>(5719) in <1722> you <5213>.
4. For <1063> <2532> though <1487> he was crucified <4717>(5681) through <1537> weakness <769>, yet <235> he liveth <2198>(5719) by <1537> the power <1411> of God <2316>. For <1063> we <2249> also <2532> are weak <770>(5719) in <1722> him <846>, but <235> we shall live <2198>(5695) with <4862> him <846> by <1537> the power <1411> of God <2316> toward <1519> you <5209>.
5. Examine <3985>(5720) yourselves <1438>, whether <1487> ye be <2075>(5748) in <1722> the faith <4102>; prove <1381>(5720) your own selves <1438>. <2228> Know ye <1921>(5719) not <3756> your own selves <1438>, how that <3754> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> is <2076>(5748) in <1722> you <5213>, except <1509> ye be <2075>(5748) reprobates <5100> <96>?
6. But <1161> I trust <1679>(5719) that <3754> ye shall know <1097>(5695) that <3754> we <2249> are <2070>(5748) not <3756> reprobates <96>.
7. Now <1161> I pray <2172>(5736) to <4314> God <2316> that ye <5209> do <3361> <4160>(5658) no <3367> evil <2556>; not <3756> that <2443> we <2249> should appear <5316>(5652) approved <1384>, but <235> that <2443> ye <5210> should do <4160>(5725) that which is honest <2570>, though <1161> we <2249> be <5600>(5753) as <5613> reprobates <96>.
8. For <1063> we can do <1410>(5736) nothing <3756> <5100> against <2596> the truth <225>, but <235> for <5228> the truth <225>.
9. For <1063> we <2249> are glad <5463>(5719), when <3752> we are weak <770>(5725), and <1161> ye <5210> are <5600>(5753) strong <1415>: and <1161> this <5124> also <2532> we wish <2172>(5736), even your <5216> perfection <2676>.
10. Therefore <5124> <1223> I write <1125>(5719) these things <5023> being absent <548>(5752), lest <3363> being present <3918>(5752) I should use <5530>(5667) sharpness <664>, according <2596> to the power <1849> which <3739> the Lord <2962> hath given <1325>(5656) me <3427> to <1519> edification <3619>, and <2532> not <3756> to <1519> destruction <2506>.
11. Finally <3063>, brethren <80>, farewell <5463>(5720). Be perfect <2675>(5744), be of good comfort <3870>(5744), be of one <846> mind <5426>(5720), live in peace <1514>(5720); and <2532> the God <2316> of love <26> and <2532> peace <1515> shall be <2071>(5704) with <3326> you <5216>.
12. Greet <782>(5663) one another <240> with <1722> an holy <40> kiss <5370>.
13. All <3956> the saints <40> salute <782>(5736) you <5209>.
14. The grace <5485> of the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, and <2532> the love <26> of God <2316>, and <2532> the communion <2842> of the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>, be with <3326> you <5216> all <3956>. Amen <281>. The second <1208> epistle to <4314> the Corinthians <2881> was written <1125>(5648) from <575> Philippi <5375>, a city of Macedonia <3109>, by <1223> Titus <5103> and <2532> Lucas <3065>.