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Selected Verse: Hebrews 12:23 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Heb 12:23 |
Strong Concordance |
To the general assembly [3831] and [2532] church [1577] of the firstborn [4416], which are written [583] in [1722] heaven [3772], and [2532] to God [2316] the Judge [2923] of all [3956], and [2532] to the spirits [4151] of just men [1342] made perfect [5048], |
| |
King James |
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
written in heaven--enrolled as citizens there. All those who at the coming of "God the Judge of all" (which clause therefore naturally follows), shall be found "written in heaven," that is, in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 21:27). Though still fighting the good fight on earth, still, in respect to your destiny, and present life of faith which substantiates things hoped for, ye are already members of the heavenly citizenship. "We are one citizenship with angels; to which it is said in the psalm, Glorious things are spoken of thee, thou city of God" [AUGUSTINE]. I think ALFORD wrong in restricting "the Church of the first-born written in heaven," to those militant on earth; it is rather, all those who at the Judge's coming shall be found written in heaven (the true patent of heavenly nobility; contrast "written in the earth," Jer 17:13, and Esau's profane sale of his birthright, Heb 12:16); these all, from the beginning to the end of the world, forming one Church to which every believer is already come. The first-born of Israel were "written" in a roll (Num 3:40).
the spirits of just men made perfect--at the resurrection, when the "JUDGE" shall appear, and believers' bliss shall be consummated by the union of the glorified body with the spirit; the great hope of the New Testament (Rom 8:20-23; Th1 4:16). The place of this clause after "the JUDGE OF ALL," is my objection to BENGEL and ALFORD'S explanation, the souls of the just in their separate state perfected. Compare Notes, see on Heb 11:39-40, to which he refers here, and which I think confirms my view; those heretofore spirits, but now to be perfected by being clothed upon with the body. Still the phrase, "spirits of just men made perfect," not merely "just men made perfect," may favor the reference to the happy spirits in their separate state. The Greek is not "the perfected spirits," but "the spirits of the perfected just." In no other passage are the just said to be perfected before the resurrection, and the completion of the full number of the elect (Rev 6:11); I think, therefore, "spirits of the just," may here be used to express the just whose predominant element in their perfected state shall be spirit. So spirit and spirits are used of a man or men in the body, under the influence of the spirit, the opposite of flesh (Joh 3:6). The resurrection bodies of the saints shall be bodies in which the spirit shall altogether preponderate over the animal soul (see on Co1 15:44). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
To the general assembly - see the notes on Heb 12:22.
And church of the first-born - That is, you are united with the church of the first-born. They who were first-born among the Hebrews enjoyed special privileges, and especially pre-eminence of rank; see the notes on Col 1:15. The reference here is, evidently, to those saints who had been distinguished for their piety, and who may be supposed to be exalted to special honors in heaven - such as the patriarchs, prophets, martyrs. The meaning is, that by becoming Christians, we have become in fact identified with that happy and honored church, and that this is a powerful motive to induce us to persevere. It is a consideration which should make us adhere to our religion amidst all temptations and persecutions, that we are identified with the most eminently holy men who have lived, and that we are to share their honors and their joys. The Christian is united in feeling, in honor, and in destiny, with the excellent of all the earth, and of all times. He should feel it, therefore, an honor to be a Christian; he should yield to no temptation which would induce him to part from so goodly a fellowship.
Which are written in heaven - Margin, enrolled. The word here was employed by the Greeks to denote that one was enrolled as a citizen, or entitled to the privileges of citizenship. Here it means that the names of the persons referred to were registered or enrolled among the inhabitants of the heavenly world; see the notes, Luk 10:20.
And to God the Judge of all - God, who will pronounce the final sentence on all mankind. The object of the reference here to God as judge does not appear to be to contrast the condition of Christians with that of the Jews, as is the case in some of the circumstances alluded to, but to bring impressively before their minds the fact that they sustained a especially near relation to him from whom all were to receive their final allotment. As the destiny of all depended on him, they should be careful not to provoke his wrath. The design of the apostle seems to be to give a rapid glance of what there was in heaven, as disclosed by the eye of faith to the Christian, which should operate as a motive to induce him to persevere in his Christian course. The thought that seems to have struck his mind in regard to God was, that he would do right to all. They had, therefore, everything to fear if they revolted from him; they had everything to hope if they bore their trials with patience, and persevered to the end.
And to the spirits of just men made perfect - Not only to the more eminent saints - the "church of the firstborn" - but to "all" who were made perfect in heaven. They were not only united with the imperfect Christians on earth, but with those who have become completely delivered from sin, and admitted to the world of glory. This is a consideration which ought to influence the minds of all believers. They are even now united with "all" the redeemed in heaven. They should so live as not to be separated from them in the final day. Most Christians have among the redeemed already not a few of their most tenderly beloved friends. A father may be there; a mother, a sister, a smiling babe. It should be a powerful motive with us so to live as to be prepared to be reunited with them in heaven. |
| The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917] |
church
Church (true), Summary:
The true church, composed of the whole number of regenerate persons from Pentecost to the first resurrection (Co1 15:52) united together and to Christ by the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Co1 12:12); (Co1 12:13) is the body of Christ of which He is the Head. (Eph 1:22); (Eph 1:23). As such, it is a holy temple for the habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph 2:21); (Eph 2:22) is "one flesh" with Christ (Eph 5:30); (Eph 5:31) and espoused to Him as a chaste virgin to one husband. (Co2 11:2-4).
perfect
(See Scofield) - (Mat 5:48). |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
To the general assembly (πανηγύρει)
Const. with ἀγγέλων of angels, with comma after angels. Rend. "to a festal assembly of angels." This and the next clause show what the myriads consist of, - a host of angels and redeemed men. Πανήγυρις, N.T.o , is a gathering to celebrate a solemnity, as public games, etc.: a public, festal assembly. Frequently joined with ἑορτή feast. See Eze 47:11; Hos 2:11; Hos 9:5. The verb πανηγυρίζειν to celebrate or attend a public festival, to keep holiday, occurs occasionally in Class.: not in N.T.: lxx once, Isa 66:10. The festal assembly of angels maintains the contrast between the old and the new dispensation. The host of angels through whose ministration the law was given (see on Heb 2:2, and see on Gal 3:19) officiated at a scene of terror. Christian believers are now introduced to a festal host, surrounding the exalted Son of man, who has purged away sins, and is enthroned at God's right hand (Heb 1:3).
And church of the first-born which are written in heaven (καὶ ἐκκλησίᾳ πρωτοτόκων ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς)
This forms a distinct clause; "and to the church," etc. For ἐκκλησία assembly or church, see on Mat 16:18; see on Th1 1:1. The "myriads" embrace not only angels, but redeemed men, enrolled as citizens of the heavenly commonwealth, and entitled to the rights and privileges of first-born sons. Πρωτότοκος first-born is applied mostly to Christ in N.T. See Rom 8:29; Col 1:15, Col 1:18; Heb 1:6; Rev 1:5. Comp. Heb 11:28, and Luk 2:7. Properly applied to Christians by virtue of their union with Christ, "the first-born of all creation," "the first-born from the dead," as sharing his sonship and heirship. See Rom 8:14-17, Rom 8:29. The word also points to Christians as the true Israel of God. The analogy is suggested with the first-born of Israel, to whom peculiar sanctity attached, and whose consecration to himself God enjoined (Exo 13:1, Exo 13:11-16); and with the further application of the term first-born to Israel as a people, Exo 4:22. The way was thus prepared for its application to the Messiah. There seems, moreover, to be a clear reference to the case of Esau (Heb 12:16). Esau was the first-born of the twin sons of Isaac (Gen 25:25). He sold his birthright (πρωτοτοκία), and thus forfeited the privilege of the first-born. The assembly to which Christian believers are introduced is composed of those who have not thus parted with their birthright, but have retained the privileges of the first-born. The phrase "church of the first-born" includes all who have possessed and retained their heavenly birthright, living or dead, of both dispensations: the whole Israel of God, although it is quite likely that the Christian church may have been most prominent in the writer's thought.
Which are written in heaven (ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς)
Ἁπογράφειν, only here and Luk 2:1, Luk 2:3, Luk 2:5, means to write off or copy; to enter in a register the names, property, and income of men. Hence, ἀπογραφή an enrollment. See on Luk 2:1, Luk 2:2. Here, inscribed as members of the heavenly commonwealth; citizens of heaven; Phi 4:3; Rev 3:5; Rev 13:8, etc. See for the image, Exo 32:32; Psa 69:28; Isa 4:3; Dan 12:1; Luk 10:20.
To God the judge of all (κριτῇ θεῷ πάντων)
Rend. "a judge who is God of all." Comp. Dan 7:9 ff. God of all his first-born, of those whom he chastens, of all who are in filial relations with him under both covenants, and who, therefore, need not fear to draw near to him as judge.
Spirits of just men made perfect (πνεύμασι δικαίων)
The departed spirits of the righteous of both dispensations, who have completed their course after having undergone their earthly discipline. Notice again the idea of τελείωσις, not attained under the old covenant, but only through the work of Christ, the benefits of which the disembodied saints of the O.T. share with departed Christian believers. Comp. Heb 11:40. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| To the general assembly - The word properly signifies a stated convention on some festival occasion. And church - The whole body of true believers, whether on earth or in paradise. Of the first - born - The first - born of Israel were enrolled by Moses; but these are enrolled in heaven, as citizens there. It is observable, that in this beautiful gradation, these first - born are placed nearer to God than the angels. See Jam 1:18. And to God the Judge of all - Propitious to you, adverse to your enemies. And to the spirits - The separate souls. Of just men - It seems to mean, of New Testament believers. The number of these, being not yet large, is mentioned distinct from the innumerable company of just men whom their Judge hath acquitted. These are now made perfect in an higher sense than any who are still alive. Accordingly, St. Paul, while yet on earth, denies that he was thus made perfect, Phi 3:12. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
To the general assembly - Πανηγυρει. This word is joined to the preceding by some of the best MSS., and is quoted in connection by several of the fathers: Ye are come - to the general assembly of innumerable angels; and this is probably the true connection.
The word πανηγυρις is compounded of παν, all, and αγυρις, an assembly; and means, particularly, an assembly collected on festive occasions. It is applied to the assembly of the Grecian states at their national games, Olympic, Isthmian, etc.; and hence a speech pronounced in favor of any person at such festive assemblies was called πανηγυρικος λογος, a panegyrical discourse; and hence our word panegyric.
The first-born - Those who first received the Gospel of Christ, and who are elsewhere termed the first fruits: this is spoken in allusion to the first-born among the Israelites, who were all considered as the Lord's property, and were dedicated to him. The Jews gave the title בכור bechor, first-born, to those who were very eminent or excellent; what we would term the head or top of his kin. The Church of the first-born is the assembly of the most excellent.
Which are written in heaven - Who are enrolled as citizens of the New Jerusalem, and are entitled to all the rights, privileges, and immunities of the Church here, and of heaven above. This is spoken in allusion to the custom of enrolling or writing on tables, etc., the names of all the citizens of a particular city; and all those thus registered were considered as having a right to live there, and to enjoy all its privileges. All genuine believers are denizens of heaven. That is their country, and there they have their rights, etc. And every member of Christ has a right to, and can demand, every ordinance in the Church of his Redeemer; and wo to him who attempts to prevent them!
God the Judge of all - The supreme God is ever present in this general assembly: to him they are all gathered; by him they are admitted to all those rights, etc.; under his inspection they continue to act; and it is he alone who erases from the register those who act unworthily of their citizenship. Judge here is to be taken in the Jewish use of the term, i.e. one who exercises sovereign rule and authority.
The spirits of just men made perfect - We cannot understand these terms without the assistance of Jewish phraseology. The Jews divide mankind into three classes: -
1. The Just Perfect, צדיקים גמורים tsaddikim gemurim.
2. The wicked perfect, רשעים גמורים reshaim gemurim.
3. Those between both, בינוניים beinoniyim.
1. The just perfect are those,
1. Who have conquered all brutal appetites and gross passions.
2. Who have stood in the time of strong temptation.
3. Who give alms with a sincere heart.
4. Who worship the true God only.
5. Who are not invidious.
6. Those from whom God has taken יצר הרע yetser hara, evil concupiscence, and given יצר טוב yetser tob, the good principle.
2. The wicked perfect are those,
1. Who never repent.
2. They receive their portion in this life, because they can have none in the life to come, and are under the influence of יצר הרע yetser hara, the evil principle.
3. The intermediate are those who are influenced partly by the evil principle, and partly by the good. - See Schoettgen.
In several parts of this epistle τελειος, the just man, signifies one who has a full knowledge of the Christian system, who is justified and saved by Christ Jesus; and the τετελειωνεμοι are the adult Christians, who are opposed to the νηπιοι or babes in knowledge and grace. See Heb 5:12-14; Heb 8:11; and Gal 4:1-3. The spirits of the just men made perfect, or the righteous perfect, are the full grown Christians; those who are justified by the blood and sanctified by the Spirit of Christ. Being come to such, implies that spiritual union which the disciples of Christ have with each other, and which they possess how far soever separate; for they are all joined in one spirit, Eph 2:18; they are in the unity of the spirit, Eph 4:3, Eph 4:4; and of one soul, Act 4:32. This is a unity which was never possessed even by the Jews themselves in their best state; it is peculiar to real Christianity: as to nominal Christianity, wars and desolations between man and his fellows are quite consistent with its spirit. See at the end of the chapter, (note). |
44 It is sown [4687] a natural [5591] body [4983]; it is raised [1453] a spiritual [4152] body [4983]. There is [2076] a natural [5591] body [4983], and [2532] there is [2076] a spiritual [4152] body [4983].
6 That which is born [1080] of [1537] the flesh [4561] is [2076] flesh [4561]; and [2532] that which is born [1080] of [1537] the Spirit [4151] is [2076] spirit [4151].
11 And [2532] white [3022] robes [4749] were given [1325] unto every one of them [1538]; and [2532] it was said [4483] unto them [846], that [2443] they should rest [373] yet [2089] for a little [3398] season [5550], until [2193] their [846] fellowservants [4889] also [2532] and [2532] their [846] brethren [80], that should [3195] be killed [615] as [5613] [2532] they [846] were, should [3739] be fulfilled [4137].
39 And [2532] these [3778] all [3956], having obtained a good report [3140] through [1223] faith [4102], received [2865] not [3756] the promise [1860]:
40 God [2316] having provided [4265] some [5100] better [2909] thing [5100] for [4012] us [2257], that [3363] they [5048] without [5565] us [2257] should [5048] not [3363] be made perfect [5048].
16 For [3754] the Lord [2962] himself [846] shall descend [2597] from [575] heaven [3772] with [1722] a shout [2752], with [1722] the voice [5456] of the archangel [743], and [2532] with [1722] the trump [4536] of God [2316]: and [2532] the dead [3498] in [1722] Christ [5547] shall rise [450] first [4412]:
20 For [1063] the creature [2937] was made subject [5293] to vanity [3153], not [3756] willingly [1635], but [235] by reason [1223] of him who hath subjected [5293] the same in [1909] hope [1680],
21 Because [3754] the creature [2937] itself [846] also [2532] shall be delivered [1659] from [575] the bondage [1397] of corruption [5356] into [1519] the glorious [1391] liberty [1657] of the children [5043] of God [2316].
22 For [1063] we know [1492] that [3754] the whole [3956] creation [2937] groaneth [4959] and [2532] travaileth in pain together [4944] until [891] now [3568].
23 And [1161] not [3756] only [3440] they, but [235] ourselves [846] also [2532], which have [2192] the firstfruits [536] of the Spirit [4151], even [2532] we [2249] ourselves [846] groan [4727] within [1722] ourselves [1438], waiting [553] for the adoption [5206], to wit, the redemption [629] of our [2257] body [4983].
40 And the LORD [03068] said [0559] unto Moses [04872], Number [06485] all the firstborn [01060] of the males [02145] of the children [01121] of Israel [03478] from a month [02320] old [01121] and upward [04605], and take [05375] the number [04557] of their names [08034].
16 Lest [3361] there be any [5100] fornicator [4205], or [2228] profane person [952], as [5613] Esau [2269], who [3739] for [473] one [3391] morsel of meat [1035] sold [591] his [846] birthright [4415].
13 O LORD [03068], the hope [04723] of Israel [03478], all that forsake [05800] thee shall be ashamed [0954], and they that depart [03249] from me [05493] shall be written [03789] in the earth [0776], because they have forsaken [05800] the LORD [03068], the fountain [04726] of living [02416] waters [04325].
27 And [2532] there shall [1525] in no wise [3364] enter [1525] into [1519] it [846] any thing [3956] that defileth [2840], neither [2532] whatsoever worketh [4160] abomination [946], or [2532] maketh a lie [5579]: but [1508] they which are written [1125] in [1722] the Lamb's [721] book [975] of life [2222].
20 Notwithstanding [4133] in [1722] this [5129] rejoice [5463] not [3361], that [3754] the spirits [4151] are subject [5293] unto you [5213]; but [1161] rather [3123] rejoice [5463], because [3754] your [5216] names [3686] are written [1125] in [1722] heaven [3772].
15 Who [3739] is [2076] the image [1504] of the invisible [517] God [2316], the firstborn [4416] of every [3956] creature [2937]:
22 But [235] ye are come [4334] unto mount [3735] Sion [4622], and [2532] unto the city [4172] of the living [2198] God [2316], the heavenly [2032] Jerusalem [2419], and [2532] to an innumerable company [3461] of angels [32],
48 Be [2071] ye [5210] therefore [3767] perfect [5046], even [5618] as your [5216] Father [3962] which [3588] is in [1722] heaven [3772] is [2076] perfect [5046].
2 For [1063] I am jealous [2206] over you [5209] with godly [2316] jealousy [2205]: for [1063] I have espoused [718] you [5209] to one [1520] husband [435], that I may present [3936] you as a chaste [53] virgin [3933] to Christ [5547].
3 But [1161] I fear [5399], lest [3381] by any means [4458], as [5613] the serpent [3789] beguiled [1818] Eve [2096] through [1722] his [846] subtilty [3834], so [3779] your [5216] minds [3540] should be corrupted [5351] from [575] the simplicity [572] that is in [1519] Christ [5547].
4 For [1063] if [1487] [3303] he that cometh [2064] preacheth [2784] another [243] Jesus [2424], whom [3739] we have [2784] not [3756] preached [2784], or [2228] if ye receive [2983] another [2087] spirit [4151], which [3739] ye have [2983] not [3756] received [2983], or [2228] another [2087] gospel [2098], which [3739] ye have [1209] not [3756] accepted [1209], ye might [430] well [2573] bear with [430] him.
31 For [473] this cause [5127] shall [2641] a man [444] leave [2641] his [846] father [3962] and [2532] mother [3384], and [2532] shall be joined [4347] unto [4314] his [846] wife [1135], and [2532] they two [1417] shall be [2071] one [1519] [3391] flesh [4561].
30 For [3754] we are [2070] members [3196] of his [846] body [4983], of [1537] his [846] flesh [4561], and [2532] of [1537] his [846] bones [3747].
22 In [1722] whom [3739] ye [5210] also [2532] are builded together [4925] for [1519] an habitation [2732] of God [2316] through [1722] the Spirit [4151].
21 In [1722] whom [3739] all [3956] the building [3619] fitly framed together [4883] groweth [837] unto [1519] an holy [40] temple [3485] in [1722] the Lord [2962]:
23 Which [3748] is [2076] his [846] body [4983], the fulness [4138] of him that filleth [4137] all [3956] in [1722] all [3956].
22 And [2532] hath put [5293] all [3956] things under [5259] his [846] feet [4228], and [2532] gave [1325] him [846] to be the head [2776] over [5228] all [3956] things to the church [1577],
13 For [1063] [2532] by [1722] one [1520] Spirit [4151] are [907] we [2249] all [3956] baptized [907] into [1519] one [1520] body [4983], whether [1535] we be Jews [2453] or [1535] Gentiles [1672], whether [1535] we be bond [1401] or [1535] free [1658]; and [2532] have been [4222] all [3956] made to drink [4222] into [1519] one [1520] Spirit [4151].
12 For [1063] as [2509] the body [4983] is [2076] one [1520], and [2532] hath [2192] many [4183] members [3196], and [1161] all [3956] the members [3196] of that one [1520] body [4983], being [5607] many [4183], are [2076] one [1520] body [4983]: so [3779] also [2532] is Christ [5547].
52 In [1722] a moment [823], in [1722] the twinkling [4493] of an eye [3788], at [1722] the last [2078] trump [4536]: for [1063] the trumpet shall sound [4537], and [2532] the dead [3498] shall be raised [1453] incorruptible [862], and [2532] we [2249] shall be changed [236].
40 God [2316] having provided [4265] some [5100] better [2909] thing [5100] for [4012] us [2257], that [3363] they [5048] without [5565] us [2257] should [5048] not [3363] be made perfect [5048].
9 I beheld [01934] [02370] till [05705] the thrones [03764] were cast down [07412], and the Ancient [06268] of days [03118] did sit [03488], whose garment [03831] was white [02358] as snow [08517], and the hair [08177] of his head [07217] like the pure [05343] wool [06015]: his throne [03764] was like the fiery [05135] flame [07631], and his wheels [01535] as burning [01815] fire [05135].
20 Notwithstanding [4133] in [1722] this [5129] rejoice [5463] not [3361], that [3754] the spirits [4151] are subject [5293] unto you [5213]; but [1161] rather [3123] rejoice [5463], because [3754] your [5216] names [3686] are written [1125] in [1722] heaven [3772].
1 And at that time [06256] shall Michael [04317] stand up [05975], the great [01419] prince [08269] which standeth [05975] for the children [01121] of thy people [05971]: and there shall be [01961] a time [06256] of trouble [06869], such as never was since there was a nation [01471] even to that same time [06256]: and at that time [06256] thy people [05971] shall be delivered [04422], every one that shall be found [04672] written [03789] in the book [05612].
3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left [07604] in Zion [06726], and he that remaineth [03498] in Jerusalem [03389], shall be called [0559] holy [06918], even every one that is written [03789] among the living [02416] in Jerusalem [03389]:
28 Let them be blotted [04229] out of the book [05612] of the living [02416], and not be written [03789] with the righteous [06662].
32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive [05375] their sin [02403]--; and if not, blot [04229] me, I pray thee, out of thy book [05612] which thou hast written [03789].
8 And [2532] all [3956] that dwell [2730] upon [1909] the earth [1093] shall worship [4352] him [846], whose [3739] names [3686] are [1125] not [3756] written [1125] in [1722] the book [976] of life [2222] of the Lamb [721] slain [4969] from [575] the foundation [2602] of the world [2889].
5 He that overcometh [3528], the same [3778] shall be clothed [4016] in [1722] white [3022] raiment [2440]; and [2532] I will [1813] not [3364] blot out [1813] his [846] name [3686] out of [1537] the book [976] of life [2222], but [2532] I will confess [1843] his [846] name [3686] before [1799] my [3450] Father [3962], and [2532] before [1799] his [846] angels [32].
3 And [2532] I intreat [2065] thee [4571] also [2532], true [1103] yokefellow [4805], help [4815] those women [846] which [3748] laboured [4866] with me [3427] in [1722] the gospel [2098], with [3326] Clement [2815] also [2532], and [2532] with other [3062] my [3450] fellowlabourers [4904], whose [3739] names [3686] are in [1722] the book [976] of life [2222].
2 (And this [3778] taxing [582] was [1096] first [4413] made [1096] when Cyrenius [2958] was governor [2230] of Syria [4947].)
1 And [1161] it came to pass [1096] in [1722] those [1565] days [2250], that there went out [1831] a decree [1378] from [3844] Caesar [2541] Augustus [828], that all [3956] the world [3625] should be taxed [583].
5 To be taxed [583] with [4862] Mary [3137] his [846] espoused [3423] wife [1135], being [5607] great with child [1471].
3 And [2532] all [3956] went [4198] to be taxed [583], every one [1538] into [1519] his own [2398] city [4172].
1 And [1161] it came to pass [1096] in [1722] those [1565] days [2250], that there went out [1831] a decree [1378] from [3844] Caesar [2541] Augustus [828], that all [3956] the world [3625] should be taxed [583].
25 And the first [07223] came out [03318] red [0132], all over like an hairy [08181] garment [0155]; and they called [07121] his name [08034] Esau [06215].
16 Lest [3361] there be any [5100] fornicator [4205], or [2228] profane person [952], as [5613] Esau [2269], who [3739] for [473] one [3391] morsel of meat [1035] sold [591] his [846] birthright [4415].
22 And thou shalt say [0559] unto Pharaoh [06547], Thus saith [0559] the LORD [03068], Israel [03478] is my son [01121], even my firstborn [01060]:
11 And it shall be when the LORD [03068] shall bring [0935] thee into the land [0776] of the Canaanites [03669], as he sware [07650] unto thee and to thy fathers [01], and shall give [05414] it thee,
12 That thou shalt set apart [05674] unto the LORD [03068] all that openeth [06363] the matrix [07358], and every firstling [06363] that cometh [07698] of a beast [0929] which thou hast; the males [02145] shall be the LORD'S [03068].
13 And every firstling [06363] of an ass [02543] thou shalt redeem [06299] with a lamb [07716]; and if thou wilt not redeem [06299] it, then thou shalt break his neck [06202]: and all the firstborn [01060] of man [0120] among thy children [01121] shalt thou redeem [06299].
14 And it shall be when thy son [01121] asketh [07592] thee in time to come [04279], saying [0559], What is this? that thou shalt say [0559] unto him, By strength [02392] of hand [03027] the LORD [03068] brought us out [03318] from Egypt [04714], from the house [01004] of bondage [05650]:
15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh [06547] would hardly [07185] let us go [07971], that the LORD [03068] slew [02026] all the firstborn [01060] in the land [0776] of Egypt [04714], both the firstborn [01060] of man [0120], and the firstborn [01060] of beast [0929]: therefore I sacrifice [02076] to the LORD [03068] all that openeth [06363] the matrix [07358], being males [02145]; but all the firstborn [01060] of my children [01121] I redeem [06299].
16 And it shall be for a token [0226] upon thine hand [03027], and for frontlets [02903] between thine eyes [05869]: for by strength [02392] of hand [03027] the LORD [03068] brought us forth [03318] out of Egypt [04714].
1 And the LORD [03068] spake [01696] unto Moses [04872], saying [0559],
29 For [3754] whom [3739] he did foreknow [4267], he [4309] also [2532] did predestinate [4309] to be conformed [4832] to the image [1504] of his [846] Son [5207], that [1519] he [846] might be [1511] the firstborn [4416] among [1722] many [4183] brethren [80].
14 For [1063] as many as [3745] are led [71] by the Spirit [4151] of God [2316], they [3778] are [1526] the sons [5207] of God [2316].
15 For [1063] ye have [2983] not [3756] received [2983] the spirit [4151] of bondage [1397] again [3825] to [1519] fear [5401]; but [235] ye have received [2983] the Spirit [4151] of adoption [5206], whereby [1722] [3739] we cry [2896], Abba [5], Father [3962].
16 The Spirit [4151] itself [846] beareth witness [4828] with our [2257] spirit [4151], that [3754] we are [2070] the children [5043] of God [2316]:
17 And [1161] if [1487] children [5043], then [2532] heirs [2818]; heirs [2818] of God [3303] [2316], and [1161] joint-heirs [4789] with Christ [5547]; if so be [1512] that we suffer with [4841] him, that [2443] we may be [4888] also [2532] glorified together [4888].
7 And [2532] she brought forth [5088] her [846] firstborn [4416] son [5207], and [2532] wrapped [4683] him [846] in swaddling clothes [4683], and [2532] laid [347] him [846] in [1722] a manger [5336]; because [1360] there was [2258] no [3756] room [5117] for them [846] in [1722] the inn [2646].
28 Through faith [4102] he kept [4160] the passover [3957], and [2532] the sprinkling [4378] of blood [129], lest [3363] he that destroyed [3645] the firstborn [4416] should touch [2345] them [846].
5 And [2532] from [575] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], who is the faithful [4103] witness [3144], and the first begotten [4416] of [1537] the dead [3498], and [2532] the prince [758] of the kings [935] of the earth [1093]. Unto him that loved [25] us [2248], and [2532] washed [3068] us [2248] from [575] our [2257] sins [266] in [1722] his own [846] blood [129],
6 And [1161] again [3825], when [3752] he bringeth in [1521] the firstbegotten [4416] into [1519] the world [3625], he saith [3004], And [2532] let [4352] all [3956] the angels [32] of God [2316] worship [4352] him [846].
18 And [2532] he [846] is [2076] the head [2776] of the body [4983], the church [1577]: who [3739] is [2076] the beginning [746], the firstborn [4416] from [1537] the dead [3498]; that [2443] in [1722] all [3956] things he [846] might have [1096] the preeminence [4409].
15 Who [3739] is [2076] the image [1504] of the invisible [517] God [2316], the firstborn [4416] of every [3956] creature [2937]:
29 For [3754] whom [3739] he did foreknow [4267], he [4309] also [2532] did predestinate [4309] to be conformed [4832] to the image [1504] of his [846] Son [5207], that [1519] he [846] might be [1511] the firstborn [4416] among [1722] many [4183] brethren [80].
1 Paul [3972], and [2532] Silvanus [4610], and [2532] Timotheus [5095], unto the church [1577] of the Thessalonians [2331] which is in [1722] God [2316] the Father [3962] and [2532] in the Lord [2962] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547]: Grace [5485] be unto you [5213], and [2532] peace [1515], from [575] God [2316] our [2257] Father [3962], and [2532] the Lord [2962] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547].
18 And [1161] I say [3004] also [2504] unto thee [4671], That [3754] thou [4771] art [1488] Peter [4074], and [2532] upon [1909] this [5026] rock [4073] I will build [3618] my [3450] church [1577]; and [2532] the gates [4439] of hell [86] shall [2729] not [3756] prevail against [2729] it [846].
3 Who [3739] being [5607] the brightness [541] of his glory [1391], and [2532] the express image [5481] of his [846] person [5287], and [5037] upholding [5342] all things [3956] by the word [4487] of his [846] power [1411], when he had [4160] [2512] by [1223] himself [1438] purged [4160] [2512] our [2257] sins [266], sat down [2523] on [1722] the right hand [1188] of the Majesty [3172] on [1722] high [5308];
19 Wherefore [5101] then [3767] serveth the law [3551]? It was added [4369] because of [5484] transgressions [3847], till [891] [3739] the seed [4690] should come [2064] to whom [3739] the promise was made [1861]; and it was ordained [1299] by [1223] angels [32] in [1722] the hand [5495] of a mediator [3316].
2 For [1063] if [1487] the word [3056] spoken [2980] by [1223] angels [32] was [1096] stedfast [949], and [2532] every [3956] transgression [3847] and [2532] disobedience [3876] received [2983] a just [1738] recompence of reward [3405];
10 Rejoice [08055] ye with Jerusalem [03389], and be glad [01523] with her, all ye that love [0157] her: rejoice [07797] for joy [04885] with her, all ye that mourn [056] for her:
5 What will ye do [06213] in the solemn [04150] day [03117], and in the day [03117] of the feast [02282] of the LORD [03068]?
11 I will also cause all her mirth [04885] to cease [07673], her feast days [02282], her new moons [02320], and her sabbaths [07676], and all her solemn feasts [04150].
11 But the miry places [01207] thereof and the marishes [01360] thereof shall not be healed [07495]; they shall be given [05414] to salt [04417].
12 Not [3756] as though [3754] I had already [2235] attained [2983], either [2228] were already [2235] perfect [5048]: but [1161] I follow after [1377], if [1499] that I may apprehend [2638] that for [1909] which [3739] also [2532] I am apprehended [2638] of [5259] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424].
18 Of his own will [1014] begat he [616] us [2248] with the word [3056] of truth [225], that [1519] we [2248] should be [1511] a kind [5100] of firstfruits [536] of his [846] creatures [2938].
32 And [1161] the multitude [4128] of them that believed [4100] were [2258] of one heart [2588] and [2532] of one [3391] soul [5590]: neither [2532] [3761] said [3004] any [1520] of them that ought [5100] of the things which he [846] possessed [5224] was [1511] his own [2398]; but [235] they [846] had [2258] all things [537] common [2839].
4 There is one [1520] body [4983], and [2532] one [1520] Spirit [4151], even as [2531] [2532] ye are called [2564] in [1722] one [3391] hope [1680] of your [5216] calling [2821];
3 Endeavouring [4704] to keep [5083] the unity [1775] of the Spirit [4151] in [1722] the bond [4886] of peace [1515].
18 For [3754] through [1223] him [846] we [2192] both [297] have [2192] access [4318] by [1722] one [1520] Spirit [4151] unto [4314] the Father [3962].
1 Now [1161] I say [3004], That the heir [2818], as long as [1909] [3745] [5550] he is [2076] a child [3516], differeth [1308] nothing [3762] from a servant [1401], though he be [5607] lord [2962] of all [3956];
2 But [235] is [2076] under [5259] tutors [2012] and [2532] governors [3623] until [891] the time appointed [4287] of the father [3962].
3 Even [2532] so [3779] we [2249], when [3753] we were [2258] children [3516], were [2258] in bondage [1402] under [5259] the elements [4747] of the world [2889]:
11 And [2532] they shall [1321] not [3364] teach [1321] every man [1538] his [846] neighbour [4139], and [2532] every man [1538] his [846] brother [80], saying [3004], Know [1097] the Lord [2962]: for [3754] all [3956] shall know [1492] me [3165], from [575] the least [3398] [846] to [2193] the greatest [3173] [846].
12 For [2532] [1063] when for [1223] the time [5550] ye ought [3784] to be [1511] teachers [1320], ye have [2192] need [5532] that one teach [1321] you [5209] again [3825] which [5101] be the first [746] principles [4747] of the oracles [3051] of God [2316]; and [2532] are become such as [1096] have [2192] need [5532] of milk [1051], and [2532] not [3756] of strong [4731] meat [5160].
13 For [1063] every one [3956] that useth [3348] milk [1051] is unskilful [552] in the word [3056] of righteousness [1343]: for [1063] he is [2076] a babe [3516].
14 But [1161] strong [4731] meat [5160] belongeth to them that are [2076] of full age [5046], even those who by reason [1223] of use [1838] have [2192] their senses [145] exercised [1128] to [4314] discern [1253] both [5037] good [2570] and [2532] evil [2556].