HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVIII: THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVIII: THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES. 

Introduction:

This book, which is especially memorable for its graphic description of the designs, which Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and carpenters, makes on the shield which he designs for Achilles at the request of his mother Thetis, is also significant because it sees the end of the long third day of fighting, which begins as far back as Book XI - see l. 242 - after Nestor's son, Antiochus has brought the sad news of Patroclus' death to Achilles, and Thetis has come from the sea to try to console Achilles. When night falls the Trojans meet in assembly (see ll. 242-314), and one of their leaders, Polydamas, wisely counsels that they should return to the safety of their city, but Priam's son Hector strongly disagrees and insists that they continue the fight to try to capture the Achaean ships, and his view prevails. Meanwhile, Achilles promises to avenge Patroclus by killing Hector, even though he knows this will bring about his own early death (ll. 314-367). During the night Thetis goes to Olympus and persuades Hephaestus to make a new suit of armour and shield for Achilles, as Hector has carried off the armour that he lent to Patroclus, and is wearing it himself (see ll. 368-461). The rest of the book is largely taken up with a lengthy and detailed description of the designs on the shield, and the three circles, which are lodged between the central boss and the outer rim, feature a microcosm of human life and activity (ll. 490-606).  

Ll. 1-21. Antilochus tells Achilles that Patroclus is dead. 

So they fought on like blazing fire, and the swift-footed Antilochus came with the news to Achilles. And he found him in front of his ships with their upright horns, contemplating in his heart those things which had now come to pass; and, sorely troubled (as he was), he then spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "O woe is me, why then are the long-haired Achaeans being driven back again over the plain in terror to the ships? May the gods not bring to pass, as I fear they may, those grievous woes to my heart, even as my mother once revealed, when she said to me that, while I was still living, the best of the Myrmidons would leave the light of the sun beneath the hands of the Trojans. For sure, the valiant son of Menoetius must now be dead - foolhardy (as he was)! And yet I bade him come back to the ships, once the enemy's fire had been pushed back, and not fight bravely with Hector."

While he pondered these (things) in his mind and in his heart, the son of noble Nestor (i.e. Antilochus) came up close to him, shedding hot tears, and gave (him) the painful message: "Woe is me, (you) son of the warrior Peleus, now indeed you must hear grievous tidings (of something) that ought never to have happened. Patroclus lies (dead), and now they are fighting over his naked corpse; and Hector of the shining helmet has your armour."  

Ll. 22-64. Thetis and the Nereids join Achilles in his sorrow. 

So he spoke, and a black cloud of grief enveloped him (i.e. Achilles); and, taking up the sooty dust in both of his hands, he strewed (it) over his head, and soiled his handsome face; and the black ashes settled upon his sweet-smelling tunic. And he, himself, lay outstretched in the dust, mighty in his mightiness, and he defiled his hair, as he tore at (it) with his hands. And the handmaids that Achilles and Patroclus had seized as booty, shrieked aloud in anguish of heart, and they ran outside around the warrior Achilles, and they all beat their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each one of them were loosed beneath (her). And on the other side Antilochus wailed and shed tears, as he held the hands of Achilles, as he (i.e. Achilles) let out a groan from his noble heart; for he (i.e. Antilochus) feared that he might cut his throat with a knife. Then he (i.e. Achilles) gave a terrible cry, and his queenly mother (i.e. Thetis) heard (him) as she sat in the sea beside the old man, her father (i.e. Nereus), and then she wailed aloud at once; and the goddesses gathered around her, all (of them) daughters of Nereus, who were (there) in the depths of the sea. There were Glauce, and Thaleia, and Cymodoce, Nesaea, and Speio, and Thoë, and ox-eyed Halië, and Cymothoë, and Actaea, and Limnoreia, and Melite, and Iaera, and Amphithoë, and Agaue, and Doto, and Proto, and Pherousa, and Dynamene, and Dexamene, and Amphinome, and Callaneira, and Doris, and Panope, and the renowned Galateia, and Nemertes, and Apseudes, and Callianassa; and then there were Clymene, Ianeira, and Ianassa, and Maera, and Oreithia, and Amatheia with the lovely hair, and the other daughters of Nereus, who were (there) in the depths of the sea. And the shining-white cavern was filled with them; and they all beat their breasts together, and Thetis took the lead in the laments: "Listen, sister Nereids, so you can all well hear and know the sorrows that (are) in my heart. Woe is me, wretched as I am, woe is me, mother of the noblest son, since I bore a son, both noble and strong, (and) pre-eminent among warriors; and he shot up like a sapling; and, having tended him like a tree in a fruitful orchard, I sent him forth in the beaked ships to Ilium to fight the Trojans; but I shall never welcome him once more to the house of Peleus on his return home. Yet, while he lives (here) with me and sees the light of the sun, he is suffering, and I cannot give him any help when I go (to him). But go I shall, so that I may hear my dear son and hear what grief has come to him, while he holds aloof from the fighting." 

Ll. 65-96. Achilles tells Thetis of his grief at the death of Patroclus.

So saying, she left the cavern; and they (i.e. the Nereids) went with her in tears, and the waves of the sea burst around them; and, when they came to the very fertile (land of) Troy, they went, one after another, on to the beach, where the ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up closely around swift Achilles. His queenly mother stood beside him, groaning heavily (as he was), and, with a shrill cry, she took up his head (in her arms) and spoke these winged words to him as she wailed: "My son, why are you weeping? What grief has come upon your heart? Speak out and do not hide (it)! The things you wanted have been brought to pass by Zeus, as you once prayed with outstretched hands that all of the sons of the Achaeans should be confined on the sterns (of their ships), desperately in need of you, and suffering cruel things."

Then, groaning heavily, swift-footed Achilles answered her: "My mother, the Olympian has certainly done these (things) for me; but what pleasure do I (derive) from them, when my dear comrade Patroclus is dead, (he) whom I valued above all my companions (and) equally with my own life? Him have I lost, and Hector, (who) slew (him), has stripped from (him) that fine, that mighty armour, a wonder to behold; the gods gave it (as) a glorious gift to Peleus on the day when they laid you in the bed of a mortal man. If only you had remained there with the immortal (goddesses) of the sea, and Peleus had wed a mortal wife. But in fact (they made you the wife of a mortal), so that you too would have the infinite grief of losing a son, whom you may never welcome home again as he returns, since my heart does not bid me live on, nor abide among men, unless Hector is first struck by my spear and shall lose his life, and repay (me) for the plundering of Patroclus, son of Menoetius."  

Then, shedding tears, Thetis spoke to him once more: "Then, my child, (if) you say such (things), you will die early; for straightway after Hector is your own doom at hand." 

Ll. 97-126. Achilles resolves to return to battle and kill Hector. 

Then, deeply moved, the swift-footed Achilles spoke to her: "May I die straightaway, since I was not, it seems, destined to bring succour to my comrade when he was slain; for he died very far from his native-land, and he had need of me to protect (him) from destruction. And now, since I shall not be returning to my dear native-land, nor have I proved to be any light of deliverance to Patroclus or to any other of his companions, many of whom have been overpowered by godlike Hector, but I have sat (here) by the ships, a useless burden upon the land, (I who) am (one) such as no one (else) among the bronze-clad Achaeans (is) in war, although there are others (who are) better in council, so may strife perish among gods and men, and the anger that causes even wise (men) to become ill-tempered, and that (is) much sweeter (to men) than trickling honey, and swells in the breasts of men like smoke; so has Agamemnon, king of men, now moved me to wrath. But we should let these (things) be, despite our pain, forcing down the anger in our hearts; but now I shall go to find Hector, the killer of my dear comrade; and I shall now accept my fate, whenever Zeus and the other immortal gods should wish to bring (it) about. For neither did even the mighty Heracles escape death, even though he was most dear to the lord Zeus, son of Cronos, but fate and the dreaded wrath of Hera overcame him; so also shall I, if the same fate is in store for me, lie low when I am dead; but now let me win glorious renown, and cause some deep-bosomed Trojan and Dardanian (women) to wipe with both hands the tears from their tender cheeks and to groan loudly, and let (them) know that I have kept away from the fighting for far too long (i.e. for sixteen days in fact). And do not (try to) hold me back from the fighting, even though you love me; for you will not persuade me." 

Ll. 127-147. Thetis promises to arrange fresh armour for Achilles. 

Then did the silver-footed goddess Thetis answer him: "Yes indeed. my child, for it is truly no bad (thing) to save your hard-pressed companions from utter destruction. But your fine armour is held among the Trojans, gleaming in bronze (as it is); Hector of the shining helmet exults as he wears it himself on his shoulders; but I do not think he will have pride in it for long, as his death is close at hand. But yet you must not enter into the fray of war, until you see me before your eyes returning here; for in the morning I shall return at the rising of the sun, bearing fine armour from lord Hephaestus."

So saying, she turned away from her son, and turning her attention to her sister of the sea (i.e. the Nereids) she said to (them): "Do you now plunge into the broad lap of the ocean, in order that you may behold the old man of the sea (i.e. Nereus)  and our father's house, and tell him everything; and I shall go to lofty Olympus, to Hephaestus, the master-craftsman, (to see) if he will be willing to give my son some glorious bright-shining armour."

So she spoke, and, at once, they plunged beneath the swell of the sea; and then the goddess, silver-footed Thetis made her way to Olympus, in order to bring back glorious armour for her dear son.    

Ll. 148-180. Hera tells Achilles to show himself to the Trojans. 

Her feet bore her to Olympus; but the Achaeans, amid fearful shouting, (were) driven in flight by man-slaying Hector, and came to the ships and the Hellespont. Yet, the well-greaved Achaeans could not drag back the corpse of Achilles' squire Patroclus out of range of the missiles; for then again did the host and the chariots catch up with it, as did Hector, the son of Priam, like a flame in his fury. Three times did glorious Hector seize him by the feet from behind, yearning to drag (him) away, and loudly did he call upon the Trojans; three times did the two Aiantes, clad in fighting spirit, drive (him) away from the corpse by force; but he, trusting firmly in his own strength, sometimes charged into the fray, and sometimes stood his ground, shouting loudly; but he would not go backwards at all. And, just as rural shepherds cannot in any way drive a tawny lion away from a carcass when it is very hungry, so the two warrior Aiantes could not scare Priam's son Hector away from the corpse. And now he would have dragged (it) away and won unspeakable glory, if swift Iris, with her feet as quick as the wind, had not come running from Olympus with a message for the son of Peleus, unbeknown to Zeus and the other gods,  that he should arm himself; for Hera had sent her. And she drew nigh, and spoke these winged words to (him): "Arise, son of Peleus, the most dreaded of all men; come to the aid of Patroclus, for whose sake a dreadful battle is taking place in front of the ships, and they are killing each other, some (i.e. the Achaeans) fighting in defence of the dead body, and the Trojans are longing to drag (it) to windy Ilium; and glorious Hector is especially keen to drag (him) away; and his heart bids him to cut the head from the tender neck and fix (it) on the stakes of the palisade. But up (you get) and do not lie (there) any longer! And let a feeling of awe come over your heart that Patroclus should become a plaything of the Trojan dogs; the shame (will be) yours if the corpse should come (to be) at all disfigured."    

Ll. 181-218. The voice of Achilles terrifies the Trojans.

Then did the swift-footed godlike Achilles answer her: "Now, goddess Iris, which one of the gods sent you to me as a messenger?"

Then did swift Iris, with her feet as quick as the wind, speak to him again: "Hera, the glorious wife of Zeus, sent me forth; and the son of Cronos, who sits on high, knows nothing (of this), neither (do) any other of the immortals who dwell upon snow-capped Olympus."

Then, swift-footed Achilles spoke to her in reply: "So how am I to enter the fray? For those yonder have my armour; and my dear mother does not allow me to arm myself, until I behold her (here) before my eyes on her return; for she promised to bring me some beautiful armour from Hephaestus. And I know no one else whose glorious armour I might don, except the shield of Telamonian Ajax. But he, himself, I imagine, is consorting with the front ranks, slashing away with his spear beside the dead Patroclus. 

Then swift Iris, with her feet as quick as the wind, spoke to him again: "Well do we also know that they are holding your glorious armour, but go to the trench just as you are, and show yourself to the Trojans, so that, in their fear of you, the Trojans may desist from fighting, and the warrior sons of the Achaeans may gain some relief, weary (as they are); for (there is) little respite in war."

When she had spoken thus, the swift-footed Iris departed, but Achilles, beloved of Zeus, got up, and Athene flung her tasselled aegis around his mighty shoulders, and that most divine of goddesses put a golden cloud around his head, and from it there burned a bright-shining flame. And, as when smoke goes up from a city and reaches the sky from an island in the distance, which their enemies are attacking, the (inhabitants) contend with hateful Ares all day long from their own city; but, when the sun sets, the throng of beacons blazes forth, and the glare shoots up for their neighbours to see, in the hope that they might come (across) in their ships to protect (them) from destruction; such (was) the light (that) blazed up into the sky from the head of Achilles; then, he went from the wall to the trench, and took his stand, but he did not attach himself to the Achaeans; for he had regard to his mother's wise behest. There he stood and shouted, and aside from (him) Pallas Athene raised her voice; but among the Trojans (his voice) caused an unspeakable tumult. 

Ll. 219-242. The Achaeans recover the body of Patroclus.

As when the voice of a trumpet sounds out loud and clear when a city is surrounded by murderous enemies, so clear then was the voice of the grandson of Aeacus (i.e. Achilles). And so, when they heard the brazen voice of the grandson of Aeacus, the hearts of all (of them) shook with fear; even the fair-maned horses turned their chariots back; for they foresaw pain in their hearts. And the charioteers were stricken with fear, when they saw the tireless fire blazing fearfully over the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene made it blaze, Thrice did the godlike Achilles shout loudly over the trench, and thrice were the Trojans and their renowned allies thrown into panic. And there and then did twelve of their best men perish amid their own chariots and spears. But the Achaeans gladly drew Patroclus out of the range of the missiles and laid (him) on a bier; and his beloved comrades  thronged around (him) weeping; and swift-footed Achilles followed after them, shedding hot tears, as he saw his trusty comrade lying on a litter, cloven asunder by sharp bronze. In truth had he sent him to war with horses and chariots, but never did he welcome (him) back again on his return. 

Then, ox-eyed queenly Hera sent the tireless sun reluctantly on his way to the stream of Ocean; so set the sun, and the godlike Achaeans could desist from the mighty strife and evenly balanced warfare. 

Ll. 243-283. The Trojan assembly.

And, on the other side, the Trojans, when they returned from the fierce conflict, loosed their swift horses from beneath their carriages, and gathered together in their assembly before they saw to their supper. And the assembly was held (with them) rightly standing up, and no one was minded to sit; for trembling had come upon all (of them), because Achilles had shown himself, although he had held himself aloof from the fighting for a long time. Then among them wise Polydamas, the son of Panthoüs, was the first to speak, for he alone had eyes for the future and the past; and he was a comrade of Hector, and on the same night were they born, but the former was much the better at speech, and the latter with the spear; then, he addressed them with good intentions: "Think very carefully about (our situation), my friends; now I for my part bid (you) go now to the city, and not await bright dawn on the plain beside the ships; for we are far from the wall. As long as this man (i.e. Achilles) maintained his anger against godlike Agamemnon, so too were the Achaeans easier to fight with; for I too was glad to spend the night by the swift ships, in the hope that we should take those ships, rowed on both sides (as they are). But now do I terribly fear the swift-footed son of Peleus; so violent (is) his spirit that he will not wish to abide on the plain, where in its centre Trojans and Achaeans share in the might of Ares, but he will fight for our city and our wives. But let us go the city, and do you put your trust in me; for it will be as I say; immortal night has now halted the swift-footed son of Peleus; but if tomorrow he comes upon us while we are here, and rushes at (us) with his armed strength, then many a man shall know him well; for gladly will he reach sacred Ilium, whoever escapes (that is), and dogs and vultures will feed on many of the Trojans; if only such words could be far from my hearing. But, if we hearken to my words, despite our distress, we shall keep out forces in the place of assembly during the night, and the walls and the lofty gateways, and the long well-planed closely-shut doors that fit on them, will protect the city. Then early tomorrow morning, arrayed in our armour, we shall take our stand on the walls; and the worse (it will be) for him, if he should be minded to come from the ships and fight with us around the wall. Back again to the ships shall he go, when he has exhausted his horses on all sorts of running trips, while driving (them) to and fro beneath the battlements; but his heart will not allow him to force his way into the city, nor ever shall he lay (it) waste; before (that happens) the swift-(footed) dogs will devour him." 

Ll. 284-323. The lamentation for Patroclus. 

Then, Hector of the shining helmet looked at him with a scowl and said: "Polydamas, these (things) you are saying (are) not at all pleasing to me, since you are telling (us) to go back and be cooped up within the city. In truth, have you not yet had your fill of being confined within those walls. For, in the past, all men endowed with speech used to talk of Priam's city as rich in gold (and) rich in bronze. But now these fine treasures have utterly vanished from our houses, and many of those possessions have now gone to Phrygia and lovely Maeonia to be sold, since Zeus's great anger has fallen upon (us). But now, when the son of wily-minded Cronos has granted me (the power) to win glory by the ships, and to confine the Achaeans to the sea, now is not the time to disclose these thoughts among the people; for not one of the Trojans will be persuaded (by you); for I shall not permit (it). But come, let us all be persuaded (to do) as I say. And you should take your supper among the companies throughout the army, and remember to keep watch, and every (man) must stay awake. But whoever among the Trojans is exceedingly concerned about his possessions, let him gather (them) up and give (them) to the people to make use of; it is better that they should should partake of them than the Achaeans. But early in the morning, arrayed in our armour, let us engage in sharp warfare by the hollow ships. But, if (it is) true (that) godlike Achilles is standing beside the ships, the worse will it be for him if he wants (to fight); I will not flee from him on account of the horrors of warfare, but I will stand firmly against him, whether he shall win a great victory, or I shall win (one). The God of War (is) common (to us all), and he (often) slays (the one) who would slay."   

So Hector addressed (them), and the Trojans roared in approval, the fools (that they were); for Pallas Athene had taken their wits away from them. For they applauded Hector for his bad planning, and not one of them praised Polydamas, who had given them good counsel. Then, they took supper throughout the host; but the Achaeans wept and loudly lamented Patroclus all night long. Now, the son of Peleus led their loud lament, laying his man-slaying hands upon the breast of his companion, groaning most incessantly like a well-bearded lion, whose cubs some stag-hunting man has stolen away from the thick wood; and, when he comes back later, he is full of anguish, and he ranges through many of the mountain glens, looking for the man's footprints, in the hope that he should discover his whereabouts; for the most bitter fury takes hold of (him); thus, groaning heavily, did he (i.e. Achilles) speak to the Myrmidons:  

Ll. 324-359. Achilles promises to avenge Patroclus.

"Alas, how idle were those words I let fall on that day, when I sought to console the warrior Menoetius in our palace (i.e. the palace of Peleus in Phthia); for I said to him that I would bring his son back to Epois (i.e. the city in Locris, that was the home of Menoetius and Patroclus) in glory, after he had sacked Ilium and been allotted his share of the spoil. But Zeus does not bring about all (the things that are) planned by men; for both (of us) are fated to redden the same (stretch of) earth here in Troy, since neither the old charioteer Peleus nor my mother Thetis will welcome me in his palace on my return, but the earth in this place will hold (me) fast. But now, Patroclus, since I shall be going under the earth later than you, I shall not bury you with due honours until I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, your great-hearted slayer; and I shall cut the throats of twelve splendid Trojan children before your pyre, in my wrath at your slaying. Until then, you will lie as you are, beside my beaked ships, and around you deep-breasted Trojan and Dardanian (women) will grieve and shed tears (for you) night and day, (the ones) that we ourselves laboured to win with all our strength and our long spears as we sacked the rich cities of mortal men."

So speaking, godlike Achilles bade his comrades set a mighty cauldron over the fire, so that they might wash the bloody gore from Patroclus. And for the purpose of bath-water they placed a cauldron over the burning fire, and poured water into (it), and they took firewood, which they kindled beneath (it). And the fire encompassed the belly of the cauldron, and the water grew hot, and, when the water boiled in the gleaming bronze, then they washed (him) and anointed (him) richly with oil, and filled his wounds with a seasoned ointment; and they laid (him) on a bier, and covered (him) with fine linen from head to foot, and with a white cloak on top. Then, the Myrmidons (gathered) around swift-footed Achilles all night long, lamenting Patroclus with groans; and Zeus spoke to Hera, his sister and wife (as follows): "So you have brought it about, ox-eyed queenly Hera, you have stirred swift-footed Achilles into action; so it must now be true, that the long-haired Achaeans are born from your very self."      

Ll. 360-387. Thetis comes to the house of Hephaestus to seek his help. 

And then did ox-eyed queenly Hera answer him: "Dread son of Cronos, what a statement you have made! Surely now, I presume, a man is likely to do what he wants to a fellow-man, one that is but mortal and does not know everything that I do; how then ought not I, whom I believe to be the best of the goddesses on two accounts, both by birth and because I am called your wife, and you are king of all the immortals, (how then ought not I) to contrive troubles for the Trojans, when I bear a grudge against (them)?" 

So did they say such (things) to each other; but silver-footed Thetis came to the house of Hephaestus, imperishable, star-decked, and pre-eminent among the immortals for its bronze, which the crook-footed (god) himself had built. There she found him bustling to and fro around his bellows, sweating with his exertion; for he was making tripods, twenty in all, to stand around the wall of his well-built mansion, and he had placed golden wheels beneath the base of each one, so that, at his wish, they might enter the meeting-place of the gods, and return again to his house, a wonder to behold. Now, they had almost reached completion, but the skilfully wrought handles were not yet attached; these he was making, and forging the rivets. And, while he was working at these (things) with his knowing mind, so the silver-footed goddess Thetis came close to him. Then, the fair Charis (i.e. Grace), with her bright headband, came forth and saw her, (she) to whom the famous lame (god) was married; and she clasped her by the hand, and spoke these words to her and addressed her by name: "Wherefore, Thetis of the flowing robe, have you come to our house, honoured and beloved (as you are)? Before now, you have not visited us at all often. But follow (me) further inside, so that I may set hospitable (things) before you."   

Ll. 388-427. Hephaestus asks Thetis what it is she wants from him-. 

So saying, that most divine of goddesses (i.e. Charis) led (her) onwards. Then, she sat her down on a silver-studded chair, beautiful and cunningly-wrought (it was); and beneath it was a stool for her feet. Then, she called out to Hephaestus, the famous craftsman, and said these words (to him); "Hephaestus, do come here! Thetis is now in some need of you." Then, the famous lame (god) answered her: "So now in truth, a goddess, revered and honoured by me, (is) in (my hall); she (it was who) saved me, when she came upon me in pain, when I fell a long way at the will of my shameless mother (i.e. Hera) who wanted to hide me away because I was crippled; then would I have suffered woes in my heart, if Eurynome and Thetis had not welcomed me to their bosoms; Eurynome (is) the daughter of the backward-flowing Ocean. (I lived) with them for nine years, and crafted many cunning works of copper in their hollow cave - brooches, and bent pins, and ear-rings, and necklaces; and around (me) there flowed the unspeakably great stream of Ocean, seething with foam; no one else knew (of me), neither among the gods, nor among mortal men, but Thetis and Eurynome knew, (the ones) that saved me. Now she comes to our house; therefore, (there is) a great need for me to repay lovely-haired Thetis for saving my life. But do you now set before her some fine gifts for guests, while I put away my bellows and all my tools."

He spoke, and from the anvil arose a mighty monster limping, and his slender legs moved swiftly beneath him. He placed the bellows away from the fire, and gathered all his tools into a silver chest; and  he wiped both sides of his face and both his hands, and his sturdy neck and his shaggy chest with a sponge, and he put on a tunic, and grasped a stout staff, and went forth limping; and handmaids made of gold moved swiftly in support of their lord, like living maidens. 

And they have understanding in their minds, and in (them there is) also speech and strength, and they have knowledge of handiwork from the immortal gods. And they bustled about at the side of their master; but he (came) close to where Thetis (was), and sat down on a shining chair, and he put his hand in hers and spoke these words and addressed (her) by name: "Wherefore, Thetis of the flowing robe, have you come to our house, honoured and beloved (as you are)? Before now, you have not visited us at all often. Speak whatever is in your mind; and my heart bids (me) undertake (it), if I can do it, and if it can be accomplished."

Ll. 428-461. Thetis asks Hephaestus to provide Achilles with another suit of armour.

Then, Thetis answered him while shedding tears: "Hephaestus, is there any one of all the goddesses on Olympus, who has endured so many grievous woes in her heart, as these sorrows which Zeus has given me beyond all others? Out of (all) the daughters of the sea he would subject me alone to a man, and I endured the bed of a mortal, Peleus, the son of Aeacus, though very much against my will. Now, he lies in his halls, worn out with grievous old age, but now other (griefs are) mine, since he (i.e. Zeus) gave me a son to bear and to rear, (who is) pre-eminent among warriors; and he shot up like a sapling; and, having tended him like a tree in a fruitful orchard, I sent him forth in the beaked ships to Ilium to fight the Trojans; but I shall never welcome him once more to the house of Peleus on his return home. Yet, while he lives (here) with me and sees the light of the sun, he is suffering, and I cannot give him any help when I go (to him). The maiden, whom the sons of the Achaeans chose as a gift of honour for him (i.e. Briseïs), the lord Agamemnon took her back from out of his arms. In truth, he was pining in his heart with grief for her; but the Trojans were penning the Achaeans into the sterns (of their ships), nor would they let (them) break out; and the elders of the Argives pleaded with him, and gave the names of the many glorious gifts (they would give him). Then, while he refused to ward off their ruin himself, yet he clad Patroclus in his own armour and sent him to war, and a considerable force to go with (him). And they fought all day around the Scaean gates; and they would have sacked the city on that very day, if Apollo had not slain the courageous son of Menoetius amid the foremost fighters, after he had caused much havoc, and given the glory to Hector. Therefore, I have now come to these knees of yours, (to see) if you are willing to give my son, who is facing an early death, a shield, and a helmet, and a fine (pair of) greaves fitted with ankle guards, and a breastplate; for his trusted comrade lost (the armour) which he had, when he was overcome by the Trojans; now he (i.e. Achilles) lies on the ground in anguish of heart."  

Ll. 462-489. Hephaestus forges a shield for Achilles, and begins to decorate it. 

Then, the famous lame (god) answered her: "Be of good cheer! Do not let these (things) cause you anxiety in your heart. Would that I were as able to hide him far away from hateful death, when dread fate shall come upon him, as (I am to ensure) that fine armour will be made for him, such that anyone of the many men who may see (it) in the future will marvel at (it)." 

So saying, he left her there, and went to his bellows; and he turned them towards the fire and bade (them) get to work. And the bellows, twenty (pairs) in all, blew upon the melting pots, sending out strong blasts of every degree (of force), at one time to help (him) as he laboured hard, and, at another time, in whatever way Hephaestus might wish to complete his work. And on the fire he threw stubborn bronze and tin, and precious gold and silver, and then he placed a great anvil on the anvil-block, and he took hold of a mighty hammer in (one) hand, and grasped a pair of tongs in the other. 

Then, he began to make a big and sturdy shield, skilfully wrought all over, and he set a rim of triple thickness around (it), bright (and) gleaming, and from (it he let fall) a silver strap. And there were five folds of the shield itself, and on it he wrought many curious devices, (stemming) from the knowledge in his mind.   

And on it he wrought the earth, and the sky and the sea, and the unwearied sun and the moon at the full, and on (it he wrought) all the constellations with which heaven is crowned, the Pleiades and the Hyades, and the mighty Orion and the Bear, which (men) also call by the name of the Wain, and she circles around in the same place and watches out for Orion, and is alone in not sharing in the baths of the Ocean (i.e. the Homeric Greeks believed that the constellation Ursa Major never set).      

Ll. 490-526. Hephaestus decorates the shield with illustrations of city life. 

And on (it) he modelled two fine cities of mortal men. And in the one there were marriages and feasts, and they were escorting the brides from their bed-chambers through the city beneath the light of blazing torches, and loud rose the wedding song; and the young men were whirling around in the dance, and among them flutes and lyres kept up their sound, and the women stood, each at her doorway, and gazed in wonder. But crowds of men were in the place of assembly; and there there was a quarrel taking place, and two men were quarrelling over the blood-money for a man who had been killed; one claimed that he had made payment in full, and was telling this to the people, but the other denied that he had received anything; and both were eager that a decision should be taken by an arbitrator. And folk were cheering the two of them on, and shouting their support for (them) both. But heralds held the people back; and the elders sat on the polished stones in the sacred circle, and held in their hands the sceptres (they had received) from the loud-voiced heralds; with these they sprang up and gave their judgment in turn. And two talents of gold lay in their midst, to be given to the one who among them should utter the most correct judgment.   

Around the other city, two divisions of warriors had been sitting in their shining armour; and two views found favour with them, whether to  destroy (it) completely, or to divide in two all the property which the lovely city contained within (it); but they (i.e. the townspeople) were not yet ready to comply, and had secretly armed themselves for an ambush. Now, their dear wives and little children were defending the wall they were placed upon, and among them (were) the men, whom old age had overtaken; and they (i.e. the men of the city) were setting out; and Ares and Pallas Athene were leading them, both (shown) in gold and clad in golden garments, and huge and beautiful in their armour, and yet as gods they were standing out apart (from the others); and the men were somewhat smaller. And, when at length they came (to the place) where it was possible for them to lie in ambush, down by a river, where there was a watering-place for all the cattle, then there they took up their positions, covered with shining bronze. Then, two scouts were stationed by them some distance apart from the host, to wait until they caught sight of the sheep and the crumpled-horned cattle. And soon they came forward, and two herdsmen followed after (them), playing on their pipes; and they foresaw no danger at all.       

Ll. 527-560. Hephaestus completes his illustration of the city at war, and then looks at ploughing and reaping. 

Those who were looking out for them rushed forward, and then they speedily cut off the herds of cattle and the fine flocks of white sheep, and they killed the shepherds as well. And so, when they (i.e. the besiegers) heard the great hubbub over the cattle, as they sat before the place of assembly, they got on their high-stepping horses at once and went in pursuit, and swiftly overtook (them). Then, they joined battle and fought beside the river-banks, and they smote one another with their bronze-tipped spears. And among (them), Strife and Tumult joined in the fray, and among (them too) deadly Fate, bearing one man alive with a fresh wound, and another one unhurt, was dragging a dead man through the rumpus by the feet. And the garment that she wore around her shoulders (was) red with men's blood. And they joined in the fray and fought like living men, and they dragged away one another's bodies after they had been slain.   

And on (it) he made a fallow field of soft rich arable land, broad and triple-tilled; and many ploughmen were spinning their teams on it, and driving (them) to and fro. And when, having turned, they reached the headland of the field, then a man would come forward and put a cup of honey-sweet wine into their hands; and others would turn back along the furrows, eager to reach the headland of the deep fallow field. And behind (them) it turned dark, and looked as if it had been ploughed, although it was made of gold; so the outstanding marvel was made.   

And on (it) he made a king's demesne-land; and there hired labourers were reaping, with sharp sickles in their hands. Some dense handfuls (of corn) fell to the ground in swathes, while binders tied other (clusters) with bands (of straw). Three binders were standing ready; and behind (them) boys kept (them) constantly supplied, collecting (the corn) and bringing (it to them) in armfuls; and, among them, the king, holding his sceptre, was standing in silence by the swathe, joyful at heart. Now, heralds, standing apart beneath an oak-tree, were preparing a feast, and they were busy sacrificing a great ox; and the women were sprinkling white barley in abundance (on the meat) for the reapers' dinner.  

Ll. 561-589. Hephaestus' illustrations move on to vineyards, and the tending of cattle and sheep. 

And on (it) he made a vineyard very heavy with bunches of grapes, fair (and) made of gold; and along (it) there were black grapes, supported by silver poles throughout. And around (it) he set a trench in blue enamel, and a fence of tin; there was only a single path (leading) to it (i.e. the vineyard), on which the bearers went up and down whenever they harvested the vineyard. Maidens and youths with their minds full of glee were carrying the honey-sweet fruit in wicker baskets. And in their midst a boy played a lovely tune on his clear-toned lyre, and in  accompaniment he sang sweetly of Linos in his delicate treble voice; and the others followed (him), bounding on their feet, beating the earth in unison amid dancing and shouting. 

And on (it) he wrought a herd of straight-horned cattle; and the oxen were made of gold and tin, and they hurried with mooing from the farm-yard to their pasture beside the sounding river and the flickering reeds. And four golden herdsmen walked beside the cattle, and nine swift-footed dogs accompanied them. But among the foremost cattle two fearsome lions had caught a bellowing bull, and he was dragged off bellowing loudly; and the dogs and the men followed after him. And they had rent the hide of the great bull and were gulping down its inwards and black blood; and the herdsmen tried in vain to set the swift dogs on (them). but, in truth, with regard to biting they kept away from the lions, though they stood very close and barked as they avoided (them). 

And on (it) the famous lame (god) made a great pasture-ground for white sheep in a fair glen, and stables, and covered huts and sheepfolds. 

Ll. 590-617. Hephaestus completes Achilles' armour and gives it to Thetis. 

And on (it) the renowned lame (god) cunningly wrought a place of dancing, like the one which Daedalus once constructed in broad Knossos for fair-tressed Ariadne. And there young men and maidens worth many oxen (i.e. they were well wooed by suitors) were dancing, holding one another's hands by the wrists (i.e. they had formed a circle). And of these the (maidens) were wearing fine linen garments and the youths were clad in well-woven tunics, faintly glistening with oil. And the (maidens) had lovely garlands (on their heads), and the youths had golden daggers dangling from their silver belts. And sometimes they would run very lightly on cunning feet, as when some potter sits at a wheel that fits in his hands and tries (it) out (to see) if it will spin; and now at other times they would run in rows towards each other. And a great throng (of people) stood around the lovely dance, full of joy; [and a godlike minstrel celebrated with them, playing on the lyre;] and amongst them a pair of acrobats whirled around through their midst as leaders of the dance.  

And on (it) he placed the great might of the river of Ocean around the uttermost rim of the strongly wrought shield.  

Now, when he had wrought the great and sturdy shield, he made him a breastplate brighter than a blaze of fire, and he made him a heavy helmet fitted to his temples, fine and cunningly wrought (it was), and on (it) there burst forth a golden crest, and he made him greaves of tin fit for wear. 

Then, when the famous lame (god) had fashioned all the armour, he took (it) and laid (it) before the mother of Achilles (i.e. Thetis). And like a falcon she sprang down from snowy Olympus, bearing with (her) Hephaestus' glittering armour (i.e. Virgil's 'arma radiantia', see Aeneid VIII, 616).

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVIII: THE BEGGAR KING OF ITHACA.

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVIII: THE BEGGAR KING OF ITHACA. 

Introduction:

Book XVIII, which is a relatively short book, sees a continuation of the 38th day of action in the story of the Odyssey. It begins with the quarrel between the disguised Odysseus and the beggar Irus, whom Odysseus easily knocks down. After the suitors have congratulated Odysseus on his victory, which they were not expecting, he warns one of them, Amphinomus, of the vengeance that is to come. Penelope then enters the action and blames Telemachus for his failure to protect the old stranger, whom she still doesn't recognise as her husband. She then converses with the suitors, who give her presents. When evening comes, Odysseus offers to look after the lamps to allow the serving women to go with their mistress, but one of them, Melantho, grievously insults him. When he threatens her with a terrible punishment, he scares all the serving women. Eurymachus mocks the disguised Odysseus, and, when the latter stands up to him, he throws a footstool at him. Although this misses Odysseus, it hits a cup-bearer, who falls to the ground, dropping a wine-bowl which beaks into pieces. This leads to a commotion among the other suitors, which Telemachus eventually manages to quieten, and he then persuades the suitors to return to their homes to sleep,     

Ll. 1-49. Irus the beggar.

There now appeared a common beggar, who used to beg throughout the city of Ithaca, and he was notorious amongst (them) for ravenous gluttony, as he ate and drank incessantly; he had neither strength nor vigour, despite being very bulky to look upon. Now his name was Arnaeus; for his lady mother had given (it) to him at his birth; but all the young men called him Irus, on account of his going to deliver messages, whenever anybody asked (him). On his arrival, he wished to drive Odysseus from his house, and he began to abuse him and addressed these winged words (to him): "Get away from the door-way, old man, lest you will soon be dragged away by foot. Do you not see that everyone is winking at me and bidding me to drag (you) off? Yet I am still reluctant (to do it). But up (you get), lest our quarrel should come to blows." 

Then, quick-witted Odysseus looked at him with a scowl and replied: "I am not doing or saying anything harmful to you, my good fellow, nor do I begrudge whatever you are given, even if you took up a lot. This threshold will contain (us) both, and there is no need for you to be jealous of anything that belongs to others; you seem to me to be a vagrant, just like I (am), and the gods will grant (us) a living. But do not challenge me too much with your fists, lest you provoke me, and, though I am an old man, I shall defile your breast and lips with blood; then tomorrow I should have more peace and quiet, for I do not think that you shall return a second time to the hall of Odysseus, son of Laertes."

Then, full of wrath, the vagrant Irus said to him: "For shame, how glibly does this greedy beggar speak, just like a woman at the oven! I shall devise bad (things) for him, smiting (him) with both (hands), and I shall knock out all the teeth from his jaws on to the ground, like a crop-eating sow. Now, gird up (your loins for battle), so that all these men shall know that (we are) fighting; but how can you fight with a younger man?"

So, on the polished threshold in front of the lofty doors, they roughed each other up most heartily. Then, the strong and mighty Antinous observed the two of them, and, laughing gleefully, he addressed the (other) suitors: "My friends, never before has such a thing (as this) happened, that a god has brought sport like this to this house. The stranger and Irus are challenging each other to fight with their fists; come let us quickly make a match of it!"       

So he spoke, and they all sprang up laughing, and gathered around the ragged beggars. Then, Antinous, the son of Eupeithes, spoke among them (and said): "Hear me, you proud wooers, so that I may say something. (There are) these goats' paunches lying by the fire, which we put there for supper, when we have filled them with fat and blood. Now, whichever of the two shall win, and prove himself the better (man), let him rise up and choose whichever one of them he wishes; furthermore, he shall always feast with us, nor shall we suffer any other beggar to mingle with (us) and beg."   

Ll. 50-87. Odysseus prepares to fights with Irus. 

So spoke Antinous, and his words were pleasing to them. Then, the wily-minded Odysseus spoke among them in a crafty manner: "My friends, there is no way that an older man, worn out by hardship, can fight with a younger man; but that knavish belly (of mine) urges me on, so that I may be overcome by his blows. But come now, all (of you), swear to me a binding oath, that no man, wishing to do a favour to Irus, shall strike me a foul blow with a heavy hand, and overcome me by force on his (behalf)." 

So he spoke, and they all swore (to it) as he bade (them). But when they had sworn and completed their oath, then again did the strong and mighty Telemachus speak among them: "Stranger, if your heart and manly spirit urges you on to defend yourself against this (fellow), then do not fear any (man) of all those Achaeans, for whoever strikes you shall have to fight with more (than you): for I (am) your host, and the lords Antinous and Eurymachus, wise (men) both, concur with this."

So he spoke, and they all applauded his (words). But Odysseus girded his rags about his loins, and showed his thighs, fine and massive (they were), and his broad shoulders were revealed, and his chest and his sturdy arms; and Athene drew near, and enlarged the limbs of the shepherd of the people. Then, the suitors were all exceedingly amazed; and thus would one speak, while glancing at another (one) beside (him): "In truth, Irus, no longer fit for errands, will soon find the trouble he has drawn upon himself, such a thigh does the old man show beneath his rags." 

So they spoke, and the spirit of Irus was badly shaken. But even so, the serving men girded (him) and led (him) out perforce all filled with dread; and the flesh trembled in his limbs. Then, Antinous berated (him) and addressed (him), speaking these words: "You might as well not be here, you lumbering oaf, nor should you ever have been born, if you quail at and dread (so) terribly a man who is old and worn out by the hardship that has come upon him. But I will speak out to you, and it will come to pass; if this man should conquer you and prove (to be) the better (man), I will hurl (you) into a black ship and send you to the mainland, to King Echetus, the bane of all mortals, who will cut off your nose and ears with the pitiless bronze, and draw forth your genitals and give (them) raw to the dogs to tear to pieces. 

Ll. 88-123. Odysseus batters Irus.

So he spoke, and at these (words) trembling came upon his limbs even more. And they led (him) into the middle (of them); and they both raised their fists. Then, was the much-enduring godlike Odysseus uncertain in his mind as to whether he should aim to strike (him) so that his life should leave him as he fell, or whether he should strike him with a light blow and lay (him) out on the ground. And, as he pondered thus, it seemed to be the better (course) to strike a light blow, so that the Achaeans should not recognise him. Then, drawing themselves up, Irus aimed a blow at his right shoulder, and (Odysseus) smote (him) on the neck below the ear and crushed the bones beneath (it); and red blood gushed from his mouth at once, and he fell down in the dust with a cry, and he ground his teeth together and drummed the ground with his feet; but the lordly wooers raised their arms and almost died of laughter. Then, Odysseus  seized hold of him and dragged (him) out through the doorway until he reached the courtyard and the gates of the portico; and he set him down and leant (him) against the walls of the courtyard; and he thrust his staff into his hand, and spoke to him, and addressed these winged words (to him): "Sit there now and keep away the pigs and dogs, and do not try to lord it over strangers and beggars, lest perhaps something bad and bigger may come your way." So he spoke and slung his wretched knapsack around his shoulders, shabby and torn (as it was); and a twisted cord was on (it).  

Then, he went back to the threshold and sat down; and the (suitors) went inside, laughing merrily, and greeted (him) with these words: "May Zeus and the other immortal gods grant you what you most desire and (what) is dear to your heart, (seeing) that you have stopped this gluttonous man from roaming around this land; for soon we shall take him to the mainland, to King Echetus, the bane of all mortals."

So they spoke, and godlike Odysseus was glad at the ominous words (i.e. because what he most desired was to kill the suitors). Then, Antinous put before him the great paunch, filled with fat and blood; and Amphinomus took up two loaves of bread from the basket and set (them) before (him), and he hailed (him) with a golden cup, and said: "Hail, my father stranger, may happiness be yours in the time to come, although now you are subjected to many sorrows."  

Ll. 124-168. Odysseus warns Amphinomus.

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in answer: "In very truth, Amphinomus, you seem to me to be a sensible (man); for so too (was) your father, for I used to hear good reports (of him), (namely) that Nisus of Dulichium was a brave and wealthy (man); they say that you are sprung from him, and you seem (to be) a man of intelligence. Therefore, I am going to tell you (something), and do you listen to me and take it to heart: of all (the things) that are breathing and walking on the (face of)  earth, the earth nurtures nothing more feeble than man. For he never thinks he will suffer evil in the future, so long as the gods give (him) prowess and his knees have strength; but, when the blessed gods then bring (him) troubles, he bears these (things) reluctantly with a patient heart; for the mood of man upon the earth is such as the daily (conditions which) the father of men and gods bring upon (him). For I, too, was once expecting to be prosperous among men, but I performed many wicked (deeds), giving way to my might and my strength, and relying on my father and brothers. Therefore, let no man ever be totally lawless, but let him keep in silence the gifts of the gods, whatever they give (him). For so I see the suitors devising (acts) of wantonness, wasting the possessions, and dishonouring the wife of a man, whom I declare will not be away from his friends and his native-land much longer; in fact, he is very near. But may some god lead you safely homewards, and may you not meet that (man) when he returns to his native-land; for I do not think that the suitors and he will part without bloodshed, when he shall come beneath his roof." 

So he spoke, and, having poured a libation, he drank the honey-sweet wine, and put the cup back into the hands of the people's marshal (i.e. Amphinomus). But the (latter) went (back) through the house with a heavy heart, shaking his head; for his mind foresaw disaster. But even so he did not escape his fate; but Athene bound him too with fetters, when he was forcefully overcome by a spear from the hands of Telemachus. Then, he sat back down again on the chair from which he had risen.  

Now, the bright-eyed goddess Athene put it into the mind of wise Penelope, the daughter of Icarius, to show herself to the wooers, in order to open widely the hearts of the suitors, and to win more honour from her husband and son than she had done before. And she made a forced laugh, and addressed, and spoke these words to, (the nurse): "Eurynome, my heart longs, as never before, to show myself to the suitors, hateful though they all are; and I would wish to say a word to my son that will be to his advantage: that he should not consort with those overbearing suitors, who speak fair (words), but behind (them) their intentions are evil." 

Ll. 169-205. Penelope prepares to show herself to the suitors.

Then, the housekeeper Eurynome spoke these words to her: "Yes, indeed, my child, all these (things) you have spoken aright. Then go and speak your words to your son, and do not hide (your thoughts); but (first) you must wash your body and anoint your face, and not go around like that with both your cheeks stained with tears, for it is a rather a bad (thing) to be forever endlessly grieving. For your son (is) now of age, and you have especially prayed to the immortals to see him with a beard." 

Then did the wise Penelope speak to her again: "Eurynome, despite your concern (for me), do not thus encourage me to wash my body and anoint myself with oil; for the gods that hold Olympus have destroyed my beauty, from the day when that (lord of mine) departed in the hollow ships. But tell Autonoe and Hippodameia to come to me, so that they may stand beside me in the hall; for I will not go alone among men; for I am ashamed (to do so)."    

So she spoke, and the old woman went off through the hall with a message for the women and telling (them) to come.

Then, the bright-eyed goddess Athene thought of something else; she shed sweet sleep over the daughter of Icarius, and she leant back and slept, and all her limbs relaxed on the couch; and, meanwhile, the most divine of goddesses was giving (her) immortal gifts, so that the Achaeans might marvel at her. First, she cleansed her beautiful cheeks with beautifying ambrosial (ointment), such as the well-crowned Cytherea (i.e. Aphrodite) anoints herself with, whenever she joins the Graces in their charming dance; and she made her look taller and broader, and she made her (skin) whiter than sawn ivory. Now, when the most divine of goddesses had done (this), she departed, and the white-armed handmaids came from the hall, chattering as they came; then, sweet sleep left her, and she rubbed her cheeks with her hands and exclaimed: "In truth, soft slumber wrapped it self around me, despite my great suffering. Would that holy Artemis would now offer me so gentle a death at once, so that I should no longer waste away my life sorrowing at heart, longing for the manifold excellence of my dear husband, for he was pre-eminent among the Achaeans." 

Ll. 206-249. Penelope speaks to Telemachus. 

So saying, she (i.e. Penelope) went downstairs from her upper chamber, not alone; for two handmaids came with her. But, when the most divine of women reached the wooers, she stood beside a pillar of the well-built roof, holding her shining veil across her face; and a trusty handmaid stood on either side of her. Then and there were their knees loosened, and their hearts were enchanted with love, and they all prayed that they might lie in bed beside (her). But she spoke once more to her dear son Telemachus: "Telemachus, your mind and your thoughts (are) no longer steadfast; when you were still a child, you used to revolve in your mind more clever (thoughts); but now that you are grown-up, and have reached the prime of youth, and any foreign man, who looked at your stature and your comeliness, would think that you were the son of a rich man, your mind and your thoughts are no longer on the right track. Now what a thing (is) this that you have done in these halls, that you have allowed that stranger to be so maltreated! What now, if some stranger sitting in our house should suffer thus from grievous rough-handling? On you would fall shame and dishonour among men."    

Then, wise Telemachus said to her in reply: "My mother, I do not feel any resentment at the fact that you have been provoked; but I know in my heart and understand everything (they do), both the good and the bad; and I am still the child I once was. But, nevertheless, I am not able to plan all (things) wisely; for these men sorely harass me, as they sit beside me, one by one, contemplating evil (things), and in my case there are no helpers. But, let me tell you, the contest between the stranger and Irus did not turn out according to the will of the suitors, but the former was the better in strength. (O) father Zeus, and Athene and Apollo, if only the suitors (were) now thus subdued in our palace, and were hanging their heads, some in the courtyard, and some within the hall, and that the limbs of each one were loosened, just as that (fellow) Irus sits by the courtyard gates, with his head lolling like a drunkard, nor can he stand up straight on his feet, nor make his way home, wherever his home (is), since his limbs are loosened."    

Thus did they speak such (words) to each other; then Eurymachus addressed Penelope with these words: "Daughter of Icarius, wise Penelope, if all the Achaeans in Ionian Argos (i.e. the Peloponnese) could set their eyes on you, (even) more suitors would be feasting in your halls from tomorrow, for in your beauty and your stature and, likewise, the mind within (you), you surpass (all other) women."

Ll. 250-289. Penelope speaks to Eurymachus.

Then, wise Penelope answered him: "In truth, Eurymachus, the immortals destroyed my excellence, both in shape and beauty, (on that day) when the Argives sailed to Ilium, and my husband Odysseus went with them. If he were to come and take charge of my life, so would my fame be greater and fairer. But now I am in mourning; for so many woes has some god brought down on me. Indeed, when he was going away and leaving his native-land, he grasped my right hand by the wrist and said: 'My wife, I do not think that the well-greaved Achaeans will all come back from Troy safe and sound; for they say that the Trojans are men of war, and hurlers of javelins, and drawers of arrows, and drivers of swift chariots, who quickly decide the great strife of equal warfare. So, I do not know whether the god will bring me back, or whether I shall fall into the hands of the enemy there in (the land of) Troy. Look out for my father and mother in the house, as (you do) now, or even more, as I shall be far away; but when you see my son has grown a beard, wed whomever you wish and leave your house.'  

"So did he speak; and now all these (things) are coming to pass. For the night will come when a hateful marriage shall fall to the lot of myself, accursed (as I am), whose happiness Zeus has taken away. But this terrible distress comes upon my heart and soul; this (way of yours) has never been known (as) the practice of suitors before; (those) who wish to woo a lady of worth and the daughter of a rich man, and compete with one another (in doing so), they themselves bring cattle and goodly flocks (to provide) a banquet for the friends of the maiden, and they also give her glorious gifts; but they do not consume another's livelihood without compensation."    

So she spoke, and the much-enduring godlike Odysseus was glad, because she drew gifts and charmed their souls with soothing words, but her mind was set on other (things). 

Then, Antinous, son of Eupeithes, spoke to her again: "Daughter of Icarius, wise Penelope, (as for) gifts, if anyone of the Achaeans is minded to bring (them) here, you must accept (them). For it is not a good (thing) to refuse a gift; but (as for) us, we will go neither to our own estates, nor anywhere else, until you marry him who (is) the best of the Achaeans." 

Ll. 290-336. The suitors bring gifts.

So spoke Antinous, and his speech was pleasing to them; and so each (man) sent forth a herald to bring his gifts. On behalf of Antinous, he brought a long very beautiful robe, richly embroidered; and on (it) there were golden brooches, twelve in all, fitted with curved clasps. And on behalf of Eurymachus, he promptly brought a richly wrought chain of gold, strung with amber beads, (bright) like the sun. And on behalf of Eurydamas, his squires brought a pair of earrings with clusters of three drops; and great beauty was reflected from (them). And from (the house) of Peisander, son of Polyctor, his squire brought a necklace, (and) a very beautiful ornament (it was). And so, one after another, the Achaeans brought a fair gift. Then, that most divine of women went upstairs, and her handmaids (went) with her, and carried these most beautiful gifts. 

But they (i.e. the suitors), turning to dancing and the delights of song, made merry, and they waited for evening to come on. And, as they were making merry, dark evening did come upon (them). At once, they set up three braziers in the hall, to bring (them) light; and around (these) they placed dry faggots of firewood, (which had been) dry for a long time, and well-seasoned, and newly split with an axe, and they mixed (them) with the burning (logs); and the handmaids of long-suffering Odysseus alternately fed the flames. Then, Zeus-born Odysseus, that (man) of many wiles, himself spoke among (them): "Handmaids of Odysseus, your long-absent master, go to the room where your revered queen (is). Whirl the spindle beside her, or comb the wool with your fingers, but keep her cheerful as you sit in her chamber; but I will provide light for all these (men). For, if they should wish to wait for well-enthroned Dawn, they shall not outlast me in any way; for I am very patient." 

So he spoke, and they (i.e. the handmaids) laughed and glanced at one another. But the pretty-faced Melantho jeered at him shamelessly, (she) whom Dolius had fathered, and (whom) Penelope had reared and nurtured like a daughter, and she gave her (all) the playthings her heart (could desire); but, even so, she had no sympathy in her heart for Penelope, but she was lying with Eurymachus and was in love (with him). Now, she berated Odysseus with these abusive words: "(O) wretched stranger, you are but a crack-brained fellow, for you are not willing to go to the house of a smithy, or, perhaps, to a public hostel, to sleep, but you talk a lot here in a bold manner with many men, and you have no fear in your heart; surely wine has taken hold of your wits, or your mind is always such as (it) now (is); and this is the reason why you are talking idly. Or are you beside yourself because you have overcome the vagrant Irus? (But beware), lest someone else, better than Irus, should soon stand up against you, and he should beat you about the head with strong hands, and expel you from the house, defiled with streams of blood."    

Ll. 337-364. Eurymachus taunts Odysseus.

Looking at her with a scowl, quick-witted Odysseus answered: "To be sure, I shall soon go over there and tell Telemachus what you are saying, (you) bitch, so that he may cut through you limb from limb on the spot." 

So he spoke, and scared away the women with his words. And they scuttled through the hall, and the limbs of each one of them shook with terror; for they believed that he spoke the truth. But he took his stand beside the burning braziers to ensure there was light, and he looked at everyone; but in his mind his heart was pondering other (things), (things) which were not be unfulfilled. 

But Athene would in no way allow the haughty wooers to be restrained from their grievously insulting behaviour, so that still more pain was to sink into the heart of  Odysseus, son of Laertes. Then among them, Eurymachus, son of Polybus, began to speak, while taunting Odysseus; and he caused laughter among his companions. "Listen to me, (you) wooers of the famous queen, so that I may say what the heart in my breast bids me. Not without the help of the gods has this man come to the palace of Odysseus; in any case it seems to me that there is bright light burning down from his head, for (there is) no hair on it, not even a trace."  

So he spoke and at once he addressed Odysseus, sacker of cities: "Stranger, pray would you be willing to work for hire, if I were to take you to an outlying farm - you would have a proper wage, of course -  building walls and planting tall trees? There I would provide (you) with plenty of food, and put clothes on you and give you sandals for your feet. But, since you have only learned (to do) evil deeds, you will not want to do farm-work, but you will be willing to go grovelling about through the land, so you will be able to feed your insatiable belly."   

Ll. 365-393. Odysseus provokes Eurymachus.

Then, the quick-witted Odysseus spoke to him in answer: "Eurymachus, if only there could be a contest between us two in farm work in the spring time, when the long days come around, and I should be wielding a well-curved scythe in a hayfield, and you should have a similar one, and there should be (plenty of) grass, so that we could test our work, fasting completely until it is utterly dark. And would that there might be cattle to drive, the best that there are, tawny (and) large, both well filled with grass, of like age and of equal strength, and their strength should not be easily exhausted, and there might be a four-acre field, and the earth should break up under the plough; then, you should see me, whether I could cut a straight furrow. Or would that the son of Cronos might start a war somewhere on this very day, and I had a shield and two spears and a wholly bronze helmet fitting together around my temples; then would you see me mingling among the foremost fighters, nor would you speak in reproach of my belly. But you are very insolent, and you have the heart of a bully; and, forsooth, you think you are someone great and strong, because you consort with a few (men), and (they are) not distinguished. But, if Odysseus should return and come to his native-land, soon would those doors, wide though they are, prove too narrow (for you) as you flee through the porch to the doorway."

So he so he spoke, and Eurymachus flared up all the more angrily in his heart, and, looking at him with a scowl, he spoke these winged words to (him): "Ah, you poor wretch, soon I will do you damage for saying such (things so) boldly in front of so many men, nor do you have any fear in your heart; to be sure, the wine has addled your heart, or else your mind is always like this; and so you talk rubbish. Or has it gone to your head that you overcame that vagrant Irus?"  

Ll. 394-428. Telemachus quietens the suitors. 

So saying, he (i.e. Eurymachus) seized a footstool; but Odysseus, in fear of Eurymachus, squatted at the knees of Amphinomus of Dulichium; and so he struck a cup-bearer on the right hand; and the wine-jug fell to the ground with a clang, and he fell on his back in the dust with a groan. Then the suitors caused an uproar throughout the shadowy halls, and thus did someone speak as he glanced at another man nearby: "If only that wandering stranger had died elsewhere before he came (here); then, he should never have brought so great a commotion among (us). But now we are quarrelling about beggars, nor shall there be any delight in our rich feast, since worse things prevail."

Then among them spoke the strong and mighty Telemachus: "You've gone mad, (you) fine fellows, and no longer conceal in your hearts (the effect) of your eating and drinking; now one of the gods is urging you on. But, now that you have feasted well, go to your homes and lie down whenever the spirit moves (you); but still I am driving no one out."  

So he spoke, and they all bit their lips with their teeth, and they were amazed at Telemachus, that he should speak (to them) so boldly. Then, Amphinomus spoke, and addressed them, (he who was) the famous son of the noble Nisus, son of Aretias: "My friends, after the right word has been spoken, let no man assail (another) with wrangling words and speak harshly, and let no one maltreat the stranger, or any one of the servants that (are) in the household of the divine Odysseus. But come, let the wine-steward pour the first drops in the cups, so that we can go home to bed; and let us leave the stranger in the palace of Odysseus to the care of Telemachus; for (it is) to his house that he came." 

So said he, and the words (that) he spoke (were) pleasing to everyone. The noble Mulius, a herald from Dulichium, mixed them a bowl (of wine), and he was the squire of Amphinomus, and he served (them) all, standing over each (of them) in turn; and they made libations to the blessed gods, and drank the honey-sweet wine. Then, when they had made their libations and drank as much as their hearts desired, they went on their way, each (man) to his own house to go to bed. 

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. 

Introduction:

In this translation of St. Luke, Sabidius completes his Gospel offerings. Translations of the other three Gospels are to be found on this blog on the dates shown (See Blog Archive below on the right): St. John (2nd October 2016); St. Mark (22st December 2017); and St. Matthew (21st February 2023). In addition, a translation of the Acts of the Apostles, also attributed to St. Luke, is available too on this blog, dated 24th December 2014, and in the introduction to this there is to be found information about Luke and about his use of language and grammar. Details of how the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) were formed, and the links between them, can be found in the introduction to Sabidius' translation of St. Mark. 

The translation below follows the structure and utilises many of the headings, which are set out in the translation of Luke's Gospel in the "New Jerusalem Bible", published in 1994. Accordingly, Sabidius has divided St. Luke's Gospel into the following seven sections: I: The birth and hidden life of John the Baptist and Jesus (Ch.1. v.5 - Ch.2); II: The prelude to the public ministry of Jesus (Ch.3 - Ch. 4 v.13); III: The Galilean ministry (Ch. 3 v.14 - Ch.9. v.50); IV: The journey to Jerusalem (Ch.9. v.51 - Ch.19. v.27); V: Teaching in Jerusalem (Ch.19. v.28 - Ch.21); VI: The passion (Chs.22 & 23); and VII: After the resurrection (Ch. 24). The long central section IV is a massive intercalation that allows Luke to concentrate on the teachings of Jesus. Furthermore, it is not a reminiscence of an actual journey, but a device by means of which Luke is able to portray the Holy City of Jerusalem as the predestined stage for the drama of salvation. Hence, his gospel had to start and end in Jerusalem, and his post-resurrection scenes all occur in Jerusalem and not in Galilee, as in the case of the other gospels.   

In the translation below I have put into italics verses where there is a clear allusion to a passage from the OT and have then indicated in brackets what that passage is; where the allusion involves an actual quotation I have also put that into bold type.

Chapter 1.

Prologue: dedication to Theophilus (vv. 1-4). 

1) Whereas many have undertaken to compile a statement concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, 2) just as (those,) who from the beginning became eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, delivered (them) to us, it also seemed good to me, having traced the course of all things accurately from the beginning, to set them down for you in an orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus, so that you might know the certainty of the things about which you have been informed.  

I: THE BIRTH AND HIDDEN LIVES OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS (Ch. 1 v. 5 - Ch. 2).

The Birth of John the Baptist foretold (vv. 5-25).

5) There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest, named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah (vid. 1 Chronicles 24.10), and his wife (was) from the daughters of Aaron, and her name (was) Elizabeth. 6) And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly amid all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7) But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 

8) Now it happened that while he was serving as priest before God following the procedure of his division, 9) the lot fell to him to enter into the Lord's temple to make an offering of incense in accordance with the practice of his priestly office (vid. Exodus 30.7), 10) and the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of offering the incense; 11) an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right-hand side of the altar of incense. 12) Now, Zechariah was troubled when he saw (him), and fear fell upon him. 13) But the angel said to him: " Have no fear, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John; 14) and you will have joy and great gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth; 15) for he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and 'he must not drink wine and strong drink at all (vid. Numbers 6.3; Judges 13.4),' and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit right from his mother's womb, 16) and he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God; 17) and he himself will go before him with the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children (vid. Malachi 4.5-6);' and (those who are) disobedient back to the thinking of the just, and prepare the people to be in readiness for the Lord (vid. Malachi 3.1)."   

18) And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is well advanced in years (vid. Genesis 18.11)." 19) And in reply the angel said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring the good news of these (things) to you. 20) Now look, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day these things will happen, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their appointed (time)." 21) And the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering for what reason he was delayed in the sanctuary. 22) But, when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they realised that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary; and he kept nodding at them, but he remained mute. 23) And it happened that when the days of his public service were completed, he went back to his house.  

24) After these days, Elisabeth, his wife, became pregnant; and she kept herself secluded for five months, 25) saying that, "The Lord has treated me thus, in the days when he looked at me, to take away my public disgrace (vid. Genesis 30.23)."

The Annunciation: the Birth of Jesus foretold (vv. 26-38). 

26) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to the city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27) to a virgin betrothed to a man by the name of Joseph from the house of David, and the name of the virgin (was) Mary. 28) And having come in, he said to her, "Rejoice, you highly-favoured (one), the Lord is with you." 29) She was deeply disturbed at these words, and began to ponder what sort of a greeting this might be. 30) Then, the angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God; 31) now behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and you will call his name Jesus. 32) He will be great and he will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33) and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

34) Mary said to the angel: "How can this be, since I know no man?" 35) And, in answer, the angel said to her: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most High will overshadow you; and, for that reason, the holy (one who is) born (to you) will be called the Son of God; 36) And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also herself conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her, the so-called barren (woman); 37) because with God every saying is not an impossibility. 38) Then, Mary said: "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord of the Lord; may it happen to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.   

The Visitation: Mary visits Elizabeth (vv. 39-45).

39) And in those days Mary arose and went into the hill-country in haste to a city of Judah. 40) And she went into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41) And it happened that, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the foetus leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she cried out in a loud voice and said: "Blessed are you among women (vid. Judges 5.22), and blessed is the fruit of your womb (vid. Deuteronomy 28.4). 43) So how (has) this (happened) to me that the mother of the Lord should come to me? 44) For behold, when the sound of your greeting came into my ears, the foetus in my womb jumped for joy. 45) And blessed (is she) who believed, because there will be a fulfilment of the (things) which have been said to her by the Lord."   

The Magnificat: Mary's Song of Praise (vv. 46-56).

46) And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47) and my spirit has rejoiced in God my saviour; 48) for he has looked upon the humble position of his handmaid, for behold from henceforth all the generations will call me blessed. 49) For he (that is) mighty has done great (things) for me, and holy (is) his name (vid. Psalms 111.9), 50) and his mercy (is) upon those (that) fear him for generations and generations. 51) He has done mighty (things) with his arm, and he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts; 52) he has removed men of power (vid. Job 12.19) from their thrones, and exalted lowly (ones) (vid. Job. 5.11). 53) the hungry he has filled with good (things) (vid. Psalms107.9), and the rich he has sent empty away. 54) He has come to the aid of his servant Israel (vid. Isaiah 41.8), so that he might remember mercy, 55) according as he spoke to our forefathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever (vid. Micah 7.20)."

Then, Mary stayed with her for about three months, and then returned to her home.  

The Birth of John the Baptist, and his circumcision (vv. 57-66).

57) Now, in the case of Elizabeth, the time for her to give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. 58) Then, the neighbours and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her.  

59) And it happened on the eighth day that they came to circumcise the little child (vid. Leviticus 12.3), and they were going to call him by the name of his father Zechariah. 60) But his mother answered and said: "Not so, but he shall be called John." And they said to her: "There is no one of your relatives who is called by this name." 62) And they beckoned to his father (to ask) what he wanted him to be called. 63) And, asking for a writing tablet, he wrote, saying: "John is his name." And they were all amazed. 64) And, at once, his mouth was opened and his tongue (was loosed), and he began to speak, blessing God. 65) And fear came upon all (those) who lived around them, and in the whole of the hill-country of Judaea all these sayings were talked about, 66) and all (those) who heard (them) kept a record (of them) in their hearts, saying: "What, then, will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.  

The Benedictus: the Prophecy of Zechariah (vv. 67-79).

67) And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68) "Blessed (be) the Lord God of Israel (vid. Psalms 41.13; 72.18), for he has visited and delivered redemption to his people (vid. Psalms 111.9), 69) and has raised up a horn of salvation (vid. 18.2) for us in the house of his servant David, 70) just as, from the earliest times, he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets 71) of salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us (vid. Psalms 106.10), 72) to show mercy towards our forefathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73) the oath that he swore to our forefather Abraham (vid. Psalms 105.8-9; Genesis 17.7; Leviticus 26.42), 74) that he would grant to us that (we), having been delivered out of the hands of our enemies, 75) should serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our (life). 76) And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Highest, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways (vid. Isaiah 40.3; Malachi 3.1), 77) to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, 78) through the tender mercy of our God, whereby dawn from on high will visit us, 79) to shine on those (who) sit in darkness and in the shadow of death (vid. Isaiah 9.2; 58.8; 60.1-2), (and) to guide our feet into the way of peace. 

80) And the little child went on growing and becoming strong in spirit, and he was in the deserts until the day when he showed himself to Israel.

Chapter 2.

The Birth of Jesus (vv. 1-7).

Now it happened in those days that a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be registered (for tax); 2) this first registration took place when Cyrenius (i.e. Quirinius) was governor of Syria; 3) and everyone went to be registered, each one to his own city. 4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5) to be registered with Mary, to whom he was married, (and who) was with child. 6) And it happened that, while they were there in that (place), the day came for her to give birth, 7) and she gave birth to her first-born son, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger (i.e. a feeding trough), because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Shepherds and Angels attend the new-born child (vv. 8-20). 

8) And there were shepherds in the same country, abiding in the field and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9) And an angel of the Lord stood near to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they shook with great fear; 10) and the angel said to them: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall apply to all people, 11) because there was born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; 12) and this shall be a sign unto you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. 13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 14) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will."

15) And it happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds began saying to one another: "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord had made known to us." 16) And they came in haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17) And, when they saw (it), they made known the saying that had been told to them about this young child. 18) And all who heard (it) marvelled at the (things) said to them by the shepherds, 19) but Mary preserved all these sayings and pondered (them) in her heart. 20) Then, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the (things) that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.     

The Circumcision of Jesus (v. 21).

21) And, when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him (vid. Genesis 17.12; Leviticus 12.3), his name was also called Jesus, (the name) which he was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (vv. 22-28).

22) Also, when the days of their purification had been fulfilled (vid. Leviticus 12.3) in accordance with the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem to present (him) to the Lord, 23) as it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every male who opens a womb must be called holy to the Lord (vid. Exodus 13.2,12, 15) 24) and he must offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord: "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons (vid. Leviticus 12.8)." 25) And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel (vid. Isaiah 40.1; 49.13), and the Holy Spirit was  upon him; 26) and it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he should have seen the Lord's Christ. 27) And, prompted by the Spirit, he came into the temple; and the parents led the young child Jesus into it, for them to act on his behalf in accordance with the customary practice of the law, 28) and he, himself, took him up into his arms, and he blessed God and said:  

Nunc Dimittis (vv. 29-32).

29) Now, Lord, you are letting your servant go in peace according to your word; 30) for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31) which you have prepared before the face of all people (vid. Isaiah 52.10), 32) a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel (vid. Isaiah 46.13). 

The prophecy of Simeon (vv. 33-35).

33) And his father and mother were marvelling at the (things which were being) said about him. 34) Then, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "Behold, this (child) is destined for the fall and resurrection of many (vid. Isaiah 8.14) in Israel and as a sign that shall be spoken against, 35) and a sword will pierce your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed."  

The prophecy of Anna (vv. 36-38).  

36) There was also a prophetess (named) Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was well advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years from her maidenhood, 37) and she (was) now a widow, of eighty-four years (of age), and she did not leave the temple, but served (God) night and day with fasting and prayer. 38) Coming up at the same moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about him (i.e. the child Jesus) to all those (who were) looking for redemption in Jerusalem (vid. Isaiah 52.9). 

Jesus' return to Nazareth (vv. 39-40).  

39) So, when they had accomplished all things in accordance with the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40) And the young child went on growing and becoming stronger, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of the Lord was upon him. 

The Boy Jesus in the Temple (vv. 41-50).

41) Now, his parents went every year to Jerusalem, to the feast of the Passover (vid. Exodus 12.27; Deuteronomy 16.1-8). 42) And, when he became twelve years (old), they went up for the feast according to their customary practice, 43) and, when they had completed the days (there), and they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know (this). 44) But, assuming that he was in their company of travellers, they went a day's journey and (then) began to look for him among their relatives and their acquaintances, 45) and, when they did not find (him), they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. 46) And after three days it happened that they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions; 47) and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48) And, when they saw him, they were dumbfounded, and his mother said to him: "My child, why have you treated us in this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you." 49) Then, he said to them: "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50) But they did not understand the things he said to them.

Jesus resumes his quiet life at Nazareth (vv. 51-52).

51) And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them. And his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52) And Jesus continued to progress in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and men (vid. 1 Samuel 2.26; Proverbs 3.4).

II. PRELUDE TO THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF JESUS (Ch. 3 - Ch. 4 v. 13).

Chapter 3.

The Preaching of John the Baptist (vv. 1-18).

Now, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar (i.e. 28-29 A.D.), when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea (i.e. he was procurator of Judaea 26-36 A.D.), and Herod tetrarch of Galilee (i.e. Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee 4 B.C. - 39 A.D.) and his brother Philip, tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis (i.e. from 4 B.C. to 34 A.D.), and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2) in the high priesthood of Anna (High Priest 6-15 A.D. and father-in-law of Caiaphas) and Caiaphas (i.e. High Priest 18 -36 A.D.), the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. 3) And he came into the whole region around the Jordan, preaching baptism for the forgiveness of sins, 4) as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: "The Voice of (one) crying in the wilderness: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5) Every valley will be filled and every mountain and hill brought low, and crooked things will be made into straight (ones) and rough (places) into smooth ways; 6) and all flesh will see God's salvation (vid. Isaiah 40.3-5)."  

7) So he said to the crowds who went out to be baptised by him: "(You) offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8) So, produce fruits worthy of repentance; and do not start saying among yourselves: "We have Abraham for a father," for I say to you that God has the power to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 9) Indeed, the axe is already lying at the root of the trees; so, every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

10) And the crowds would inquire of him, saying: "What, then, should we do?" 11) And, in answer, he said to them: "He (who) has two tunics, let him share with the (man) who has none, and he (who) has food, let him do likewise." 12) Then, tax-collectors too came to be baptised, and they said to him: "Teacher, what should we do?" 13) And he said to them: "Do not collect more than is due to you." 14) And soldiers also inquired of him, saying: "What, also, should we do?" And he said to them: "Do not extort (things from anyone), or harass (them), and be satisfied with your wages." 

15) Now, as the people were in a state of expectation, and all (men) were considering in their hearts concerning John, might he not perhaps be the Christ, 16) John answered (them) all, saying: "I baptise you with water; but someone is coming (who is) stronger than me, and I am not fit to untie the lace of his sandals; he will baptise you in the Holy Spirit and fire; 17) his winnowing-shovel is in his hand, to thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor and gather the wheat into his barn, and he will burn up the chaff with inextinguishable fire. 18) So, exhorting (them) in many other (ways), he proclaimed the good news to the people. 

John the Baptist is imprisoned (vv. 19-20). 

19) But Herod the tetrarch, having been denounced by him with regard to Herodias, the wife of his brother, and all the wicked (things) which Herod had done, 20) also added this to (them) all, (when) he shut up John in prison.   

The Baptism of Jesus (vv. 21-22).

21) Now it happened, when all the people had been baptised, (and) Jesus had also been baptised and was praying, that the sky was opened, 22) and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily form as a dove, and a voice came from the sky, (saying): "You are my beloved son, (and) in you I am well pleased (vid. Genesis 22.2; Psalms 2.7; Isaiah 42.1)." 

The Genealogy of Jesus (vv. 23-38).

23) Now Jesus, himself, when he began (his work), was about thirty years (old), being the son, as it was thought, of Joseph, (son) of Heli, 24) (son) of Matthat, (son) of Levi, (son) of Melchi, (son) of Jannai, (son) of Joseph, 25) (son) of Mattathias, (son) of Amos, (son) of Nahum, (son) of Esli, (son) of Naggai, 26) (son) of Maath, (son) of Mattathias, (son) of Semein, (son) of Josech, (son) of Joda, 27) (son) of Joanon, (son) of Rhesa, (son) of Zerubbabel, (son) of Shealtiel, (son) of Neri, 28) (son) of Melchi, (son) of Addi, (son) of Cosam, (son) of Elmadam, (son) of Er, 29) (son) of Jesus, (son) of Eliezer, (son) of Jorim, (son) of Matthat, (son) of Levi, 30) (son) of Symeon, (son) of Judah, (son) of Joseph, (son of) Jonam, (son) of Eliakim, 31) (son) of Melea, (son) of Menna, (son) of Mattatha, (son) of Nathan, (son) of David, 32) (son) of Jesse, (son of) Obed, (son) of Boaz, (son) of Sala, (son) of Nahshon, 33) (son) of Admin (or Amminadab), (son) of Arni, (son) of Hezron, 34) (son) of Jacob, (son) of Isaac, (son) of Abraham, (son) of Terah, (son) of Nahor, 35) (son) of Serug, (son) of Reu, (son) of Peleg, (son) of Eber, (son) of Shelah, 36) (son) of Cainan, (son) of Arphaxad, (son) of Shem, (son) of Noah, (son) of Lamech, 37) (son) of Methuselah, (son) of Enoch, (son) of Jared, (son) of Mahalaleel, (son) of Cainan, 38) (son) of Enos, (son) of Seth, (son) of Adam, (son) of God. 

Chapter 4.

The Temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (vv. 1-13).

1) Now, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, turned back from the Jordan, and was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness 2) for forty days, while being tempted by the Devil. Furthermore, he ate nothing in those days, and, when they had been completed, he felt hungry. 3) And the Devil said to him: "If you are the son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf (of bread)." 4) But Jesus replied to him: "It is written 'Man shall not live on bread alone (vid. Deuteronomy 8.3).' "

5) And he (i.e. the Devil) led him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; 6) and the Devil said to him: "I will give you all this authority and their glory; for it has been handed over to me and I will give it to whomever I wish; 7) so, if ever you should worship before me, it will all be yours. 8) Then, Jesus said to him: "It is written, 'You should worship the Lord your God, and him only should you serve (vid. Deuteronomy 6.13).' "

9) Then, he led him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him: "If you are the son of the Lord, cast yourself down from here; 10) for it is written: "With regard to you, he will give his angels orders that they should guard you carefully (vid. Psalms 91.11), 11) and they should bear you up in their arms, lest you should ever dash your foot against a stone (vid. Psalms 91.12)." 12) And in answer Jesus said to him: "It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God (vid. Deuteronomy 6.16)' " 13) So, having completed every temptation, the Devil left him for a while. 

III. JESUS' GALILEAN MINISTRY (Ch. 4 v. 14 - Ch. 9 v. 50).

Jesus begins to preach (vv. 14-15).

14) Now, Jesus came back into Galilee in the power of the Spirit. And news of him spread through the whole of the surrounding area. 15) And he taught in their synagogues and was honoured by all. 

Jesus is rejected by his home town of Nazareth (vv. 16-30).

16) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and he entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbath in accordance with his custom and stood up to read. 17) And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him, and he opened the book and found the place, where it was written: 18) "The Spirit of the Lord (is) upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, (and) he has sent me to announce their release to prisoners and the recovery of their sight to the blind, to send away the oppressed with a pardon, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (vid. Isaiah 61.1-2)." Then, he closed the book, gave (it) back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21) Then, he began to say to them: "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

22) And they all spoke well of him and marvelled at the gracious words which came forth from his mouth, and they said: "This is the son of Joseph, is it not?" 23) Then, he said to them: "Doubtless you will tell me this parable, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard as having happened in Capernaum, do (it) here also in your own hometown.' " 24) And he said: "Most assuredly, I tell you that no prophet is acceptable in his own hometown. 25) But, in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky remained closed for three years and six months, so that a great famine came over all the land (vid. 1 Kings 17.1,7; 18.1); 26) yet Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath in the land of Sidon, to a woman (who was) a widow (vid. 1 Kings 17.9). 27) And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian (vid. 2 Kings 5.1-14). 28) Then, they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue as they heard these (things), 29) and they arose and threw him out of the city, and they led him to the brow of the hill, on which their city had been built, so that they might throw him down headlong from (it). 30) But he, passing through the midst of them, went on his way. 

Jesus teaches in Capernaum, and cures a man with an unclean spirit (vv. 31-37).

31) Then, he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. 32) And they were astonished at his teaching, because his word was (full) of authority. 33) Now, in the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, (saying): 34) "Ah, what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know you who you are, the Holy One of God." 35) Then, Jesus rebuked him, saying: "Be silent and come out of him!" So, after throwing him down in their midst, the demon came out of him without hurting him. 36) And amazement came over all (of them), and they conversed together, saying to one another: "What message (is) this, for with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come? 37) And news about him went out into every place of the surrounding neighbourhood.  

Cure of Simon's mother-in-law (vv. 38-39). 

38) And he rose up from the synagogue and entered into Simon's house. Now, Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a great fever, and they begged him (to do something) for her. 39) So, he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her; and she got up immediately and waited on them. 

A number of other cures (vv. 40-41).

40) Now, when the sun was setting, all (those,) who had (people who were) sick with various diseases, brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every (one) of them and healed them. 41) Demons also came out of many (people), crying out and saying: "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked (them), and did not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

Jesus goes on a preaching tour of Judaea (vv. 42-44).

42) When day came, he left and went to a lonely spot; and the multitudes went looking for him, and they came to him and took hold of him, so that he would not go from them. 43) But he said to them: "It is necessary for me to preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities as well, as I was sent for this (reason)." 44) And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judaea. 

Chapter 5.

The Calling of the First Disciples (vv. 1-11). 

1) Now it happened at a time when the crowd were pressing close around him and were listening to the word of God, that he was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, 2) and he saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had got out of them and were washing their nets. 3) And he got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land, and he sat down and began to teach the crowds from the boat. 4) And, when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon: "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. 5) And in reply Simon said: "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing, but at your bidding I will lower the nets. 6) And, when they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fishes and their nets began to burst. 7) So they beckoned to their partners in the other boat that they should come and give them help; and they came and filled both the boats so that they began to sink. 8) But when he saw (this), Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." 9) For astonishment came over him and all who were with him at the catch of fish which they had taken, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee. And Jesus said to Simon: "Have no fear! From now on you will be catchers of men." And, when they had brought the boats back to land, they left everything and followed him. 

The cleansing of a leper (vv. 12-16).     

12) And it happened while he was in one of the cities, behold, (there was) a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, saying: "Lord, if you wish to, you can make me clean." 13) And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying: "I do wish to, be made clean!" And, immediately, the leprosy left him. 14) Then, he commanded him to tell no one, "But go your way and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses prescribed (vid. Leviticus 14.2-32) as a testimony to them." 15) But the word concerning him kept spreading, and large crowds would come together to hear and to be cured of their infirmities; 16) but he himself continued retiring into the deserts and praying.     

The healing of a paralytic (vv. 17-26). 

17) Now it happened on one of those days that he was teaching, and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee and Judaea and Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was there for him to heal. 18) Then, behold, men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralysed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before him. 19) And, not finding a way by which they might convey him through the crowd, they went up on to the roof and let him with his stretcher down through the roof tiles into the midst of (those who were) in front of Jesus. 20) And, when he saw their faith, he said: "Man, your sins are forgiven you." 21) And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying: "Who is this (man) who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins except God (vid. Isaiah 43.25)?" 22) But Jesus, discerning their thoughts, said to them in answer: "What are the thoughts you have in your hearts? 23) Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Get up and walk?' 24) But, in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins" he said to the paralysed man: "I say to you, arise and pick up your stretcher, and make your way to your home." 25) And, immediately, he got up before them and took up (the thing) upon which he was lying, and departed to his house glorifying God. 

26) Then, amazement seized hold of (them) all and they glorified God, and they were filled with fear, saying: "We have seen incredible (things) today."    

The calling of Levi (vv. 27-28).

27) Now after these (things had happened), he went out and caught sight of a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him: "Follow me!" 28) And he left everything, and got up and followed him.

Eating with sinners in Levi's house (vv. 29-32).  

29) And Levi made a great feast for him in his house, and there was a great throng of tax collectors and others who were reclining with them. 30) Then, the Pharisees and their scribes began murmuring against his disciples, saying: "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?" 31) And, in reply, Jesus said to them: "Those (who are) healthy have no need for a doctor, but the sick do have (such a need)." 32) I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."  

Discussion about fasting (vv. 33-39).

33) Then, they said to him: "John's disciples fast frequently and offer supplications, and those of the Pharisees (do) likewise, but your ones eat and drink." 34) So Jesus said to them: "You cannot make the bridegroom's attendants fast, while the bridegroom is with them, can you? 35) But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days." 

36) Then, he also told them a parable: "No one cuts a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; but, if (he does), then he will tear the new (one) and the patch from the new (one) will not match the old (one). 37) Moreover, no one puts new wine into old wine-skins; but, if (he does), the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled and the skins will be destroyed; 38) but new wine must be put into fresh wine-skins. 39) No one, having drunk old (wine), desires new (wine); for he says, 'The old is good.' " 

Chapter 6.

Plucking corn on the Sabbath (vv. 1-5).

1) Now it happened on the Sabbath that he was going through fields of grain, and his disciples plucked and ate the ears of corn, rubbing (them) in their hands (vid. Deuteronomy 23.25). 2) But some of the Pharisees said (to them): "Why are doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" 3) And Jesus said to them in answer: "Have you not read of the thing that David did, when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4) How he entered into the house of God and took and ate the bread of presentation, and gave to those (who were) with him (vid. 1 Samuel 21. 1-6) what it is not lawful to eat, except for the priests alone (vid. Leviticus 24. 5-9)?" 5) And he said to them: "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."   

Cure of the man with a withered hand (vv. 6-11).

6) And it happened on another sabbath that he entered into the synagogue and taught; and there was a man there and his right hand was withered; 7) and the scribes and the Pharisees were watching him (to see) if he would heal on the Sabbath, in order that they might find some accusation against him. 8) But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand: "Arise and stand in the midst!" And he got up and stood. 9) Then, Jesus said to them: "I will ask you whether it is lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?" 10) And he looked around at them all and said to him: "Stretch out your hand!" And he did, and his hand was restored. 11) But they were filled with fury, and began to talk to one another (about) what they might do to Jesus.   

The choice of the Twelve Apostles (vv. 12-16).

12) And it happened in those days that he went out into the mountains to pray, and he was passing the night in prayer to God. 13) Now, when day came, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles: 14) Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew, his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew, 15) and Matthew and Thomas, and James, (the son) of Alphaeus, and Simon, the (one) called the Zealot, 16) and Judas, (the son) of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 

The crowds follow Jesus in his ministry (vv. 17-19).

17) And he came down with them and stood on (a piece of) level ground, and (there was) a large crowd of his disciples and a great number of people from the whole of Judaea and Jerusalem, and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, 18) who came to hear him and to be cured of their illnesses; even those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured; 19) and the whole crowd sought to touch him, for power was coming out of him and healing (them) all. 

The Beatitudes (vv. 20-23).

20) And he lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said: "Blessed (are you) who (are) poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21) Blessed (are you) who (are) hungry now, for you will be filled (vid. Jeremiah 31.25). Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh (vid. Psalms 126.5-6; Isaiah 61.3). 22) Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude you (from their company), and revile (you), and cast out your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. 23) Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is in heaven; for your forefathers treated the prophets in the same (way) (vid. 2 Chronicles 36.16). 

The Woes (vv. 24-26).

24) "But woe unto you who (are) rich, for you have received your full consolation. 25) Woe unto you who (are) full now, for you will go hungry. Woe (unto you) who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26) Woe, when all men speak well of you, for their forefathers treated the false prophets in the same (way).

Love your enemies (vv. 27-36).

27) "But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies (vid. Proverbs 25.21), do good to those (who) hate you, 28) bless those (who) insult you, pray for those (who) abuse you. 29) To him (who) strikes you on the cheek, offer the other (one) also, and from him who removes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic too. 30) Give to all (who) ask you, and, from him who takes away your (belongings), do not demand (them) back. 

31) And, as you wish men to do to you, do to them likewise.

32) And, if you love those (who) love you, what credit is (that) to you? For even sinners love those (who) love them. 33) And if you do good to those (who) do good to you, what credit is (that) to you? For even sinners do the same. 34) And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is (that) to you? For even sinners lend to sinners, so as to receive back the same (amount). 35) But love your enemies, and do good, and lend without expecting anything back in return (i.e. without interest) (vid. Leviticus 25.35-36); and your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36) (So,) be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 

Judging others (vv. 37-42).

37) "So judge not, and you shall not be judged at all; and condemn not, and you shall not be condemned at all. Set free, and you will be released. 38) Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken, (and) overflowing, will be deposited into your lap; for with what measure you measure will be measured out to you in return."

39) Then, he also told them a parable: "A blind (man) cannot lead a blind (man), can he? They will both fall into a pit, won't they? 40) A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone (who is) fully trained will be like his teacher. 41) Why, then, do you see the speck (of chaff that is) in your brother's eye, but you do not notice the beam that is your own eye? 42) How can you say to your brother, 'Allow me, brother, to extract the speck (of chaff) that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the beam (that is) in your own eye? (You) hypocrite, first remove the beam from your own eye, and then you shall see clearly (how) to extract the speck that is in your brother's eye. 

A tree is known by its fruit (vv. 43-45).

43) "For there is no fine tree (that) produces rotten fruit, nor again (is there) a rotten tree (that) produces fine fruit. 44) For each tree is known by its own fruit; for (people) do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a bramble-bush. 45) The good man brings forth what (is) good out of the good treasure of his heart, and the wicked (man) brings forth what (is) wicked from the wicked (treasure of his heart); for his mouth speaks from the abundance of his heart. 

The two foundations (vv. 46-49).

46) "Why, then do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' but do not do the things I say? 47) Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you to whom he is like. 48) He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep, and laid a foundation upon the rock: when a flood arose, the stream dashed against that house, but could not shake it, because it was so well built. 49) But he (who) hears and does not do (it) is like a man (who) built a house on the ground without a foundation, against which the stream burst, and at once it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

Chapter 7.   

The healing of the centurion's servant (vv. 1-10).

1) When he had finished all his speeches in the hearing of the people, he went into Capernaum. 2) Now, the slave of a certain centurion (i.e. his name was Cornelius), who was dear to him was sick and was about to pass away. 3) When he heard about Jesus, he sent out older (men) of the Jews to him to ask him to come to save his slave. 4) And, when they came to Jesus, they earnestly begged him, saying: "He is worthy of your conferring this on him, 5) for he loves our nation, and he himself built the synagogue for us." 6) So, Jesus went with them. But, when he was not now far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come in under my roof; 7) therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8) For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under myself, and I tell this (one), 'Go!' and he goes, and another (one), 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do!' and he does (it)."  9) Now, when Jesus heard these (things), he marvelled at him, and he turned to the crowd following him and said: "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." And, when those (who had been) sent returned to the house, they found the slave was in good health.  

The son of the widow of Nain is restored to life (vv. 11-17).

11) Now it happened on the next day that he went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd travelled with him. 12) Now, when he got near to the gate of the city, behold, a dead (man) was being carried out, the one and only son of his mother (vid.  Kings 17.17), and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the city was with her. 13) And, catching sight of her, the Lord had compassion on her and said to her: "Don't cry!" 14) And he came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still, and he said: "Young man, I say to you, "Arise!" 15) And the dead (man) sat up and began to speak, and he gave him to his mother (vid. 1 Kings 17.23; 2 Kings 4.36). 16) Now fear seized (them) all, and they glorified God, saying: "A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people." 17) And this report concerning him went out in the whole of Judaea and all the surrounding country.  

The messengers from John the Baptist (vv. 18-30).

18) And the disciples of John told him about all these (things). So John, calling to himself a certain two of his disciples, 19) sent (them) to the Lord, saying: "Are you the (one who is) coming (vid. Psalms 40.7; Malachi 3.1), or should we look for another?" 20) When the men came to him, they said: "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the (one who is) coming, or should we look for another?' " 21) In that hour, he cured many of their sicknesses and scourges and evil spirits, and he gave sight to many (who were) blind. 22) And in answer he said to (the two of) them: "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: the blind are seeing again, the lame are walking about, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised up (and) the poor are being told the good news (vid. Isaiah 35.5) 23) and blessed is he who never stumbles because of me. 

Jesus praises John the Baptist (vv. 24-30). 

24) When John's messengers had left, he began to talk to the crowds about John. "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 25) But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft garments? Behold, those in splendid dress and (living) in luxury are existing in royal palaces. 26) But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 27) This is (he), concerning whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way ahead of you (vid. Exodus 23.20; Malachi 3.1)'. 28) I tell you, among (those) born of women there is no one greater than John; but he (who is) least in the kingdom of God is greater than him." 29) And all the people, and the tax collectors, when they heard (this), declared God to be righteous, having been baptised with the baptism of John; 30) but the Pharisees and the lawyers disregarded God's plan for them, not being baptised by John.      

Jesus condemns his contemporaries (vv. 31-35).

31) (The Lord said:) "To whom, then, shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32) They are like young children, who are sitting in a market-place and calling out to one another, (and) who say, 'We played the flute for you and you did not dance; we wailed and you did not weep.' 33) For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34) The Son of man has come, eating and drinking, and you say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35) Besides, wisdom is proved righteous by all its children."  

A sinful woman is forgiven (vv. 36-50). 

36) One of the Pharisees asked him to dine with him, and so he went into the house of the Pharisee and sat down. 37) And behold, (there was) a woman who was known in the city (to be) a sinner, and, when she learned that he was reclining in the house of the Pharisee, she brought an alabaster jar of ointment, 38) and she stood behind (him) at his feet weeping, and she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped (them) with the hair of her head. 39) Now, when the Pharisee, who had invited him, saw (it), he said to himself; "This (man), if he were a prophet, he would know who and what kind of a woman (it is) who is touching him, (and) that she is a sinner." 40) But Jesus said to him in answer: "Simon, I have something to say to you, and he said: "Say (it), Teacher!"

41) Two (men) are debtors to a certain lender; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42) When they had nothing with which to pay (him) back, he forgave (them) both. So, which of them will love him the more? 43) In answer, Simon said: "I suppose it is the one to whom he forgave more." And he said to him: "You judged correctly." 44) Then, turning to the woman, he said to Simon: "I entered into your house; you gave me no water for my feet (vid. Genesis 18.4); but this (woman) wet my feet with her tears, and wiped (them) off with her hair. 45) You gave me no kiss; but this (woman), from the moment that I came in, did not stop kissing my feet. 46) You did not anoint my head with oil (vid. Psalms 23.5); but she anointed my feet with ointment. 47) For these reasons, I tell you her sins, which (are) many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he, to whom little is forgiven, loves little. 48) Then, he said to her: "Your sins are forgiven." 49) And those, who sat at the table with (him), began to say among themselves: "Who is this (man), who even forgives sins?" 50) But he said to the woman: "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." 

Chapter 8.

Some women accompany Jesus (vv. 1-3).

Now it happened soon afterwards that he went travelling through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God, and the twelve (were) with him, 2) as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments, Mary, who (was) called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had come out, 3) and Joanna, wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna and many other (women), who were providing for them from their own resources.   

The parable of the sower (vv. 4-8). 

4) Now, when he had gathered together a great crowd (of people), and (these people) had come to him from every city, he spoke by means of a parable: "The sower went forth to sow his seed. And, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside and it was trampled under (foot), and the birds of the sky devoured it. 6) And some fell on the rock, and, (as) it grew, it withered away because it had no moisture. 7) And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with (it) and choked it. 8) And some fell on to the good ground, and it grew and produced fruit a hundredfold. As he said these (things), he called out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"   

The purpose of parables (vv. 9-10).

9) Then, his disciples asked him what this parable might mean. 10) And he said: "To you it is granted to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest (it is) in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand (vid. Isaiah 6.9-10). 

The meaning of the parable of the sower (vv. 11-15). 

11) "Now, the meaning of the parable is this. The seed is the word of God. 12) Those on the wayside are those (who) hear, then comes the Devil and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13) Those on the rock (are) those (who,) when they hear (it), receive the word with joy, but these have no root, they believe for a short time, and (then) fall away at a time of temptation. 14) And the (one which) fell into thorns, these are those (who) heard, but, as they go on their way, they are choked with cares and riches and the pleasures of life, and they bring no fruit to maturity. 15) And the (one) in the good ground, these are the ones (who,) after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, keep hold of (it), and bring forth fruit with fortitude.  

The parable of the lamp (vv. 16-18).

16) No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts (it) under a bed, but he puts (it) on a lampstand, so that those coming in may see the light. 17) For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, nor (anything) secret that will never be known and come to light. 18) So, consider how you listen: for whoever has, to him will be given, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him. 

The true family of Jesus (vv. 19-21). 

19) Now, his mother and his brothers came towards him, but they could not join him because of the crowd. 20) Then it was reported to him:" Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." 21) But in answer he said to them: "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."  

The calming of a storm (vv. 22-25).

22) Now it happened on one of those days that he entered into a boat, both himself and his disciples, and he said to them: "Let us go to the other side of the lake," and they set sail. 23) But, as they sailed, he fell asleep, and a fierce storm of wind descended upon the lake, and they began to be swamped with water and to be in danger. 24) And they went to (him) and awoke him, saying: "Master, master, we are dying!"; Then he, having been aroused, rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they subsided, and it became calm. 25) And he said to them: "Where (is) your faith?" And, in their fear, they marvelled, saying to themselves: "Who, then, is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?" 

The healing of the Gerasene demoniac (vv. 26-39).`

26) And they put into shore in the country of the Gerasenes, which is on the other side of (the Sea of) Galilee. 27) And, as he got out on to the land, a certain man from the city, who had demons, met (him); and he had not worn clothing for some time, and he was not living in a house, but among the tombs. 28) When he saw Jesus, he cried out and said with a loud voice: "What (have) I (to do) with you, Jesus, (you) Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!" 29) For he was ordering the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had possessed him for a long time, and he was bound with chains and fetters under guard, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds. 30) Then, Jesus asked him: "What is your name?" And he said: "Legion," because (so) many demons had entered into him. 31) And they begged him not to command them to go away into the abyss. 32) Now there was there a herd of several pigs feeding on the mountain; and they begged him to let them enter into them; and he gave them permission. 33) Then, the demons came out from the man and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake and were drowned. 34) When those who fed (them) saw what had happened, they fled and reported (it) to the city and to the (surrounding) countryside.     

35) (People) went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man, whom the demons had left, clothed and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus, and they were afraid. 36) Those who had seen (it) told how he who had been possessed by demons had been rescued. 37) Then, all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him (i.e. Jesus) to depart from them, as they were seized with great fear; then he stepped into the boat and returned. 38) But the man, whom the demons had left, begged to stay with him there; but he dismissed him, saying: 39) "Go back to your home, and declare what great (things) God has done for you." And he went his way, proclaiming throughout the whole of the city what great (things) Jesus had done for him.

Jairus' daughter, and the woman with a haemorrhage who touched Jesus' garment (vv. 40-56).

40) Now, when Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41) And behold, there came a man, whose name (was) Jairus, and he was the ruler of the synagogue, and he fell at Jesus' feet and begged him to come into his house, 42) for he had an only daughter of about twelve years (of age), and she was dying. And, as he went, the crowds thronged around him. 

43) And a woman, suffering from a flow of blood (i.e. a haemorrhage) for twelve years, who could not be cured by anyone, approached (him) from behind and touched the fringe of his cloak, and immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45) Then, Jesus said: "Who (was it) that touched me?" When they all denied (it), Peter said: "Master, the crowds are jostling you and hemming you in." 46) But Jesus said: "Someone did touch me, for I felt that power had gone out from me." 47) Now, when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before him, and announced before all of the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48) "Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has made you whole. Go in peace!" 

49) While he was still speaking, someone came from (the house of) the ruler of the synagogue, saying: "Your daughter has died. Do not trouble the teacher any longer!" 50) But Jesus heard (this) and answered him: "Fear not, only believe and she shall be saved." 51) When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to go in, except Peter, and John and James, and the father of the girl and her mother. 52) Now, everyone was crying and mourning her. But he said: "Do not weep, for she is not dead but asleep." 53) But they laughed at him scornfully, knowing that she was dead. 54) But he, taking her by the hand, called out, saying: "Arise, little girl!" 55) Then, her spirit returned, and she arose at once, and he ordered that (something) should be given her to eat. 56) And her parents were quite overcome, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.   

Chapter 9.

 The mission of the Twelve Apostles (vv. 1-6).

1) Then, he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to cure illnesses, 2) and he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal (the sick), 3) and he said to them: "Take nothing for the journey, neither staff, nor knapsack, nor bread, nor money, and do not have two coats. 4) But into whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5) And, as for those who do not welcome you, when you go from that city, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 6) Then, they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and curing (people) everywhere.  

Herod's anxiety about Jesus (vv. 7-9).

7) Now, Herod the tetrarch heard of all the things that had happened, and he was very perplexed because it was being said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8) and by others that Elijah had appeared, and by others still that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. 9) And Herod said: "John I beheaded; who then is this (man), about whom I am hearing (all) these things?" And he was trying to see him. 

The Feeding of the Five Thousand (vv. 10-17).

10) And, when the apostles returned, they recounted to him the things they had done. And he took them, and withdrew privately into a city called Bethsaida. 11) But the crowds, being aware (of this), followed him. And he welcomed them and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and he cured those (who) had a need for healing. 12) Then the day began to decline; and the twelve came and said to him: "Send away the crowd, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms and procure lodgings and find provisions, for out here we are in a lonely spot. 13) But he said to them: "You give them (something) to eat!" But they said: "We have no more than five loaves and two fishes, unless we go shopping for food for all these people. 14) For there were about five thousand men. But he said to his disciples: "Have them recline in groups of about fifty each." And they did so, and made all (of them) sit down. 16) And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and, looking up to the sky, he blessed them, and broke (them) and gave (them) to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17) So, they ate and they were all filled, and the surplus that they had was taken up, twelve baskets of fragments (vid. 2 Kings 4.44).  

Peter's declaration of faith (vv. 18-20).

18) And it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples came to him together, and he questioned them, saying: "Who do the multitudes say that I am?" 19) And, in answer, they said: "John the Baptist, and others Elijah, and others again that a certain prophet of the ancients has arisen." 20) Then, he said to them: "But who do you say I am?" And in reply, Peter said: "The Christ of God."    

The first prophecy of the Passion (vv. 21-22). 

21) But, in a serious conversation, he commanded them not to tell anyone about this, 22) saying: "The Son of man must suffer many (things) and be rejected by the elders, and chief priests, and scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised up."

True discipleship (vv. 23-27). 

23) And he said to (them) all: "If anyone wishes to follow after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross every day and accompany me. 24) For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever will lose his life for my sake, he will save it. 25) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but destroys or loses himself? 26) for whoever should be ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of this (man), when he comes in his glory and (that) of the Father and of the holy angels. 27) But I tell you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death at all until they see the Kingdom of God. 

The Transfiguration of Jesus (vv. 28-36).

28) Now it happened about eight days after these remarks that he took Peter, and James and John with (him) and went up on to the mountain to pray. 29) And it happened that, while he was praying, the look of his face (became) different and his apparel (became) dazzlingly white. 30) And behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31) who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to fulfil in Jerusalem. 32) Now, Peter, and those (who) were with him, were weighed down with sleep; but, when they were fully awake, they saw him in his glory and the two men standing with him. 33) and it happened, as they were parting from him, that Peter said to Jesus: "Master, it is good for us to be here, so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah, without realising what he was saying. 34) And while he was saying these (things), a cloud came and overshadowed them; and, as they entered into the cloud, they were afraid. 35) And a voice came from the cloud, saying: "This is my son, the chosen (one) (vid. Psalms 2.7; Isaiah 42.1). Listen to him!" 36) Now, as the voice occurred, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet and told no one at that time of any of the things they had seen.

The healing of a boy with an unclean spirit (vv. 37-43).

37) Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met him. 38) And behold, a man from the crowd shouted out, saying: "Teacher, I beg you to take a look at my son, for he is my only begotten (child), 39) and behold, a spirit takes hold of him, and suddenly he cries out, and it convulses him with foam, and it scarcely goes from him even after badly bruising him; 40) Now I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not (do so). 41) And, in answer, Jesus said: "O (you) faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I continue with you and bear with you? Bring your son here!" 42) But even as he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground and threw (him) into convulsions; but Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43) And they were all amazed at the majestic power of God.    

The second prophecy of the Passion (vv. 43-45).

And as they were were all marvelling at all (the things) which he did, he said to his disciples: 44) "Put these words in your ears, for the Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men. 45) But they did not understand this saying, and in fact it was concealed from them, so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. 

Who is the greatest (vv. 46-48)?

46) Then an argument arose among them, as to who would be the greatest of them. 47) Jesus, knowing the thoughts that were going through their minds, took a little child and set him by his side, 48) and he said to them: "Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me, and (he,) who receives me, receives him, (who) sent me; for he (who) is least among you all, this (man) is great.   

On using Jesus' name (vv. 49-50).

49) Then, in response, John said: "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we sought to stop him, because he does not accompany us." 50) But Jesus said to him: "Do not stop (him), for (he) who is not against you is on your side." 

IV: THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM (Ch. 9. v. 51 - Ch. 19. v. 27).

A Samaritan village refuses to receive Jesus (vv. 51-56).

51) And it came to pass that, as the days were coming near when he should be taken up, that he set his face firmly on going to Jerusalem, 52) and he sent messengers ahead of him. And they went an entered into a village  of the Samaritans, in order to prepare for him; 53) but they did not receive him, because he was travelling on to Jerusalem. 54) When his disciples saw (this), they said: "Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and destroy them?" 55) But he turned and rebuked them, [and he said to them: "You do not know what kind of spirit you are.] 56) [For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to  save them.] And they went to another village. 

Hardships of the apostolic calling (vv. 57-62).

57) And, as they went on their way, a certain (man) said to him: "I will follow you, [Lord,] wherever you may go." 58) And Jesus said to him: "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky (have) nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." 59) And he said to another (man): "Follow me!" But he said: "Allow me first to go off and bury my father." 60) But he said to him: "Let the dead bury their dead, but you go and proclaim the Kingdom of God." 61) And another (man) also said: "I will follow you, Lord; but, first, let me say farewell to those (who are) at my house (vid. 1 Kings 19.20)." 62) But Jesus said to him: "No one that has put his hand to the plow and (then) looks at what (is) behind is fit for the Kingdom of God." 

Chapter 10.

The mission of the seventy-two disciples (vv. 1-12).

1) Now, after these (things), the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and sent them out two by two before him into every city and place where he was about to come. 2) Then, he said to them: "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are scarce; so pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to his harvest. 3) (Now,) off you go! (But) look! I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4) Take no purse, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 5) Into whatever house you enter, first say: 'Peace (be) to this house!' 6) Now, if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, your peace will return to you. 7) Now remain in that same house eating and drinking the (things that come) from them; for the labourer (is) worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8) And into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are) set before you. 9) and heal those within it (that are) sick, and say to them: "The Kingdom of God has come near to you." 10) But into whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say: 11) "Even the dust from your city that has stuck to our feet we wipe off at your expense; but know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near. 12) I tell you that on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom (vid. Genesis 19. 24-25) than for that city.  

Woe to unrepentant cities (vv. 13-16).

13) "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14) But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon (vid. Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 26-28; Joel 3.4-8; Amos 1.9-10: Zechariah 9.2-4) in the judgment than for you. 15) And you, Capernaum, did you not want to be raised right up to heaven? You will go right down to hell (vid. Isaiah 14.13,15). 

16) "He (who) listens to you, listens to me, and he (who) disregards you, disregards me. And he who disregards me, disregards the (one who) sent me."  

The return of the seventy-two (vv. 17-20).

17) Then, the seventy-two returned with joy, saying: "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name." 18) Then, he said to them: "I saw Satan having fallen from heaven (vid. Isaiah 14.12) like lightning . 19) Behold, I have given you the authority to tread on serpents (vid. Genesis 3.15; Psalms 91.13) and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and no one will do you wrong in any way. 20) But do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but that your names are written in heaven (vid. Exodus 32.32).  

Jesus rejoices (vv. 21-24). 

21) In that very hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said: "I praise you, Father. Lord of heaven and earth in that you have hidden these (things) from the wise and understanding and have revealed them to little children; yes, O Father, for thus it was well-pleasing in your sight. 22) All (things) have been delivered to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and to whomever the Son wishes to reveal (him). 23) Then, turning to the disciples, he said privately: "Blessed (are) the eyes which see (the things) that you see. 24) For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see (the things) that you see and did not see (them), and to hear (the things) that you heard and did not hear (them)."   

The great commandment (vv. 25-28).

25) Now behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying: "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26) And he said to him: "What is written in the law? How do you read (it)?" 27) And in answer he said: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength (vid. Deuteronomy 6.5; 10.12: Joshua 22.5), and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself (vid. Leviticus 19.18)." 28) And he said to him: "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live (vid. Leviticus 18.5)." 

The Good Samaritan (vv. 29-37).

29) But he, wishing to justify himself, said to Jesus: "But who is my neighbour?" 30) In reply, Jesus said: "A certain man was going down from Jersusalem to Jericho and he fell among thieves, who having stripped him (of his clothing) and having inflicted blows upon (him), went off leaving (him) half-dead. 31) Now, by chance, a certain priest was going down that road, and, when he saw (him), he passed by on the other side. 32) Likewise also, a Levite, when he came to the place, and saw (him), passed by on the other side. 33) But a certain Samaritan, as he was travelling, came upon him, and, when he saw (him), he was filled with compassion, 34) and he came (to him) and bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine upon (them), and he set him on his own beast of burden and brought him to a inn and took care of him. 35) And on the next day he took out two denarii and gave (them) to the inn-keeper, and said: 'Look after him, and whatever you have to spend in excess of that, I will repay you when I return.' 36) (Now) which of these three (men) do you think was a neighbour to the (man) who fell among thieves?" 37) And he said: "The one who had pity on him." Then, Jesus said to him: "Go and do you likewise!"  

Martha and Mary (vv. 38-42).

38) Now, as they were going on their way, he entered a certain village; and a certain woman by the name of Martha welcomed him into her house. 39) And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his word. 40) Martha, on the other hand, was overburdened with many household duties; so she came near to him and said: "Lord, does it not concern you that my sister has left me to do the housework alone? Tell her, therefore, to offer me assistance." 41) And the Lord said to her in reply: "Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about (so) many (things); yet few (things) are needed, or (just) one. Now Mary chose the good bit, and it will not be taken away from her."

Chapter 11.

The Lord's prayer (vv. 1-4).

1) Now it came to pass that when he was praying in a certain place, that, when he finished, one of his disciples said to him: "Lord, teach us (how) to pray, just as John also taught his disciples." 2) And he said to them: "Whenever you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be your name; may your kingdom come; 3) give us this day our daily bread; 4) and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone (who is) indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation.' "

The importunate friend (vv. 5-8). 

5) And he said to them: "Which of you will have a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves (of bread), for a friend of mine has come to me on a journey and I have nothing that I can set down before him;' 7) and that (man) will reply from within and say, 'Do not cause me trouble; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you (one).' 8) I tell you that, although he will not arise and give (it) to him because he is his friend, yet because of his very persistence he will get up and give him as many as he needs.  

Effective prayer (vv. 9-13).

9) "So I say to you, keep on asking, and it will be given to you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10) For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11) Which of you fathers, if your son (asks for bread, will give him a stone,) or, (if he asks for a fish,) will give him a snake instead of a fish? 12) Or, if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13) So, if you, being evil, know (how) to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"  

Jesus and Beelzebub (vv. 14-23).

14) Now, he was expelling a demon (that was) dumb; and it came to pass that, when the demon had gone out, the dumb (man) spoke. And the multitudes marvelled. 15) But some of them said: "He cast out the demons by means of Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons; 16) others, testing (him), sought from him a sign from heaven. 17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself comes to desolation, and house falls on house. 18) But, if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say I cast out the demons by means of Beelzebub. 19) But, if I am casting out the demons by means of Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast (them) out? For this reason they will be your judges. 20) But, if I, by the forefinger of God, cast out the demons, then the Kingdom of God has come to you. 21) When the strong well-armed (man) guards his own dwelling, his belongings are in good order; 22) but, when (someone) stronger than he (is) attacks (him) and overcomes him, he takes his full armour, on which he relied, and divides his spoils. 23) He (that) is not with me is against me, and he (that does) not gather with me, scatters (things) away. 

Return of the unclean spirit (vv. 24-26). 

24) Whenever an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through parched places in search of a place to rest, and, when it does not find (one), it says: "I shall return to that house of mine, from which I came away;" 25) but, when it comes, it finds (it) unoccupied, having been swept clean and decorated. 26) Then it goes off and brings along with (it) seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and, after getting inside, they dwell there, and the final circumstances of that man become worse than the original (ones).

True blessedness (vv. 27-28).

27) Now it happened that as he was saying these (things), a certain woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him: "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that gave you suck; 28) But he said: "On the contrary, blessed are those (who) hear the word of God and keep (it).  

The sign of Jonah (vv. 29-32).

29) When the crowds were building up. he began to say: "This is an evil generation; it is looking for a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30) For, just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so too will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31) The Queen of the South will rise up on the (day of) judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn them; because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon (vid. 1 Kings 10.1-10; 2 Chronicles 9.1-12), but look, something more than Solomon (is) here. 32) The men of Nineveh will arise on the (day of) judgment with this generation and will condemn it; for at the preaching of Jonah they repented (vid. Jonah 3.8,10), but look, (something) more than Jonah (is) here. 

The light of the body (vv. 33-36).

33) Having lighted a lamp, someone does not put it into a vault, or under a measuring-basket, but on a lampstand, so that those coming in may see the light. 34) The lamp of the body is your eye. When your eye is clear, the whole of your body is lit up; but, when it is bad, your body also (will be) dark. 35) Look out, therefore, lest the light that (is) in you is dark. 36) So, if your whole body (is) filled with light, with no part at all dark, the whole (of it) will be lit up, as when a lamp enlightens you by its rays. 

The Pharisees and the lawyers are denounced (vv. 37-54). 

37) Now, when he had said this, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; so, he went in and reclined (at the table). 38) But the Pharisee was surprised when he saw that he did not wash first before the dinner. 39) But the Lord said to him: "Now you Pharisees, you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, but the inside of you is full of plunder and wickedness. 40) (You) fools, he who made the outside, made the inside also, (did he) not? 41) But give the (things that) are inside (as) alms, and look, everything about you is clean. 42) But woe to you, Pharisees, because you give back a tenth of the mint and the rue and every other herb (i.e. their tithes) (vid. Leviticus 27.30), and you neglect the justice and the love of God! These things you needed to do, but not to neglect those other (things). 43) Woe to you, Pharisees, because you love the front seats in the synagogues and the greetings (you get) in the market-places! 44) Woe to you, because you are like those memorial tombs that are latent, and men walk about on top of them (i.e. and so acquire ritual impurity) and do not realise (it)!     

45) But one of the lawyers answered him and said to him: "Teacher, (by) saying these (things) you insult us also. 46) Then he said: "Woe also to you lawyers, because you load men with loads (that are) hard to bear, but you, yourselves, do not touch the loads with one of your fingers! 47) Woe to you, because you are building the memorial tombs of the prophets, but your forefathers killed them! 48) Certainly, you are witnesses to, and you approve of, the deeds of your forefathers, because they killed them and you are building (their tombs). 49) On this account, the wisdom of God also said: 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and (some) of them they will kill and persecute, 50) so that the blood of all the prophets that has been shed from the founding of the world might be sought from this generation, 51) from the blood of Abel (vid. Genesis 4.8) down to the blood of Zechariah, who was slain between the altar and the house (vid. 2 Chronicles 24.20-21);' yes, I tell you, it will be required from this generation. 52) Woe to you lawyers, because you took away the key of knowledge; you, yourselves, did not go in, and those (who did) go in, you hindered!" 

53) So, when he went out from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to bear down upon (him) terribly, and to question him closely about more (things), 54) lying in wait for him, to catch something out of his mouth.  

Chapter 12.

Warning against hypocrisy (vv. 1-3).

1) Meanwhile, while thousands (of people) had gathered together in a crowd, so that they were trampling one another under foot, he began to say to his disciples first of all: "Be on your guard against the leaven (i.e. yeast) of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2) But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not become known. 3) Therefore, whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in (people's) ears in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the rooftops.   

Whom you should fear (vv. 4-7).

4) "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those (who) kill the body, for after this they can do nothing more. 5) But I will advise you whom you should fear: fear him, (who,) after he has killed, has the authority to cast (his victims) into Gehenna; yes, I tell you you should fear this (man). 6) Five sparrows are sold for five pennies, are they not? But not one of them is forgotten by God. 7) But the hairs of your head are all numbered; (so,) do not be afraid, you are worth more than several sparrows.  

Confessing Christ before men (vv. 8-12). 

8) "But I tell you, everyone who confesses (his fellowship) with me before men, the Son of Man will also confess (his fellowship) with him before the angels of God; 9) but he (who) disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. 10) And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how or what you will speak in your defence, or what you should say; 12) for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what (things) you must say."    

The parable of the rich fool (vv. 13-21).  

13) Then, one of the crowd said to him: "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 14) But he said to him: "Man, who made me judge (vid. Exodus 2.14) or arbitrator over you?" 15) Then he said to them: "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things that belong to him." 16) Then, he spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. 17) And he pondered within himself, saying: "What shall I do, because I have nowhere to store my crops?" so he said: "This will I do; I will pull down my barns and build greater (ones), and there I will store all the grain and my goods; 19) and I will say to my soul: "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take it easy, eat, drink (and) be merry. 20) But he said to him: "(You) fool, this night they are demanding your soul from you; to whom, then, will (those things) belong which you have prepared? 21) So (is) he (who) lays up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God." 

Trust in providence (vv. 22-31).

22) Then, he said to his disciples: "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you should eat, nor about your body, what you should put on! 23) For life is more than food, and the body (is more) than clothing. 24) Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storeroom nor barn, yet God feeds them; how much more are you worth than birds! 25) Which (one) of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? 26) So, if you cannot do the smallest (thing), why worry about the rest? 27) Consider the lilies, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory (vid. 1 Kings 10.4-7; 2 Chronicles 9.3-6) was arrayed like one of these. 28) But, if God so clothes the grass, (which) today exists and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more (will he clothe) you, (O you) of little faith! 29) Now, seek not what you should eat and what you should drink, and do not be anxious, 30) for the nations of the world are seeking after all of these (things), but your father knows that you have need of them; 31) but seek his kingdom and these (things) will be given to you.  

On almsgiving (vv. 32-34).

32) "Fear not, little flock, for your Father has decided (to give you) the kingdom. 33) Sell your possessions and give alms to the needy; make for yourselves purses that do not wear out, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches, nor moth destroys; 34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Watchful servants preparing for their Master's return (vv. 35-48).

35) "Let your loins be girded about (vid. Exodus 12:11; 1 Kings 18.46; 2 Kings 4.29, 9.1; Job 38.3; 40.7; Proverbs 31.17; Jeremiah 1.17) and your lamps (be) lit, 36) and (be) you like men awaiting their lord, when he returns from the marriage-feast, so that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open (the doors) to him. 37) Blessed (are) those servants, whom the lord will find on the watch when he comes; most assuredly, I tell you that he will do up his belt, and make them recline at the table and come and serve them. 38) And, if he should come in the second, or in the third, watch, and find (them) thus (ready), blessed they will be. 39) But know this, that, if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40) Therefore, be you ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."

41) Then, Peter said: "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone (else) as well?"And the Lord said: "Who, then, is the faithful steward, (and) the wise (one), whom his lord will set over his household to give (them) their ration of food at the proper time? 43) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord will find acting in this way when he comes; 44) Truly, I tell you that he will put him in charge of all his belongings. 45) But, if that servant says in his mind, 'My lord delays his return,' and starts to beat the manservants and the maidservants, and to eat, drink and be merry, 46) (then) the lord of that servant will come on a day when he is not expecting (him), and at an hour that he does not know, and he will cut him off and place his portion with (those) of the unfaithful (ones).       

47) "Now, that servant who knew his lord's will and did not prepare for (it), or act in accordance with his wishes, will be given many strokes of the lash; 48) and he who did not know but did (things) worthy of stripes, was beaten with a few strokes. So, to everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required, and they will ask more of him, to whom much was entrusted.   

Jesus the cause of dissension (vv. 49-53).

49) "I came to cast fire on the earth, but what is there for me to wish for, if it has already been set alight? 50) But I have been granted a baptism (by which) I am to be baptised, and how distressed I am until it has been accomplished! 51) Do you think I am here to bring peace to the earth? Not so, I tell you, but rather division. 52) For from now on there will be five (kinds of) division in one house, three against two, and two against three, 53) (and) they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 

On reading the signs of the times (vv. 54-56).

54) And he also said: "Whenever you see a cloud rising up in the west, you say at once that rain is coming, and so it happens; 55) and, whenever a south wind blows, you say there will be a scorching heat, and it happens. 56) (You) hypocrites, you know (how) to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how (is it) that you do not know (how) to interpret this present time?  

Settling with your accuser (vv. 57-59). 

57) "Why do you not judge for yourselves what (is) right? 58) For, when you are are going with your adversary before the magistrate, make an effort on the way to reach an agreement with him, lest, at some time, he should drag you before the judge, and the judge should deliver you to the bailiff, and the bailiff should throw you into prison. 59) I tell you, you will not get out of there, until you have paid your very last penny." 

Chapter 13. 

Repent or die (vv. 1-5).

1) Now there were some present at the same time (who) told him about the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with (that) of their sacrifices. 2) And, in answer, he said to them: "Do you think that these Galilaeans were more sinful than the (other) Galilaeans, because they have suffered such (things)? 3) (That is) not so, I tell you, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way (vid. Psalms 7.12). 4) Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were greater offenders than all the (other) men who inhabited Jerusalem? 5) (That is) not so, I tell you, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way (vid. Psalms 7.12)."

The parable of the barren fig tree (vv. 6-9).

6) Then he spoke this parable: "A certain (man) had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came in search of food on it, and he did not find (any). 7) So he said to the vinedresser: 'Look, (it is) three years, during which I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and I have not found (any); cut it down! For why should it use up the soil?' 8) And in answer he said to him: 'Lord, leave it this year also, until such time as I shall have dug around it and put manure (on it); 9) and, if it bears fruit in the future (then well and good!) - but if not, you can cut it down.' "  

The healing of a crippled woman on the Sabbath (vv. 10-17).

10) Now, he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the day of the Sabbath. 11) And behold, (there was) a woman, who had been possessed by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and she was bent over and completely unable to stand up straight. 12) When Jesus saw her, he called out to her and said: "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity," 13) and he laid his hands on her; and, immediately, she stood up straight and began to glorify God. 14) In response, the ruler of the synagogue, being indignant, because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, said to the congregation: "There are six days, on which one ought to work; so come on those days to be healed, and not on the day of the Sabbath (vid. Exodus 20.9-10; Deuteronomy 5.13-14)." 15) But the Lord answered him and said: "(You) hypocrites, does not each (one) of you free his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath and lead (it) away and give (it) drink? 16) Ought not this (woman), being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years, to be freed from this bondage on the day of the Sabbath?" 17) Now, when he said these (things), all those (who were) opposing him were put to shame, and all the multitude rejoiced at all the glorious (things) that were done by him.  

The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (vv. 18-21).

18) So he said: "What is the Kingdom of God like, and with what shall I compare it? 19) It is like a seed of mustard, which a man took and put in his own garden, and it grew and turned into a tree, and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches (vid. Daniel 4.12,21; Ezekiel 17.23; 31.6)." 

20) And again he said: "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 21) It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three large measures of flour, until it was all fermented."

The narrow door (vv. 22-30).

22) And he journeyed through cities and villages, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 23) And someone said to him: "Lord, are those who are saved (but) a few?" And he said to them: "Strive to go in through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter but will not succeed (in doing so). 25) Once the householder has arisen and locked the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' And he will answer and say to you: 'I do not know from where you are from.' 26) Then, you will start to say: 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets;' 27) But he will speak to you and say: 'I do not know from where you are from; get away from me, all (you) workers of iniquity!' There there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, and yourselves being thrown outside. 29) And they will have come from east and west, and from north and south, and they will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God. 30) And behold, those (who) are last will be first, and those (who) are first will be last (i.e. the call of the Gentiles and the rejection of the Jews)." 

Herod plans to kill Jesus (vv. 31-33).

31) At that very time, some Pharisees came to him, saying: "Get out and go away from here, for Herod wants to kill you. 32) And he said to them: "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, today and tomorrow I cast out demons and perform cures, and on the third day I shall be finished. 33) But I must go on my way today and tomorrow and on the next day, for it is not permissible that a prophet should be slain outside Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is admonished (vv. 34-35). 

34) " 'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the (one who) kills the prophets and stones those (who are) sent to her, - how often have I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen (gathers) her brood (of chicks) under her wings, but you were unwilling. 35) Behold, your house is left to you in an abandoned state (vid. 1 Kings 9.7-8; Jeremiah 12.7; 22.5). I tell you, you will not see me at all until you say: 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (vid. Psalms 118.26).' "

Chapter 14.

The healing of a man with dropsy on the Sabbath (vv. 1-6).

1) And it happened, when he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat a meal, that they were watching him closely. 2) And behold, a certain man who had dropsy was in front of him. 3) And, in response, Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" 4) But they remained silent. Then, he took hold of (the man) and healed him and let (him) go. 5) And he said to them: "Which (one) of you, (if) your son, or an ox, fell into a well on the Sabbath day, would not immediately pull him out?" 6) But they were not able to give (him) an answer on these (things).   

On choosing places at table (vv. 7-11).

7)Then, he spoke a parable to those (who had been) invited, because he had noticed how they picked the place of honour, and he said to them: 8) "When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast, do not sit down in the best seat, lest perhaps someone more honourable than you may have been invited by him, 9) and he who invited you and him may come and say, 'Give up your place to this (person),' and you will begin, with shame, to make your way to the lowest place. 10) But, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that, when he who has invited you comes, he may say to you: 'Friend, move on up higher;' then you will have honour before all those who are sitting at table with you (vid. Proverbs 25.6-7). 11) For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he (who) humbles himself will be exalted." 

On choosing guests to be invited (vv. 12-14).

12) And he also said to the (one who) had invited him: "When you make a dinner or a supper, do not call your friends, or your brothers, or your kinsmen, or rich neighbours, lest perhaps they may also invite you in return, and it would become a repayment to you. 13) But, when you do make a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, (and) the blind; 14) and you will be blessed, because they do not have (anything with which) to repay you, for you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous (ones)."   

The parable of the great banquet (vv. 15-24).

15) When one of those sitting at the table with him heard these (things), he said to him: "Blessed (is) he who eats bread in the Kingdom of God." 

16) But he said to him: "A certain man made a great supper and invited many (people to it), 17) and he sent his servant at supper time to say to those (who had been) invited: 'Come, for it is now ready.' 18) And they all began as one to excuse themselves. The first (one) said to him: 'I have bought a field and have the need to go and see it; I ask you, Have me excused.' 19) And another (one) said: 'I have bought five yokes (i.e. pairs) of oxen and I am going to try them out; I ask you, Have me excused.' 20) And another said: 'I have (just) married a wife, and for this reason I cannot come.' 21) Now, the servant came and told his lord these (things). 22) Then, the master of the house got angry and said to his servant: 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city and bring in here the poor, and the crippled, and the blind, and the lame.' 22) And the servant said: 'Lord, what you commanded has happened, and yet there is still room.' 23) And the lord said to the servant: 'Go out into the highways and hedgerows, and compel (them) to come in, so that my house may be filled; 24) for I tell you that none of those men who (were) invited will have a taste of my supper.' "    

The cost of discipleship: renouncing all that one holds dear (vv. 25-33).

28) Now, great crowds were travelling with him, and he turned and said to them: "If anyone comes to me and does not disregard his own father (vid. Deuteronomy 33.9), and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, and even his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27) He who does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 

28) "For which of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost (to see) if he has (what it takes) to complete (it)? 29) Otherwise, if he were to lay the foundation (stone) and not be able to complete (the work), all those looking on might begin to mock him, 30) saying: 'This man began to build, but was not able to finish.' 31) Or what king (is there) who, as he goes to fight with another king in war, does not first sit down to consider whether he is able with ten thousand (men) to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32) But if, indeed he (can)not (do so), while the other is still a long way off, he sends a party of ambassadors to sue for peace. 33) So, therefore, anyone of you, who does not renounce all his own possessions, cannot be my disciple. 

Tasteless salt: the loss of enthusiasm in a disciple (vv. 34-35). 

34) "Now salt (is) a fine (substance); but, if the salt loses its flavour, with what will it be seasoned? 35) It is fit neither for the soil, nor the manure heap; they throw it out. He (who) has ears (with which) to hear, let him hear!" 

Chapter 15.

The parable of the lost sheep (vv. 1-7).

1) Now, all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him. 2) So, the Pharisees and the scribes kept murmuring, saying: "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3) So he told them this parable, saying: 4) "Which of you men, if you had a hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost (one) until he found it (vid. Ezekiel 34.11,16)? 5) And, when he has found (it), he puts (it) on his shoulders and rejoices, 6) and, when he comes home, he calls his friends and his neighbours together, saying to them: 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that (was) lost.' 7) So, I tell you there will be (more) joy in heaven over one sinner (who) repents than over ninety-nine righteous (people) who have no need of repentance. 

The parable of the lost drachma (vv. 8-10).

8) "Or what woman with ten drachma (coins), if she were to lose one, would not light a lamp and sweep the house, and search carefully, until she found it? 9) And, when she has found (it), she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying: 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma that I lost.' 10) So, I tell you there is joy among the angels of God over one sinner (who) repents."  

The parable of the prodigal son (vv. 11-32).

11) Then, he said: "A certain man had two sons. 12) And the younger of them said to his father: 'Give me the share of the property that will come my way;' and he divided his livelihood between them. 13) Not many days after (that), the younger son gathered everything together and went away to a far country, and there he squandered his property (by) living riotously. 14) And, when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15) And he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, 16) and he wanted to be filled with the carob pods which the pigs were eating, but no one gave him (any). 17) Now, when he came to his (senses), he thought: 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough to spare, and I am dying here of hunger; 18) I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you, 19) (and) am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired hands!" ' 20) Then he arose and went to his father, but while he was still far off his father caught sight of him and was moved with compassion, and he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21) Then, the son said to him: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired hands!' 22) But the father said to his servants: 'Quick, bring out the best robe and put (it) on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet, 23) and bring the fattened calf, slaughter (it), and let us eat and celebrate, 24) for this my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.' And they began to celebrate. 

25) "Now, his elder son was in the field; and, as he came and drew near to the house, he heard the (sound of) music and dancing, 26) and he called one of the servants to (him) and asked what these (noises) meant; 27) and he said to him: 'Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf, because he has got him back fit and healthy.' 28) This made him angry, and so he was unwilling to go in. Then, his father came out and begged him. 29) But, in answer, he said to his father: 'Look, I have served you now for so many years, and never have I disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never even gave me a goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30) but when this son of yours came, the (one who) has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.' 

32) "Then, he said to him: 'Child, you are always with me, and everything of mine is yours; 32) but we had to celebrate and be glad, because this your brother was dead and came back to life, and he was lost and is found.' "     

Chapter 16. 

The parable of the dishonest steward (vv. 1-13).

1) And he also said to the disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and the charge was brought to him that this steward was squandering his possessions. 2) And he summoned him and said to him: 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, because you can no longer manage my affairs.' 3) Then, the steward said to himself: 'What shall I do, (seeing) that my lord is taking the stewardship away from me? I do not have the strength to dig, (and) I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do, so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, (people) will receive me into their homes.' 5) And calling to (him) each one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first (one): 'How much do you owe my lord?'  6) And he said: 'A hundred bath measures of olive-oil;' and he said to him: 'Take your bill and sit down and quickly write down fifty.' 7)  Then he said to another: 'How much do you owe?' And he said: 'A hundred measures of wheat;' he said to him: 'Take your bill and write down eighty.' 8) Then the lord commended the dishonest steward, because he had acted with astuteness; for the sons of this world are wiser towards their own generation than (are) the sons of light.

9) "So I say to you, make friends for yourselves through the mammon of unrighteousness (i.e. money), so that, when it fails (you), they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places. 10) He (who is) trustworthy with regard to (something) very little, is also trustworthy with regard to many (things), and he (who is) dishonest with regard to a very small (matter) is also dishonest with regard to (something) large. 11) So, if you have not been trustworthy with regard to the mammon of unrighteousness, who will entrust you with genuine (riches)? 12) And, if you have not been trustworthy with regard to what belongs to another, who will give you what (is) your own?  

13) "No domestic servant can serve two masters; for he will either hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and disregard the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." 

The Law and the Kingdom of God (vv. 14-18).

14) Now, the Pharisees, (who were) fond of money, heard all these (things), and they began to sneer at him. 15) But he said to them: "You are the (kind of men who) justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows (what is in) your hearts; for that (which is) exalted among men (is) an abomination in the sight of God.  

16) "(There were) the law and the prophets until (the time of) John; from then on the Kingdom of God is being proclaimed as good news, and everyone is entering into it by force. 17) But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the Law to become invalid. 

18) "Everyone, who divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery, and he, who marries (a woman who is) divorced from her husband, commits adultery. 

 The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (vv. 19-31).

19) "Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, and enjoyed himself splendidly every day. 20) Now, a certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid by his gate covered with sores, and wishing to be fed with the (things) dropping from the rich man's table; yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22) And it came to pass that the beggar died and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich (man) also died and was buried. 

23) "And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, as he was in torment, and saw Abraham from afar, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24) And he cried out and said: 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in some water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.' 25) But Abraham said: 'Child, remember that you received good things in your lifetime, and Lazarus bad things likewise; but now here he is comforted and you are in pain. 26) Now, with regard to all these (things) a great chasm had been fixed, so that those wishing to cross over from here to you cannot (do so), and so that none may cross over from there to us.' 27) So he said: 'I ask you, therefore, father, to send him to my father's house, 28) for I have five brothers, to testify to them, so that they should not also come to this place of torment. 29) But Abraham said: 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.' 30) Then, he said: 'No, father Abraham, if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31) But he said to him: 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead,' "

Chapter 17.

Some sayings of Jesus (vv. 1-10).  

1) And he said to his disciples: "It is impossible that the stumbling blocks should not come, but woe (to him) through whom they come; 2) it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he should cause one of these little (ones) to stumble (i.e. to sin). 3) Take care of yourselves! If your brother commits a sin, rebuke him, and, if he repents, forgive him; 4) and, if he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times he turns around and says to you, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him. 

5) Then, the apostles said to the Lord: "Increase our faith." 6) And the Lord said: "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea;' and it would obey you.

7) "Which one of you (is there), who has a servant ploughing or minding sheep, that, when he comes in from the field, will say to him, 'Come here at once, and sit down (at the table)'? 8) But rather will he not say to him, 'Prepare what I shall eat for supper, and put on an apron and serve me while I eat and drink, and after that, you shall eat and drink'? 9) He does not feel gratitude to the servant, because he did the things that he was assigned (to do, does he)? 10) So you also, when you have done all the things (that were) assigned to you, say, 'We are useless servants, we have done what we ought to have done.' "  

The cleansing of ten lepers (vv. 11-19).    

11) And it happened that, while he was on his way to Jerusalem, he was also passing through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12) And, as he entered into a certain village, ten men with leprosy met (him), and they stood at a distance (from him) (vid. Leviticus 13.46), 13) and they lifted up their voices, saying: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14) Now, when he saw (them), he said to them: "Go and show yourselves to the priests (vid. Leviticus 14.2-3) ." And it came to pass that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15) But one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. 16) And he fell upon his face at his (i.e. Jesus') feet, thanking him; and he was a Samaritan. 17) And Jesus said in reply: "Ten (men) were cleansed, (were they) not? Now where (are) the nine? 18) Were there none found (who) returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" 19) Then, he said to him: "Arise and go on your way; your faith has saved you."

The coming of the Kingdom of God (vv. 20-37).

20) When asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered and said: "The Kingdom of God will not come through observation, 21) neither will (people) be saying, 'Look, (it is) here!' or 'It is there!' For behold, the Kingdom of God is within you." 22) And he said to the disciples: "The time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see (it). 23) And (people) will say to you, 'Look here!' or 'Look there!' Do not go out or chase after (them). 24) For even as the lightning, when it flashes, shines forth from one part of the sky to another part of the sky, so will it be (with) the Son of Man. 25) But first he must suffer many (things) and be rejected by this generation. 

26) And just as it happened in the days of Noah (vid. Genesis 6.5-12), so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27) they ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed (them) all (vid. Genesis 7. 6-23). 28) And so it happened likewise in the days of Lot (vid. Genesis 18.20-21; 19.1-14): they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29) But on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulphur from the sky and destroyed (them) all. 30) It will be the same way on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.  

31) On that day, let he who is on the rooftop, and his belongings (are) in the house, not go back down to collect them, and, likewise, let he who (is) in the field not go back to the (things left) behind. 32) Remember Lot's wife (vid. Genesis 19, 17,26). 33) Whoever seeks to save his life, will lose it, but whoever loses (it), will preserve it. 34) I tell you, on that night, when there will be two people in one bed, one will be taken and the other will be left. 35) There will be two (women) grinding corn at the same (mill); one will be taken up, the other will be abandoned. 36) ----- . 37) So, in response, they said to him: "Where, Lord?" And he said to them: "Where the body (is), there too will the vultures be gathered together (vid. Job 39.30)."  

Chapter 18.

The parable of the widow and the judge (vv. 1-8).

1) Then, he told them a parable to the effect that they must always pray and not be disheartened, 2) saying: "There was a certain judge in a certain city, (who did) not fear God and did not have regard for man. 3) Now, there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Exact justice for me from my legal adversary.' 4) And, for a time, he was unwilling, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Although I do not fear God or have regard for man, 5) yet because this widow is causing me trouble, I will grant her justice, so that she will not keep forever coming and browbeating me.' " 6) Then, the Lord said: "Listen to what the unrighteous judge is saying; 7) So shall not God cause justice to be done for his elect (i.e. his chosen ones), who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? 8) I tell you that he will bring them justice speedily. But, when the Son of Man comes, will he really find any faith on the earth?"  

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (vv. 9-14).

9) He also spoke this parable to certain people who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and treated everyone else with contempt: 10) "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one (was) a Pharisee, the other (was) a tax collector.  11) The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself as follows: 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, rapacious, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this here tax collector. 12) I fast twice a week, I give a tenth of all that I get (vid. Genesis 14.20).' 13) But the tax collector, standing at a distance, (was) unwilling even to raise his eyes to the sky, but beat his breast, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, a sinner (vid. Psalms 51.1)!' 14) I tell you, this (man) came down to his house more justified than that (man); for everyone that exalts himself will be humbled, and he (who) humbles himself will be exalted."  

Jesus and the little children (vv. 15-17).

15) Now (people) were also bringing their infants to him, so that he might touch them; but, when the disciples saw (this), they began to rebuke them. 16) But Jesus summoned them (i.e. the children), saying: "Allow the little children to come to me, and do not stand in their way, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17) Most assuredly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, will in no way enter into it." 

The danger of riches (vv. 18-27).

18) And a certain man of the ruling class inquired of him, saying: "Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit life eternal?" 19) Then, Jesus said to him: "Why do you call me good? No one (is) good, except God alone. 20) You know the commandments: 'You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not give false witness (vid. Exodus 20. 13-16; Deuteronomy 5.17-20), Honour your father and mother (vid. Exodus 20.12; Deuteronomy 5.16).' " 21) And he said, "I have observed all these (things) from my youth." 22) When Jesus heard (this), he said to him: "You are still lacking one (thing). Sell everything you have, and give (it) to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 23) But, when he heard these (things), he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 

24) Then, Jesus looked at them and said: "How hard (it is) for those (who) have money to enter into the kingdom of God! 25) For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich (man) to enter into the Kingdom of God." 26) And those who heard (this) said: "Who, then, can be saved?" 27) But he said: "Things (which are impossible) with men are possible with God."

The reward of renunciation (vv. 28-30).

28) Then, Peter said: "Lord, we have abandoned our possessions and followed you." 29) And he said to them: "Most assuredly, I tell you that there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents. or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God, 30) who will not receive (in return) many times as much in the present time, and in the age to come eternal life."   

Jesus prophesies the Passion for the third time (vv. 31-34). 

31) Then he took the twelve aside and said to them: "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and all the things that are written by means of the prophets as to the Son of Man will be fulfilled; 32) for he will be delivered up to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon, 33) and they will scourge (him) and put him to death, and on the third day he will arise." 34) And they understood none of these (things) and this prophesy was hidden from them and they did not understand what was said.  

The healing of a blind man near Jericho (vv. 35-43). 

35) And it happened that, as he was coming near to Jericho, a certain blind (man) was sitting by the road begging. 36) And, because he heard a crowd (of people) going past, he began to ask what this meant. 37) And they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. 38) Then, he cried out, saying: "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!"39) Now, those (who) led the way warned him to be silent, but he cried out even more: "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Then, Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to him. And, when he came near, he asked him: 41) "What do you want me to do?" And he said: "Lord, (do something) so that I may see once more." 42) Then, Jesus said: "See again! Your faith has healed you." 43) And immediately he regained his sight, and began to follow him glorifying God. And all the people who saw (it) gave praise to God. 

Chapter 19.

Jesus and Zacchaeus (vv. 1-10).

1) And he entered Jericho and was passing through (it). 2) And behold, (there was) a man called by the name Zacchaeus, and he was the chief tax collector and he was rich; 3) and he was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not (do so) on account of the crowd because he was small in stature. 4) And he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, because he was about to pass through that way. 5) And, when he came to the place, Jesus looked up and said to him: "Zacchaeus, hurry up and come down, for today I must stay in your house." 6) And he came down hurriedly and welcomed him gladly. 7) And, when they saw (this), they all began to grumble, saying: "He went in to find lodging with a sinful man." 8) But Zacchaeus stood his ground, and said to the Lord: "Behold, Lord, I give one half of my goods to the poor, and, if I have extorted anything from anyone I am restoring (it) fourfold (vid. Exodus 22.1)." 9) And Jesus said to him: "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10) for the Son of Man came to seek and to save what (was) lost (vid. Ezekiel 34.16)."   

The parable of the ten pounds (vv. 11-27).

11) While they were listening to these (things), he went on and told this parable, because he was near to Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God was going to be revealed at once. 12) Therefore, he said: "A certain nobleman went off into a far country to secure a kingdom for himself and (then) to return. 13) And he called ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds and told them. 'Keep the business going until I return.' 14) But his compatriots hated him and sent an envoy after him, saying, 'We do not want  this (man) to rule over us.' 15) And it happened when he came back, having acquired the kingdom, that he said that those servants to whom he had given the money should be called to him so that he might learn what they might have gained by conducting the business. 16) And the first (one) came before (him), saying, 'Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.' 17) And he said to him, 'Well done, (you) good servant! Because you have been faithful over very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' 18) And the second (one) came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' 19) So he said to him, 'You, too, be in charge of five cities!' 20) Then, another (one) came, saying, 'Lord, behold your pound, which I kept laid up in a face-cloth; 21) for I feared you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not put down, and you reap what you did not sow.' 22) He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, (you) wicked servant; you knew, (did you,) that I am a demanding man, taking up what I did not put down, and reaping what I did not sow? 23) So, why did you not put my money in a bank? And then, when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.' 24) And to those standing by, he said, 'Take the pound away from me, and give (it) to him (who) has the ten pounds;  --- 25) But they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds!' --- 26) 'I tell you that to everyone (who) has, (more) will be given, but from him who has not, even (that) which he has will be taken away. 

27) " 'But bring those enemies of mine who did not want me to rule over them here, and slaughter them in front of me.' "      

V: TEACHING IN JERUSALEM (Ch. 19 v. 28 - Ch. 21). 

The Messiah's triumphal entry into Jerusalem (vv. 28-40).

28) Then, having said these (things), he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29) And it happened as he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called (the Mount) of Olives that he sent forth two disciples, saying: "Make your way into the village opposite, in which, as you enter, you will find a tethered colt, on which no man  has ever sat, and untie (it) and bring it (here). 31) And, if anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying it?' answer thus, 'The Lord has need of it.' " 32) And those who had been sent out went off and found (it was) just as he had told them. 33) And, as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them: "Why are you untying the colt?" 34) And they said: "The Lord has need of it." 35) So, they led it to Jesus, and they threw their cloaks on the colt and set Jesus upon (it). 36) And, as he went on his way, they spread their cloaks on the road (vid. 2 Kings 9.13). 

37) And, as he was now getting near to the downward slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and to praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, saying: "Blessed (is) the King who comes in the name of the Lord (vid. Psalms 118.26); peace in heaven and glory in the highest (places)!" 39) And, from the multitude, some of the Pharisees said to him: "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" 40) And, in answer, he said: "I tell you, if these were to keep silent, the stones would cry out."

Lament for Jerusalem (vv. 41-44).   

41) And, as he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, 42) saying: "If only you had known on this day the (way) to peace --- but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43) For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you and surround you and press you hard on every side, 44) and they will dash you and your children within your (walls) to the ground, and they will not leave stone standing on stone within your (walls), because you were not aware of the time of your visitation. 

The cleansing of the Temple (vv. 45-48). 

45) And he went out into the temple and began to expel those who were buying and selling (in it), 46) saying to them: "Now it is written, 'My house is a house of prayer (vid. Isaiah 56.7),' but you have made it a den of thieves (vid. Jeremiah 7.11)." 

47) And he was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests, and the scribes, and the leaders of the people were seeking to destroy him; 48) and yet they could not work out what they should do, for the people hung upon every (word) of his (that they) heard. 

Chapter 20. 

The Jews question the authority of Jesus (vv. 1-8).

1) Now it happened on one of the days when he was teaching the people in the temple and proclaiming the good news, that the chief priests and the scribes stood nearby together with the elders, 2) and they spoke to him, saying: "Tell us by what authority you do these (things), or who it is that gave you this authority. 3) And, in answer, he said to them: "I also will ask you a question, and do you tell me (the answer). 4) The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men?" 5) And they reasoned among themselves, saying: "If we should say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' 6) But if we should say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet." 7) So they replied that they did not know where (it was from). 8) Then, Jesus said to them: "Neither am I telling you by what authority I am doing these (things)." 

The parable of the vineyard and the wicked tenants (vv. 9-18).

9) And he began to tell this parable to the people: "A man planted a vineyard (vid. Isaiah 5.1) and let it out for hire to some farmers, and went away for a considerable (period of) time. 10) And, in due season he sent out a servant to the farmers to collect his (share) of the fruit of the vineyard, but the farmers beat (him) and sent him away empty-handed. 11) But he went on to send another servant; and that one they also beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12) And he went on to send a third; and this (one) they also wounded and threw out. 13) Then, the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I shall send my beloved son; him they will probably respect.' 14) But, when the farmers saw him, they reasoned among one another, saying, 'This is the heir;let us kill him, so that the inheritance may become ours.' 15) So, they threw him out of the vineyard and killed (him). What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16) He will come and destroy them, and give the vineyard to others."

On hearing (this), they said: "May this never happen!" 17) But he looked at them and said: "What, then, is this that is written, 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (vid. Psalms 118.22)'? 18) Everyone who falls on that stone will be shattered; and it will crush anyone, on whom it may fall."  

Paying taxes to Caesar (vv. 19-26).

19) The scribes and the chief priests then sought to lay their hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people, for they knew that he had spoken this parable against them. 20) And they watched (him) closely and they sent out spies (who) pretended to be righteous themselves, in order to catch him out in what he said, so as deliver him up to the power and the authority of the governor. 21) So they questioned him, saying; "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly and show no partiality (to anyone), but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth; 22) is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 23) but he saw through their cunning and said to them: "Show me a denarius; whose image and inscription does it have?" And they said: "Caesar's." 25) Then, he said to them: "Well then, give the (things that are) Caesar's to Caesar, and the (things that are) God's to God!" 26) So they were not able to catch (him) out in his words before the people, and they marvelled at his answer and kept silent.  

The resurrection of the dead (vv. 27-40).

27) But some of the Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came up and questioned him, 28) saying: "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother, (who) has a wife, dies, and this (man) were childless, then his brother should take the wife and raise up offspring (from her) for his brother (vid. Deuteronomy 25.5; Genesis 38.8).' 29) Well then, there were seven brothers; and the first (one) took a wife and died childless; 30) and the second, 31) and the third (one) took her, and likewise (the rest of) the seven also, but they left no children and died. 32) Afterwards, the woman also died. 33) So, during the resurrection, the wife of which one of them will the woman be? For the seven (all) had her (as) a wife."   

34) Jesus said to them: "The children of this world marry and are given in marriage, 35) but those. who are deemed worthy to attain a place in that (other) world and in the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36) for they cannot die any more, for they are like angels, and are children of God (vid. Genesis 4.5-7), as they are children of the resurrection. 37) But that the dead are raised even Moses revealed at the bush (vid. Exodus 3.2), when he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and God of Isaac, and God of Jacob (vid. Exodus 3.6, 15, 16); 38) Now, he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him. 39) Then in reply, some of the scribes said: "Teacher, you spoke well (n.b. if they were Pharisees they would have believed in the resurrection);" 40) For they no longer dared to ask him anything. 

The question about David's son (vv. 41-44).

41) Then, he said to them: "How can they say that the Christ is David's son? 42) For David himself says in the Book of Psalms, 'The Lord said to my lord, sit at my right (hand), 43) until I shall make your enemies the footstool for your feet (vid. Psalms 110.1).' 44) David, therefore, calls him 'Lord'; so how is he his son?"  

The denouncing of the scribes (vv. 45-47).

45) Then, while all the people were listening, he said to the disciples: 46) "Look out for the scribes who like to walk in long robes and love greetings in the market-places and the best seats in the synagogues and the top places at the feasts, 47) who devour the properties of widows and make long prayers as a pretext; these will receive a heavier sentence."

Chapter 21. 

The widow's mite (vv. 1-4).

1) Then, he looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the collection box. 2) And he saw a certain poor widow drop two small coins into it. 3) Then, he said: "Truly I tell you that this widow put in more than all (of them); 4) for all these put in gifts from their abundance, whereas this (woman), from her want, put in all the means of living that she had." 

The destruction of the temple is foretold (vv. 5-6).

5) Then, while some were saying about the temple that it had been adorned with beautiful stones and votive offerings, 6) he said: "(As for) these (things) that you see, the time will come when no stone will be left on a stone here that will not be thrown down."

The warning signs (vv. 7-19). 

7) And they asked him, saying: "Teacher, so when will these (things) happen, and what sign (will there be) when these (things) are about to take place?" And he said: "Be careful that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am (the One),' and 'The time is near.' Do not go after them. 9) When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be alarmed; for these (things) must happen first, but the end (will) not (come) at once."  

10) Then, he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and plagues and famines in various places, and there will be terrible (events) and great signs from heaven. 12) But, before all  these (things happen), they will lay their hands on you and persecute (you), delivering (you) up to the synagogues and prisons, and bringing (you) before kings and governors on account of my name; 13) and it will be the opportunity for you to bear witness. 14) So, make up your minds not to prepare to defend yourselves, 15) for I will give you a mouth and a wisdom, which all your adversaries will be unable to withstand or to contradict. 16) And you will be delivered up even by parents and brothers, and relatives and friends, and (some) of you will be put to death, 17) and you will be hated by everyone because of my name. 18) Yet not a hair of your head will by any means perish. 19) By your endurance you will win your lives.    

The destruction of Jerusalem is foretold (vv. 20-24).

20) But, when you see Jerusalem encircled by armies, then know that its destruction is at hand. 21) Then, let those (who are) in Judea flee to the mountains, and those (who are) in its midst depart, and those (who are) in the countryside not go into it. 22) For these are the days of meting out justice, when all that (is) written may be fulfilled. 23) Woe to those (who) are pregnant and to those (who are) giving suck in those days; for there will be great distress in the land and retribution on its people, 24) and they will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into very Gentile country, and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the appointed times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (vid. Psalms 79.1; Isaiah 63.18; Daniel 9. 26) and they will exist. 

The coming of the Son of Man (vv. 25-28).

25) And there will be signs in the sun and moon and the stars (vid. Isaiah 13.10; Ezekiel 32.7), and on the earth the anguish of the nations due to their anxiety over the roaring of the sea and the waves (vid. Psalms 46.2-3; 65.7), 26) (while) men are fainting through fear and expectation of the (things that are) coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27) And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud (vid. Daniel 7.13) with power and great glory. 28) (When) these (things) begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads, because your redemption is near. 

The parable of the fig tree (vv. 29-33).

29) Then, he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30) when they are now in bud, you see (this) for yourselves, and you know that the summer is at hand. 31) so you too, when (you see) these (things) happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32) Most assuredly, I tell you that this generation will by no means pass away until all (things) shall have happened. 33) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away. 

Pay attention to yourselves (vv. 34-36).

34) But pay attention to yourselves, lest your hearts should ever be weighed down by drunkenness and overeating and the cares of this life, and this day shall suddenly come upon you like a trap. 35) For it will come upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. 36) So, stay awake, praying all the time that you may be able to escape all these (things that are) about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man. 

The last days of Jesus (vv. 37-38).

 37) So, by day he was teaching in the temple, and he would go out and spend the night on the mountain called (the Mount) of Olives; 38) and all the people got up early in the morning (to come) to him in the temple to hear him. 

VI: THE PASSION (Chs. 22 & 23).

Chapter 22.

The conspiracy against Jesus; Judas betrays him (vv. 1-6). 

1) Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover (vid. Exodus 12.1-27) drew near. 2) And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put him to death, for they were afraid of the people. 3) Then, Satan entered into Judas, the (one) called Iscariot, (who) was of the number of the twelve. 4) And he went off and talked with the chief priests and guard-commanders as to how he might deliver him to them. 5) And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6) So, he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the crowd. 

The preparation of the Passover (vv. 7-13). 

7) And the day of unleavened bread arrived, on which the Passover must be sacrificed (vid. Exodus 12.6,14,15); 8) and he dispatched Peter and John, saying: "Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat (vid. Exodus 12. 8-11)." 9) So, they said to him: "Where do you want us to prepare (the food)?" 10) Then, he said to them: "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you; follow him into the house, into which he enters. 11) Tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat with my disciples? " ' 12) And that (man) will show you a large upper room, furnished with couches; make your preparations there." 13) And they went and found (things) just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.      

The institution of the Lord's Supper (vv. 14-20).

14) And, when the hour came, he sat down, and the apostles with him. 15) And he said to them: "With longing have I desired to eat this Passover (meal) with you, before I suffer; 16) for I tell you that I will not eat it again until it becomes fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. 17) And he received a cup, and, (when he had) given thanks, he said: "Take this and share (it) among yourselves; 18) for I tell you that from now on I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the time when the Kingdom of God shall come." 19) Also, he took bread, and, (when he had) given thanks, he broke (it) and gave (it) to them, saying: "This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me." 20) Likewise, after supper (he took) the cup, saying: "This (is) the new covenant in my blood (vid. Exodus 28.4; Jeremiah 31.31; 32.40; Zechariah 9.11), which is poured out for you.      

The treachery of Judas is foretold (vv. 21-23).

21) "But behold, the hand of him (who) betrays me is with me on the table (vid. Psalms 41.9); 22) the Son of Man goes his way in accordance with what (has been) determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed. 23) Then they began to debate among themselves the (question) of which one of them it then was who would do such (a thing). 

Who is the greatest (vv. 24-27)?

24) A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them seemed to be greater. 25) But he said to them: "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors'. 26) You, though, (are) not to be like that, but let the (one who is) greater among you become like the younger, and the (one who) governs like the one who serves. 27) For who is greater, the (one who) sits at the table, or the (one who) serves? The (one who) sits at the table, is it not? But I am in the midst of you, as the (one who) serves.

The reward promised by Jesus to the apostles (vv. 28-30).

28) But you are the (ones who have) persisted with me in my trials; 29) and now I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father conferred (one) on me, 30) so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones as you judge the twelve tribes of Israel.  

Peter's denial foretold (vv. 31-34).

31) "Simon, Simon, Satan has demanded to sift you (all) like wheat; 32) but I prayed for you that your faith would not fail (you); and, once you have gone back, you must strengthen your brothers." 33) Then, he said to him: "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death. 34) But he said: "I tell you, Peter, a cock will not crow today until you have denied me thrice." 

A time of crisis (vv. 35-38).

35) And he said to them: "When I sent you without purse, and pouch and sandals, did you not want for something? And they said: "Not anything." 36) Then he said to them: "Let the one who has a purse take (it), and likewise a pouch, and he who has no sword, let him sell his cloak and buy (one). 37) For I tell you that that which (is) written must be fulfilled in me, namely, 'And he was counted with the lawless (ones) (vid. Isaiah 53.12).' For that which concerns me is reaching its fulfilment." 38) Then, they said: "Look, Lord, here (are) two swords." And he said to them: "(That) is enough."    

Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives (vv. 39-46). 

39) Then, he came out and went, as usual, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40) And, when he came to the place, he said to them: "Pray that you enter not into temptation." 41) Then he withdrew about a stone's throw from them, and he bent his knees and began to pray, saying: "Father, if you are willing, take away this cup from me; but let not my will, but yours, be done." 43) Then, an angel from heaven appeared to him to give him strength. 44) But, being in agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45) And, when he got up from his prayer, he went to the disciples and found that they had fallen asleep in their grief, 46) and he said to them: "Why are you sleeping? Get up and continue to pray that you enter not into temptation." 

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (vv. 47-53).

47) While he was still speaking, behold, a crowd (appeared), and the (one who was) called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them, and he drew near to Jesus to kiss him. 48) But Jesus said to him: "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss? 49) And, when those around him saw what (was) about to happen, they said: "Lord, shall we strike with a sword?" 50) Now, a certain one of them did strike the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51) Then, Jesus responded and said: "Let there be no more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. 52) And Jesus said to the chief priests, and captains of the temple and elders (who had) come against him: "Have you come out with swords and clubs as though against a robber? 53) When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not stretch forth your hands against me, but this is your hour and the right of darkness."   

Peter's denial of Jesus (vv. 54-62).

54) Then, they arrested him and led (him) away and brought (him) to the house of the high priest; and Peter was following at a distance. 55) When they had lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat in their midst. 56) But a certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light (of the fire), and, staring intently at him, she said: "This (man) was also with him." 57) But he denied (it), saying: "I do not know him, woman." 58) And after a while, another (person) saw him and said: "You, also, are (one) of them;" but Peter said: "Man, I am not." 59) And, after about one hour had passed, another man spoke out firmly, saying: "In truth, this (man) was also with him, for he too is a Galilean; 60) But Peter said: "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. 61) Then, the Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the Lord's prophecy, when he told him: "Before a cock crows today you will deny me thrice." 62) And he went outside and wept bitterly. 

Jesus is mocked and beaten by the guards (vv. 63-65). 

63) Then, the men, who held him, mocked (him) and beat him. 64) And, after blindfolding (him), they would ask questions of him, saying: "Prophesy! Who is the (one who) struck you?" 65) And they went on saying many other (things) against him, while insulting (him).  

Jesus before the Sanhedrin (vv. 66-71).

66) Now, when day came, the council of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together and they led him away into their Sanhedrin hall, 67) saying: "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them: "If I tell you, you would not believe me at all; 68) and, if I question (you), you will not answer me in any way. 69) From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God (vid. Psalms 110.1)." 70) Then, they all said: "Are you, then, the Son of God?" And he said to them: "You say that I am." 71) Then, they said: "Why do we still have need of witnesses? For we ourselves have heard (it) from his mouth."

Chapter 23.

Jesus is brought before Pilate (vv. 1-7).

1) Then, the whole host of them arose and brought him before Pilate (i.e. Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea). 2) And they began to make accusations against him, saying: "We found this (man) subverting our people and forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself was Christ, a king." 3) Now, Pilate asked him (a question), saying: "Are you the king of the Jews?" And he said to him in reply: "(It is) you (who) says (it)." 4) Then, Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes: "I find no case against this man." 5) But they persisted, saying: "He is inciting the people, (by) teaching throughout the whole of Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as here. 6) And, when Piltae heard (this), he asked if the man was a Galilean, 7) and, when he learned that he was in Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, as he was also in Jerusalem during this time.    

Jesus before Herod (vv. 8-12).

8) Now, when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a considerable time, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some miracle performed by him. 9)  and he questioned him with several words, but he gave him no answer. 10) And the chief priests and the scribes stood their ground, vehemently accusing him. 11) Then, Herod, together with his soldiers, treated (him) with contempt and made fun of (him), and, clothing (him) in bright garments, they sent him back to Pilate. 12) Herod and Pilate became friends with each other on that very day; for previously they were at enmity between themselves. 

Jesus comes before Pilate again; he is sentenced to death (vv. 13-25).

13) Then, Pilate called together the chief priests, and the leading (men) and the people, 14) and he said to them: "You brought this man to me as one who is inciting the people to revolt, and look, I examined (him) before you and found no case against this man for the charges which you are bringing against him.15) Moreover, neither (has) Herod, for he has sent him back to us; and look, nothing deserving of death has been done by him; 16) so I shall chastise (him) and release him." 17) But they all cried out together, saying: "Take this (man) away, but release Barabbas to us!" 19) This (man) had been thrown into prison for a certain revolt (that had) occurred in the city and (for) murder. 20) Then, Pilate addressed them again, (still) wanting to release Jesus. 21) But they cried out loudly, saying: "Crucify, crucify him!" 22) Then, he said to them a third time: "But what evil has this (man) done? I have found no reason for death in his (case); I will, therefore, release him." 23) But they confronted (him) with loud voices, demanding that he be crucified, and their voices prevailed. 24) So, Pilate decreed that their demands should be met; 25) and he released the (man who had been) thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they had asked, but he delivered up Jesus to their will. 

The crucifixion of Jesus (vv. 26-43). 

26) Now, as they led him away, they took hold of a certain Simon of Cyrene, (who was) coming from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. 27) And a large number of people followed, including women, who mourned and lamented him. 28) But Jesus turned to them and said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me but for yourselves and for your children, 29) for behold, the days are coming when (people) will say, 'Blessed (are) the barren, and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never fed.' 30) Then, they will start to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' (vid. Hosea 10.8) 31) For, if they do these (things) in a green tree, what will be done in the dry (one)?"

32) And two others were also being led out, criminals, to be put to death with him. 

33) And, when they came to the place called the Scull, there they crucified him and the criminals, one on his right (side) and the other on his left. 34) And Jesus said: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Then, dividing his garments (among them), they cast lots (vid. Psalms 22.18). 35) And the people stood looking on. And the leading (men) also jeered at (him), saying: "He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, the chosen (one)." 36) And the soldiers also mocked him (vid. Psalms 22.7-8), coming to (him) and offering him vinegar (vid. Psalms 69.21), 37) and saying: "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!" 38) And there was also an inscription (placed) over him: "This is the king of the Jews." 

39) Then, one of the criminals (who had been) crucified began to abuse him: "You are the Christ, are you not? Save yourself and us!" 40) But in response the other (one) rebuked him and said: "Do you not fear God, seeing that you are undergoing the same sentence? 41) And we indeed justly, for we are receiving (what we) deserve (for the things) that we did; but this (man) did nothing wrong." 42) And he went on to say: "Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom." 43) And he said to him: "Most assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." 

The death of Jesus (vv. 44-49).

44) And it was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came upon the whole of the earth until the ninth hour, 45) because the sunlight had failed (vid. Amos 8.9) and the veil of the temple (vid. Exodus 26.31-33; 36.35) was rent in the midst. 46) And, crying out with a loud voice, Jesus said: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (vid. Psalms 31.5);" and, having said this, he breathed his last. 

47) When the centurion saw what had happened, he began to glorify God, saying: "Truly, this was a righteous man." 48) And all the crowds that had gathered together (there) for this spectacle, when they saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts. 49) All those acquainted with him, and the women who followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance (vid. Psalms 38.11) watching these (things). 

The burial of Jesus (vv. 50-56).

50) And behold, a man named Joseph, (who) was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man, 51) --- he had not consented to their decision and their action --- , from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was awaiting the kingdom of God. 52) This (man) went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, 53) and he took (it) down and wrapped (it) in linen cloth and placed him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid. 54) And it was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near. 55) Now, the women, who had come with him from Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb and how his body was laid, 56) and they returned and prepared spices and ointments. But on the Sabbath they rested in accordance with the law. 

VII: AFTER THE RESURRECTION (Ch. 24).

Chapter 24.

The Empty tomb (vv. 1-12).

1) Then, on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they went to the tomb, bearing spices that they had prepared. 2) But they found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, 3) and, when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4) And, while they were in (a state of) perplexity about this, behold, two men in gleaming clothes stood by them. 5) As (the women) had become terrified, they turned their faces to the ground, and (the men) said to them: "Why do you look for one (who is) living among the dead? 6) He is not here, but he has been raised up. Remember how he spoke to you, when he was still in Galilee, 7) saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and rise up on the third day. 8) Then, they remembered his words, 9) and returned from the tomb and told all these (things) to the eleven and to all the rest. 10) Now, they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary, the (mother) of James; and the rest (of the women who were) with them told these (things) to the apostles. 11) But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe them. 

12) But Peter got up and went to the tomb; and, bending down to have a look, he saw bandages only, and he went back, wondering to himself what had happened. 

The road to Emmaus (vv. 13-35).  

13) And behold, two of them were going on that very day to a village, to which (was given) the name of Emmaus, which was sixty stadia (i.e. about seven miles) away from Jerusalem, 14) and they were conversing with each other about all these (things) that had happened. 

15) Now it happened, as they were talking and discussing (things) together, that Jesus himself also came up and began to walk with them, 16) but their eyes were prevented from recognising him. 17) And he said to them: "What are these (matters) which you are discussing between each other as you walk along?" And they stood (there) with sad faces. 

18) Then, in reply, one (of them), named Cleophas, said to him: "Are you the only (person) living in Jerusalem (who) does not know what (has) happened there during these days?" 19) And he said to them: "What (things)?" Then, they said to him: "The (things) concerning Jesus the Nazarene, the man who became a prophet mighty in word and deed before God and all the people, 20) and how the chief priests and our leading (men) delivered him up to a sentence of death and crucified him. 21) But we were hoping that he was the one who) would redeem Israel; yes, and, besides all these (things), this is now the third day since these (things) occurred. 22) But also certain women of ours amazed us, (by) arriving early at the tomb, 25) and, when they did not find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who were saying that he was alive. 24) Now, some of those with us went to the tomb, and found (it) as the women had said, but they did not see him."  

25) Then, he said to them: "O (you) foolish (ones) and slow at heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken; was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these (things) before he entered into his glory? 27) Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them the (things) relating to himself throughout the Scriptures (vid. Deuteronomy 18.15; Psalms 22.1-18; Isaiah 53). 

28) Then, they drew near to the village where they were going, and he pretended to be going further. 29) But they put pressure on him, saying: "Stay with us, for it is close to evening and the day is now over." And he went in to stay with them. 30) And it happened that, when he had reclined at table with them, he took the bread, blessed (it) and broke (it) and gave (it) to them; 31) then their eyes were opened and they recognised him; and he became absent from their sight. 32) And they said to each other: "Were our hearts not burning as he was speaking to us on the road, while he was explaining the Scriptures to us?"   

33) And they rose up at that very hour and returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven. and those who were with them, gathered together, 34) (and they were) saying: "The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon." 35) And they described the (things) that (had happened) on the road, and how he was recognised by them at the breaking of the bread.    

Jesus appears to the disciples (vv. 36-49).

36) Then, as they were saying these (things), he stood in their midst and said to them: "Peace (be) with you!" 37) but (they were) terrified and had become full of fear, and they thought they had seen a ghost. 38) And he said to them: "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39) See (by) my hands and my feet, that I myself am (here); touch me and see, for a spirit has no flesh and bones, as you can see that I have." 40) And, when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41) While they were still not believing for joy and were wondering, he said to them: "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42) And they gave him a piece of grilled fish; 43) and he took (it) and ate (it) in front of them.  

44) Now, he said to them: "These (are) my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that all the things which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets and the psalms concerning me must be fulfilled. 45) Then, he opened up  their minds, so that they might understand the Scriptures, 46) and he said to them: "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47) and that repentance (leading) to the remission of sins would be preached to all the nations - starting from Jerusalem; 48) you (are) witnesses of this. 49) And behold, I send forth my Father's promise on you; but you are to reside in the city until you are clothed in power from on high." 

The ascension of Jesus (vv. 50-53).

50) And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51) And it came about that, as he was blessing them, he was parted from them and carried up to heaven. 52) And they did obeisance to him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53) and they were continually in the temple praising God.