.gitignore

@@ -1,2 +1 @@
 .DS_Store
-/results.txt

00-ULB_front&back/ULB-1-Intro.md

@@ -27,16 +27,16 @@ The Unlocked Literal Bible is also integrated into BTT Writer and VMAST so that
 We welcome questions, comments, and suggestions. You may send them to helpdesk@techadvancement.com or training_wa@wycliffeassociates.org.
 
 ## Contributors to the ULB
-  - James N. Pohlig, M.Div.; M.A. in Linguistics; D. Litt. in Biblical Languages
-  - W. Thomas Warren, B.A. in Bible; M.Div.; D.Min
+  - James N. Pohlig, M.Div., MA in Linguistics, D. Litt. in Biblical Languages
+  - W. Thomas Warren, BA (Bible), M.Div., D.Min
   - Larry Sallee, D.Min.
   - C. Harry Harriss, M.Div.
-  - Hendrik "Henry" de Vries, M.Div.; Th.M.
-  - Henry Whitney, B.A. in Education; Translator with Summer Institute of Linguistics, 1982-2001
-  - John Hutchins, B.A.in Bible and Theology; M.A. in New Testament; M.A. in Biblical languages
-  - Perry Oakes, MA in Linguistics; Ph.D in Old Testament 
-  - Robert W. Johnson, B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering
-  - Susan R. Quigley, M.A. in Linguistics
+  - Hendrik "Henry" de Vries
+  - Henry Whitney, BA, Education, Translator, Summer Institute of Linguistics 1982-2001
+  - John Hutchins, BA, Bible and Theology, MA, New Testament, MA, Biblical languages
+  - Perry Oakes, PhD in Old Testament, MA in Linguistics
+  - Robert W. Johnson, B.S./M.S., Chemical Engineering
+  - Susan R. Quigley, MA in Linguistics
   - Forest Deal
   - Door43 World Missions Community
   - Wycliffe Associates Staff

00-ULB_front&back/ULB-10-License.md

@@ -1,30 +0,0 @@
-### Unlocked Literal Bible (ULB) in English 
-
-©2017 Wycliffe Associates. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ 
-
- 
-
-The ULB in English is based on the unfoldingWord Literal Text, CC BY-SA 4.0. The original work of the unfoldingWord Literal Text is available at https://unfoldingword.bible/ult/.  
-
-#### Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) 
-
-This is a human-readable summary of (and not a substitute for) the license. 
-
-#### You are free to: 
-
-* **Share**— copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format. 
-* **Adapt**— remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. 
-
-The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms. 
-
-#### Under the following conditions: 
-
-* **Attribution**— You must attribute the work as follows: “Original work available at https://BibleInEveryLanguage.org/translations.” Attribution statements in derivative works should not in any way suggest that we endorse you or your use of this work. 
-* **ShareAlike**— If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original. 
-* **No additional restrictions**— You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits. 
-
-#### Notices: 
-
-You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation. 
-
-No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material. 

00-ULB_front&back/ULB-3-Appendix.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 # Appendix to the Unlocked Literal Bible
 
-## Origin and Purpose of the English ULB
+## Origin and Purpose of the ULB
 
-The English Unlocked Literal Bible (ULB) is an open-licensed version of the Bible derived from The American Standard Version, and updated using the most reliable Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek copies of the Biblical texts available. It is intended to accurately reflect the meanings of those texts and to be used as a source text for Bible translators to translate the Bible into their own language.
+The Unlocked Literal Bible (ULB) is an open-licensed version of the Bible derived from The American Standard Version, and updated using the most reliable Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek copies of the Biblical texts available. It is intended to accurately reflect the meanings of those texts and to be used as a source text for Bible translators to translate the Bible into their own language.
 
 Some might call the ULB "relatively literal" because it retains many of the grammatical structures, idioms, figures of speech, and semantically complex vocabulary used in the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek source documents. But when those grammatical structures, idioms, or figures of speech would be unintelligible or seriously misunderstood in English, the ULB minimally adjusts the grammatical structures and wording in order to express the same meanings in ways that are more clear in English.
 
-The ULB is not meant to be a refined, polished English version. It is meant to present the meaning and structure of the original texts in so far as that can be done clearly and simply so that it can, in turn, be translated into other languages.
+The ULB is not meant to be a refined, polished English version. It is meant to present the meaning and structure of the original texts in so far as that can be done clearly and simply, so that it can, in turn, be translated into other languages.
 
 The ULB is intended to be used with other resources that help to clarify the meanings of words and phrases in the ULB or original languages. These resources also give suggestions about ways of expressing the meaning that translators might be able to use in their languages. These resources are Translation Words, Translation Notes, Translation Manual, Translation Questions, and the Unlocked Dynamic Bible (UDB).
 
@@ -20,26 +20,28 @@ The ULB is intended to be used with other resources that help to clarify the mea
 
 ## Notes About Making a "Relatively Literal" Translation
   * It is not possible to maintain a one-for-one correspondence between words in translation. One word from the source language may require a phrase for its translation in the target language, and vice-versa.
-  * It is not possible to translate every word the same way every time it occurs and still have the correct meaning. Words need to be translated with the meaning that they have in their context, using whatever English word or phrase is closest to that meaning.
-  * Both Greek and Hebrew can make a sentence without using a verb, while English cannot. For it to make sense in English, a verb needs to be supplied. (Usually the verb is "is").
-  * Sometimes the grammatical structures of the original languages would be ungrammatical or easily misunderstood if used in English. In those cases other grammatical structures need to be used.
-  * Greek makes abundant use of participial clauses. For the English to make sense, often these need to be changed to relative clauses or adverbial clauses.
+  * It is not possible to translate every word the same way every time it occurs and still have the correct meaning. So the ULB seeks to translate words with the meaning that they have in their context, using whatever English word or phrase is closest to that meaning.
+  * Both Greek and Hebrew can make a sentence without using a verb, while English cannot. For the ULB to make sense, the verb will always be supplied. (Usually the verb is "is").
+  * Greek makes abundant use of participial clauses. For the English of the ULB to make sense, often these must be changed to relative clauses or adverbial clauses.
+  * In the ULB, the grammatical structures of the original languages are retained unless the English would be ungrammatical or easily misunderstood.
 
-## Characteristics of the Form of the English ULB
-The English ULB translates the meaning of the original texts while seeking to use the language forms of those texts. The following statements describe what the English ULB tends to do as a relatively literal translation.
-  * The ULB often reflects the grammatical structures that were used in the original language texts.
-  * The ULB usually reflects the parts of speech that were used in the original language texts. For example, when the original text has an abstract noun, the ULB usually expresses the same idea with an abstract noun rather than with a verb or adjective.
-  * The ULB translates many of the Hebrew and Greek technical terms related to religion and law with corresponding technical terms in English. Some examples are transgression, iniquity, redemption, gospel, and grace.
-  * The ULB places clauses in the order that the original language texts placed them.
-  * The ULB usually leaves implied what was left implied in the original language texts. If leaving the information implied will likely lead to confusion, the ULB makes the information explicit.
-  * When expressions in the original language texts are ambiguous or unclear, the ULB often keeps the ambiguity or lack of clarity, instead of choosing a particular meaning.
-  * The ULB sometimes uses names instead of pronouns, particularly at the beginning of chapters.
+## Characteristics of the ULB
+The ULB seeks to represent the language forms of the original in a way that also makes sense in English and other Gateway Languages.
+  * The ULB tends to reflect the grammatical structures of the biblical languages.
+  * The ULB tends to reflectthe parts of speech of the biblical languages. For example, it seeks to use nouns where the original language uses nouns, adjectives where the original language uses adjectives, and so forth.
+  * The ULB tneds to reflect the semantically complex vocabulary of the original languages.
+  * The ULB seeks to reproduce the form of the logical connections in the biblical languages. Thus, for example, the ULB has "the righteousness of faith" in Romans 4:13, and the logical relationship between righteousness and faith is not further specified. (Is it the righteousness that comes by faith? Is it the righteousness that vindicates faith?) All that "the righteousness of faith" explicitly signals is that there is some close association in the text between righteousness and faith, and that we can probably rule out a number of conceivable logical relationships between the two concepts, but not all possible relationships, as the foregoing example illustrates.
+  * The ULB usually reproduces the linear succession of ideas found in the original, even when English may prefer a different arrangement of the same ideas.
+  * The ULB does  not normally present information that is only implied in the original. For example, in Matthew 26:5, "For they were saying, 'Not during the festival, so that a riot does not arise among the people.'" The implied information is, "Let us not arrest Jesus [during the festival]." The ULB does not overtly represent this implied information.
+  * The ULB reflects as much as reasonably possible the written style of the original. It has, for example, "Paul ... to Timothy..." instead of English's preferred, "Dear Timothy, this is Paul."
+  * The ULB departs from closely representing the structures of the original only when it must do so for the sake of clarity in English.
+  * Even when the ULB is ambiguous or not entirely clear (as is often true of the original), the ULB must never promote to the translator the wrong meaning.
 
 ## Decisions Concerning the ULB
 The following are decisions that have been made concerning the ULB. This is not a comprehensive list, but it is here to help those who might wonder why the ULB is as it is.
 
 ### ULB Style
-The following are details concerning the use of punctuation, capitalization, and vocabulary in the ULB.
+The following are details concerning the use of punctuation, capitalization, and vocabulary  in the ULB.
 
   * Titles are capitalized. (Son of Man, King David, the Messiah).
   * All pronouns, even those referring to God, are lower case (except when beginning sentences and except for the first singular "I").
@@ -60,8 +62,7 @@ The ULB has footnotes for the following kinds of issues:
 The footnotes use the following words in refering to copies and translations:  
 * "Copies" refers to extant copies of the Biblical text, written in the original language, or to copies of the Septuagint or Vulgate.
 * "Text" or "original text" refers to the Hebrew or Greek or Aramaic text compiled from all sources (that is, from all extant copies).
-* "Translation" refers to ancient translations (the Septuagint and the Vulgate) and to modern translations.  
-
+* "Translation" refers to ancient translations (the Septuagint and the Vulgate) and to modern translations.
 The ULB does not have footnotes for every textual issue, but it does address those that readers are most likely to encounter, particularly readers who have access to translations that were based on manuscripts known before the finding of the Dead Sea scrolls.
 
 ## Contributors to the ULB

01-About_the_ULB_for_Editors/ULB-Decisions.for.ULB.Editors.md

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ The following are details concerning the use of punctuation, capitalization, and
   * Spelling of names, in most cases, follows that used in the 2011 NIV. (This includes translating Ἑβραϊστί as "Aramaic (language)."
   * Where possible, the ULB editors have used common vocabulary that is easy to translate into another language.
   * Numbers are written as words if they have only one or two words ("three hundred," "thirty-five thousand"). Otherwise they are written as numerals. ("205," "1,005")
-  * The possessive form of names ending in "s" is written as it is in the 2011 NIV (Jesus' name, Moses' hand, days of Cyrus).
+  * The possessive form of names is written with 's even if the name ends in the letter s (Cyrus's days, Phinehas's son, Ahasuerus's reign), and even if the letter s sounds like z (Jesus's name, Moses's hand).
 ## Translation Glossaries
 A list of decisions as to how to translate some senses of the source language words and phrases into another language is called a translation glossary. Such a device is especially useful when more than one person works on the same project, because it helps keep everyone using the same English terms.
 However, the sources often use some words to signal more than one sense, depending on context. A translation glossary is therefore a glossary of word senses, not a glossary of words. Check back often to this page, because these glossaries are likely to develop for the entire life of WA's translation resources project.
@@ -57,16 +57,16 @@ This list concerns Greek words in the New Testament.
   * *elpis*: "**hope**" as a noun
   * *elpizo*: "**hope**" as a verb or "set hope"
 ## Footnotes in the ULB
-* The ULB has footnotes for the following kinds of issues: 
-  * names that have multiple spellings
-  * people and places that have multiple names
-  * differences in Hebrew and Greek copies that lead to differences in modern versions
-  * alternative renderings of verses that are very hard to understand in the original languages
-  * differences between copies of the texts in the original languages and the early Greek and Latin translations  
-* The notes use the following words in refering to copies and translations:    
-  * "Copies" refers to extant copies of the Biblical text, written in the original language, or to copies of the Septuagint or Vulgate.
-  * "Text" or "original text" refers to the Hebrew or Greek or Aramaic text compiled from all sources (that is, from all extant copies).
-  * "Translation" refers to ancient translations (the Septuagint and the Vulgate) and to modern translations.
-  * We do not use the words "manuscripts" and "versions" in the footnotes.
-* The ULB does not have footnotes for every textual issue, but it does address those that readers are most likely to encounter, particularly readers who have access to translations that were based on manuscripts known before the finding of the Dead Sea scrolls.
+The ULB has footnotes for the following kinds of issues: 
+* names that have multiple spellings
+* people and places that have multiple names
+* differences in Hebrew and Greek copies that lead to differences in modern versions
+* alternative renderings of verses that are very hard to understand in the original languages
+* differences between copies of the texts in the original languages and the early Greek and Latin translations
+The notes use the following words in refering to copies and translations:  
+* "Copies" refers to extant copies of the Biblical text, written in the original language, or to copies of the Septuagint or Vulgate.
+* "Text" or "original text" refers to the Hebrew or Greek or Aramaic text compiled from all sources (that is, from all extant copies).
+* "Translation" refers to ancient translations (the Septuagint and the Vulgate) and to modern translations.
+* We do not use the words "manuscripts" and "versions" in the footnotes.
+The ULB does not have footnotes for every textual issue, but it does address those that readers are most likely to encounter, particularly readers who have access to translations that were based on manuscripts known before the finding of the Dead Sea scrolls.
 

01-GEN.usfm

@@ -16,13 +16,13 @@
 \p
 \v 3 God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.
 \v 4 God saw the light, that it was good. He divided the light from the darkness.
-\v 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
+\v 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." This was evening and morning, the first day.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 God said, "Let there be an expanse between the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters."
 \v 7 God made the expanse and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse. It was so.
-\v 8 God called the expanse "sky." And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
+\v 8 God called the expanse "sky." This was evening and morning, the second day.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 \p
 \v 11 God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation: plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit whose seed is in the fruit, each according to its own kind." It was so.
 \v 12 The earth produced vegetation, plants producing seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit whose seed was in it, after their kind. God saw that it was good.
-\v 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
+\v 13 This was evening and morning, the third day.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 \v 16 God made the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.
 \v 17 God set them in the sky to give light upon the earth,
 \v 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good.
-\v 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
+\v 19 This was evening and morning, the fourth day.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -53,16 +53,16 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 22 God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas. Let birds multiply on the earth."
-\v 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
+\v 23 This was evening and morning, the fifth day.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 24 God said, "Let the earth produce living creatures, each according to its own kind, livestock, creeping things, and wild animals, each according to its own kind." It was so.
-\v 25 God made the wild animals after their kind, the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground after its kind. He saw that it was good.
+\v 24 God said, "Let the earth produce living creatures, each according to its own kind, livestock, creeping things, and beasts of the earth, each according to its own kind." It was so.
+\v 25 God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, the livestock after their kinds, and everything that creeps upon the ground after its kind. He saw that it was good.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 26 God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." \f + \ft Some ancient copies have: \fqa ... over the livestock, over all the animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. \fqa* \f*
+\v 26 God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." \f + \ft Some ancient copies have: \fqa ... Over the livestock, over all the animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth \fqa* . \f*
 \p
 \v 27 God created man in his own image. In his own image he created him. Male and female he created them.
 
@@ -75,7 +75,8 @@
 \s5
 \v 30 To every beast of the earth, to every bird of the heavens, and to everything that creeps upon the earth, and to every creature that has the breath of life I have given every green plant for food." It was so.
 \p
-\v 31 God saw everything that he had made. Behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
+\v 31 God saw everything that he had made. Behold, it was very good. This was evening and morning, the sixth day.
+\v 31 God saw everything that he had made. Behold, it was very good. This was evening and morning, the sixth day.
 
 \s5
 \c 2
@@ -83,7 +84,7 @@
 \v 1 Then the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the living things that filled them.
 \p
 \v 2 On the seventh day God came to the end of his work which he had done, and so he rested on the seventh day from all his work.
-\v 3 God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had created and made.
+\v 3 God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it he rested from all his work which he had done in his creation.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -111,7 +112,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 15 Yahweh God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to work it and to maintain it.
 \v 16 Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, "From every tree in the garden you may freely eat.
-\v 17 But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you must not eat, for on the day that you eat from it, you will surely die."
+\v 17 But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you may not eat, for on the day that you eat from it, you will surely die."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -125,9 +126,9 @@
 \v 23 The man said,
 \q "This time, this one is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.
 \q She will be called 'woman,' because she was taken out of man."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 24 Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, he will be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
 \v 25 They were both naked, the man and his wife, but were not ashamed.
@@ -137,7 +138,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 Now the serpent was more shrewd than any other beast of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, "Has God really said, 'You must not eat from any tree of the garden'?"
 \v 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden,
-\v 3 but concerning the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God said, 'You must not eat it, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'"
+\v 3 but concerning the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God said, 'You may not eat it, nor may you touch it, or you will die.'"
 
 \s5
 \v 4 The serpent said to the woman, "You will surely not die.
@@ -157,9 +158,9 @@
 \s5
 \v 12 The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it."
 \v 13 Yahweh God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 14 Yahweh God said to the serpent,
 \q "Because you have done this,
 \q cursed are you alone among all the livestock
@@ -170,17 +171,17 @@
 \v 15 I will put hostility between you and the woman,
 \q and between your seed and her seed.
 \q He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 16 To the woman he said,
 \q "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth;
 \q it is in pain that you will give birth to children.
 \q Your desire will be for your husband, but he will rule over you."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 17 To Adam he said,
 \q "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife,
@@ -195,9 +196,9 @@
 \v 19 By the sweat of your face you will eat bread,
 \q until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken.
 \q For dust you are, and to dust you will return."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 20 The man called his wife's name Eve because she was the mother of all the living.
 \v 21 Yahweh God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.
@@ -224,7 +225,7 @@
 \v 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin crouches at the door and desires to control you, but you must rule over it."
 
 \s5
-\v 8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. It came about that while they were in the fields, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. \f + \ft The best ancient copies read in this way. However, some old translations and some modern translations read \fqa Cain said to Abel his brother, "Let us go into the fields." It came about that while they were in the fields, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. \f*
+\v 8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. It came about that while they were in the fields, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. \f + \ft The best ancient copies read in this way. However, some old translations and some modern translations read \fqa Cain said to Abel his brother, "Let us go into the fields." It came about that while they were in the fields, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him \fqa* . \f*
 \p
 \v 9 Then Yahweh said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
 
@@ -432,7 +433,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 8
 \p
-\v 1 God remembered Noah, all the wild animals, and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters started going down.
+\v 1 God considered Noah, all the wild animals, and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters started going down.
 \v 2 The fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were closed, and it stopped raining.
 \v 3 The flood waters went down slowly from the earth, and after the end of 150 days the waters had gone down.
 
@@ -480,7 +481,7 @@
 \c 9
 \p
 \v 1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth.
-\v 2 The fear of you and the dread of you will be upon every living thing on the earth, upon every bird of the sky, upon everything that moves on the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.
+\v 2 The fear of you and the dread of you will be upon every living animal on the earth, upon every bird of the sky, upon everything that goes low on the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 Every moving thing that lives will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
@@ -772,7 +773,7 @@
 \v 15 All this land which you see, I will give to you and to your descendants forever.
 
 \s5
-\v 16 I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your descendants also can be counted.
+\v 16 I will make your descendants as abundant as the dust of the earth, so that if a man could count the dust of the earth, then your descendants could also be counted.
 \v 17 Arise, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I will give it to you."
 \v 18 So Abram picked up his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there built an altar to Yahweh.
 
@@ -859,7 +860,7 @@
 \v 16 In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its limit."
 
 \s5
-\v 17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces.
+\v 17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between the pieces.
 \v 18 On that day Yahweh made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your descendants I hereby give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—
 \v 19 the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites,
 \v 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaites,
@@ -1044,7 +1045,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door.
-\v 11 Then Lot's visitors struck with blindness the men who were outside the door of the house, both small and great, so that they became exhausted when they were trying to find the door.
+\v 11 Then Lot's visitors struck with blindness the men who were outside the door of the house, both young and old, so that they became exhausted when they were trying to find the door.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1175,7 +1176,7 @@
 \v 18 Get up, raise up the young man, and encourage him; for I will make him into a great nation."
 
 \s5
-\v 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water and gave the young man a drink.
+\v 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water, and gave the young man a drink.
 \v 20 God was with the young man, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness and became an archer.
 \v 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt.
 
@@ -1321,7 +1322,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 It came about that even before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out with her water pitcher on her shoulder. Rebekah was born to Bethuel son of Milkah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother.
-\v 16 The young woman was very beautiful and a virgin. No man had ever known her. She went down to the spring, filled her pitcher and came up.
+\v 16 The young woman was very beautiful and a virgin. She had known no man. She went down to the spring, filled her pitcher and came up.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Then the servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a little drink of water from your pitcher."
@@ -1342,7 +1343,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped Yahweh.
-\v 27 He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his covenant faithfulness and his trustworthiness toward my master. As for me, Yahweh has led me directly to the house of my master's relatives."
+\v 27 He said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his covenant faithfulness and his trustworthiness toward my master. As for me, Yahweh has led me directly to the house of my master's relatives."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1516,7 +1517,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 9 Abimelek called Isaac to him and said, "Look, certainly she is your wife. Why did you say, 'She is my sister'?" Isaac said to him, "Because I thought someone might kill me to get her."
 \v 10 Abimelek said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us."
-\v 11 So Abimelek commanded all the people and said, "Whoever touches this man or his wife will surely be put to death."
+\v 11 So Abimelek solemnly charged all the people and said, "Whoever touches this man or his wife will surely be put to death."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1875,7 +1876,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 37 Jacob took fresh cut branches of the poplar, almond, and plane trees, and he peeled white streaks in them and made the white inner wood appear that was in the sticks.
+\v 37 Jacob took fresh cut branches of fresh poplar, and of the almond and of the plane tree, and peeled white streaks in them, and made the white inner wood appear that was in the sticks.
 \v 38 Then he set the sticks that he had peeled in front of the flocks, in front of the watering troughs where they came to drink. They conceived when they came to drink.
 
 \s5
@@ -1961,12 +1962,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 36 Jacob was angry and argued with Laban. He said to him, "What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?
+\v 36 Jacob was angry and argued with Laban. He said to him, "What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued after me?
 \v 37 For you have searched all my possessions. What have you found of all your household goods? Set them here before our relatives, so that they may judge between the two of us.
 
 \s5
 \v 38 For twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten any rams from your flocks.
-\v 39 What was torn by beasts I did not bring to you. I bore the loss of it. You demanded payment from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.
+\v 39 What was torn by beasts I did not bring to you. Instead, I bore the loss of it. You always made me pay for every missing animal, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.
 \v 40 There I was; in the day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night; and I went without sleep.
 
 \s5
@@ -2045,7 +2046,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 24 Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until dawn.
-\v 25 When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he struck Jacob's hip, so that his hip was dislocated as he wrestled with him.
+\v 25 When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he struck Jacob's hip. Jacob's hip was dislocated as he wrestled with him.
 \v 26 The man said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
 
 \s5
@@ -2158,8 +2159,8 @@
 \s5
 \c 35
 \p
-\v 1 God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there. Build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from Esau your brother."
-\v 2 Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your clothes.
+\v 1 God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel, and stay there. Build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from Esau your brother."
+\v 2 Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your clothes.
 \v 3 Then let us depart and go up to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and has been with me wherever I have gone."
 
 \s5
@@ -2934,11 +2935,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.
+\v 12 The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah, (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.
 \p
-\v 13 The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.
+\v 13 The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron;
 \p
-\v 14 The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.
+\v 14 The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel
 \v 15 These were the sons of Leah whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, along with his daughter Dinah. His sons and his daughters numbered thirty-three.
 
 \s5
@@ -3079,9 +3080,9 @@
 \v 16 the angel who has protected me from all harm, may he bless these boys.
 \q May my name be named in them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac.
 \q May they grow into a multitude on the earth."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 17 When Joseph saw his father place his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head.
 \v 18 Joseph said to his father, "Not so, my father; for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand upon his head."
@@ -3203,7 +3204,6 @@
 \v 19 Gad—raiders will attack him,
 \q but he will attack them at their heels.
 \p
-\q
 \v 20 Asher's food will be rich,
 \q and he will provide royal delicacies.
 \p

02-EXO.usfm

@@ -170,9 +170,9 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 14 Then Yahweh became angry with Moses. He said, "What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Moreover, he is coming to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
-\v 15 You will speak to him and put the words to say into his mouth. I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you both what to do.
-\v 16 He will speak to the people for you. He will be like a mouth for you, and you will be like God for him.
-\v 17 You will take in your hand this staff, with which you will do the signs."
+\v 15 You will speak to him and put the words to say into his mouth. I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will show you both what to do.
+\v 16 He will speak to the people for you. He will be your mouth, and you will be to him like me, God.
+\v 17 You will take in your hand this staff. With it you will do the signs."
 
 \s5
 \v 18 So Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, "Let me go so I may return to my relatives who are in Egypt and see if they are still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."
@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 5 Yahweh has fixed a time; he has said, "It is tomorrow that I will do this thing in the land."'"
-\v 6 Yahweh did this the next day: All the cattle of Egypt died, but none of the people of Israel's animals died, not one animal.
+\v 6 Yahweh did this the next day: All the cattle of Egypt died, but none of the people of Israel' animals died, not one animal.
 \v 7 Pharaoh investigated, and, behold, not even one livestock of the people of Israel died. But his heart was stubborn, so he did not let the people go.
 
 \s5
@@ -583,7 +583,7 @@
 \v 8 You must eat the meat that night, after first roasting it over a fire. Eat it with bread made without yeast, along with bitter herbs.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 Do not eat it raw or boiled in water, but roast it over fire with its head, legs, and inner parts.
+\v 9 Do not eat it raw or boiled in water. Instead, roast it over fire with its head, legs and inner parts.
 \v 10 You must not let any of it be left over until morning. You must burn whatever is left over in the morning.
 \v 11 This is how you must eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. You must eat it hurriedly. It is Yahweh's Passover.
 
@@ -777,10 +777,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 2 Yah is my strength and song,
-\q and he has become my salvation. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*
+\v 2 Yahweh is my strength and song,
+\q and he has become my salvation.
 \q This is my God, and I will praise him,
-\q my father's God, and I will exalt him. 
+\q my father's God, and I will exalt him.
 \q
 \v 3 Yahweh is a warrior;
 \q Yahweh is his name.
@@ -959,24 +959,24 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 11 While Moses was holding his hands up, Israel was winning; when he let his hands rest, Amalek would begin to win.
-\v 12 When Moses' hands became heavy, Aaron and Hur took a stone and put it under him for him to sit on. At the same time, Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one person on one side of him, and the other person on the other side. So Moses' hands were held steady until the sun went down.
+\v 12 When Moses's hands became heavy, Aaron and Hur took a stone and put it under him for him to sit on. At the same time, Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one person on one side of him, and the other person on the other side. So Moses's hands were held steady until the sun went down.
 \v 13 So Joshua laid waste to Amalek and his people with the sword.
 
 \s5
 \v 14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Write this in a book and read it in Joshua's hearing, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under the skies."
 \v 15 Then Moses built an altar and he called it "Yahweh is my banner."
-\v 16 He said, "For a hand was lifted up to the throne of Yah—that Yahweh will wage war with Amalek from generation to generation." \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*
+\v 16 He said, "For a hand was lifted up to the throne of Yahweh—that Yahweh will wage war with Amalek from generation to generation."
 
 \s5
 \c 18
 \p
-\v 1 Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people. He heard that Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt.
-\v 2 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her home,
+\v 1 Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses's father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people. He heard that Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt.
+\v 2 Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses's wife, after he had sent her home,
 \v 3 and her two sons; the name of the one son was Gershom, for Moses had said, "I have been a foreigner in a foreign land."
 \v 4 The name of the other was Eliezer, for Moses had said, "My ancestor's God was my help. He rescued me from Pharaoh's sword."
 
 \s5
-\v 5 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with Moses' sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped at the mountain of God.
+\v 5 Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, came with Moses's sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped at the mountain of God.
 \v 6 He said to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons."
 
 \s5
@@ -989,19 +989,19 @@
 \v 11 Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all the gods, because when the Egyptians treated the Israelites arrogantly, God rescued his people."
 
 \s5
-\v 12 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat a meal before God with Moses' father-in-law.
+\v 12 Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat a meal before God with Moses's father-in-law.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 13 On the next day Moses sat down to judge the people. The people stood around him from morning until evening.
-\v 14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, "What is this that you are doing with the people? Why is it that you sit alone and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?"
+\v 14 When Moses's father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, "What is this that you are doing with the people? Why is it that you sit alone and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?"
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Moses said to his father-in-law, "The people come to me to ask for God's direction.
 \v 16 When they have a dispute, they come to me. I decide between one person and another, and I teach them God's statutes and laws."
 
 \s5
-\v 17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not very good.
+\v 17 Moses's father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not very good.
 \v 18 You will surely wear yourselves out, you and the people who are with you. This burden is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it by yourself.
 \v 19 Listen to me. I will give you advice, and God will be with you, because you are the people's representative to God, and you bring their disputes to him.
 \v 20 You must teach them his statutes and laws. You must show them the way to walk and the work to do.
@@ -1041,7 +1041,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 You must set boundaries all around the mountain for the people. Say to them, 'Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death.'
-\v 13 No one's hand may touch him. Rather, he must certainly be stoned or shot. Whether an animal or a man, he shall not live. When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may come up to the mountain."
+\v 13 No one's hand must touch such a person. Instead, he must certainly be stoned or shot. Whatever it is, animal or man, shall not live. When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may come up to the foot of the mountain."
 
 \s5
 \v 14 Then Moses went down from the mountain to the people. He set apart the people to Yahweh and they washed their garments.
@@ -1081,7 +1081,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 7 You must not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for I will not hold guiltless anyone who takes my name in vain.
+\v 7 You must not take the name of Yahweh your God, in vain, for I will not hold guiltless anyone who takes my name in vain.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1151,7 +1151,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 12 Whoever strikes a man so that he dies, that person must surely be put to death.
-\v 13 If the man did not lie in wait for him, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place to where he can flee.
+\v 13 If the man did not do it with premeditation, but instead by accident, then I will fix a place to where he can flee.
 \v 14 If a man arrogantly attacks his neighbor and kills him cleverly, then you must take him, even if he is at God's altar, so that he may die.
 
 \s5
@@ -1325,7 +1325,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 23 My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and the Jebusites. I will destroy them.
-\v 24 You must not bow down to their gods, worship them, or do as they do, but you must completely break them down, and you must smash their stone pillars in pieces.
+\v 24 You must not bow down to their gods, worship them, or do as they do. Instead, you must completely overthrow them and smash their stone pillars in pieces.
 \v 25 You must worship Yahweh your God, and he will bless your bread and water. I will remove sickness from among you.
 
 \s5
@@ -1716,7 +1716,7 @@
 \p
 \v 31 You must take the ram of consecration and boil its meat in a holy place.
 \v 32 Aaron and his sons must eat the ram's meat and the bread that is in the basket at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
-\v 33 They must eat the meat and bread that were given to atone for them and to ordain them to be set apart to me. No one else may eat that food; they must treat it as holy.
+\v 33 They must eat the meat and bread that were given to atone for them and to ordain them, to be set apart to me. No one else may eat that food, because they must treat it as consecrated to me, reserved for me.
 \v 34 If any of the meat of the ordination offering, or any of the bread, remains to the next morning, then you must burn it. It must not be eaten because it has been set apart to me.
 
 \s5
@@ -1968,7 +1968,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Yahweh said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim my name 'Yahweh' before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
-\v 20 But Yahweh said, "You must not see my face, for no one can see me and live."
+\v 20 But Yahweh said, "You may not see my face, for no one can see me and live."
 
 \s5
 \v 21 Yahweh said, "See, here is a place by me; you will stand on this rock.
@@ -2001,7 +2001,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 Be careful not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, or they will become a trap among you.
-\v 13 Rather, you must break down their altars, smash their stone pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles.
+\v 13 Instead, you must break down their altars, smash their stone pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles.
 \v 14 For you must worship no other god, for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
 
 \s5
@@ -2047,7 +2047,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 34 Whenever Moses went before Yahweh to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. When he came out, he would tell the people of Israel what he was commanded to say.
-\v 35 When the people of Israel saw Moses' face shining, he would put the veil over his face again until he went back in to speak with Yahweh.
+\v 35 When the people of Israel saw Moses's face shining, he would put the veil over his face again until he went back in to speak with Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 35
@@ -2084,7 +2084,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 20 Then the entire congregation of the people of Israel left and went away from Moses' presence.
+\v 20 Then the entire congregation of the people of Israel left and went away from Moses's presence.
 \v 21 Everyone whose heart stirred him up and whom his spirit made willing came and brought a contribution to Yahweh for the construction of the tabernacle, for all the items of service in it, and for the holy garments.
 \v 22 They came, both men and women, all who had a willing heart. They brought brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments, all kinds of gold jewelry. They all presented offerings of gold as a wave offering to Yahweh.
 
@@ -2189,7 +2189,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 37
 \p
-\v 1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, its width was one cubit and a half, and its height was one cubit and a half.
+\v 1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits; its width was one cubit and a half; and its height was one cubit and a half.
 \v 2 He covered it inside and out with pure gold and made for it a border of gold around its top.
 \v 3 He cast four rings of gold for its four feet, with two rings on one side of it, and two rings on the other side.
 
@@ -2281,7 +2281,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 This is the inventory of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant decrees, as it was taken following Moses' instructions. It was the work of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
+\v 21 This is the inventory of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant decrees, as it was taken following Moses's instructions. It was the work of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
 \v 22 Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah, made everything that Yahweh had commanded Moses.
 \v 23 Oholiab son of Ahisamak, from the tribe of Dan, worked with Bezalel as an engraver, as a skillful workman, and as an embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet wool, and in fine linen.
 
@@ -2422,7 +2422,7 @@
 \p
 \v 17 So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.
 \v 18 Moses set up the tabernacle, put its bases in place, set up its frames, attached its bars, and set up its pillars and posts.
-\v 19 He spread the covering over the tabernacle and put the tent over it, as Yahweh had commanded him.
+\v 19 He spread the covering over the tabernacle and put tent over it, as Yahweh had commanded him.
 \v 20 He took the covenant decrees and put them into the ark. He also placed the poles on the ark and put the atonement lid on it.
 
 \s5

03-LEV.usfm

@@ -384,7 +384,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.
-\v 7 He put the tunic on Aaron and tied the sash around his waist, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him, and then he tied the ephod around him with the finely-woven waistband and bound it to him.
+\v 7 He put on Aaron the tunic and tied the sash around his waist, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him, and then he tied the ephod around him with the finely-woven waistband and bound it to him.
 
 \s5
 \v 8 He placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim.
@@ -430,7 +430,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 28 Then Moses took them from off their hands and burned them on the altar for the burnt offering. They were a consecration offering and produced a sweet aroma. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
-\v 29 Moses took the breast and waved it as a wave offering to Yahweh. It was Moses' share of the ram for the priests' ordination, as Yahweh had commanded him.
+\v 29 Moses took the breast and waved it as a wave offering to Yahweh. It was Moses's share of the ram for the priests' ordination, as Yahweh had commanded him.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -443,7 +443,7 @@
 \v 33 You must not go out from the entrance of the tent of meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are fulfilled. For Yahweh will consecrate you for seven days.
 
 \s5
-\v 34 What has been done this day—Yahweh has commanded to be done to make atonement for you.
+\v 34 What has been done this day— Yahweh has commanded to be done to make atonement for you.
 \v 35 You will stay day and night for seven days at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and keep the command of Yahweh, so you will not die, because this is what I have been commanded."
 \v 36 So Aaron and his sons did all the things which Yahweh had commanded them through Moses.
 
@@ -514,7 +514,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 5 So they came near and carried them, still wearing their priestly tunics, out of the camp, as Moses had instructed.
 \v 6 Then Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, "Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothes, so that you may not die, and so that Yahweh may not be angry with all the assembly. But allow your relatives, the entire house of Israel, to mourn for those whom the fire of Yahweh has set ablaze.
-\v 7 You must not go out from the entrance of the tent of meeting, or you will die, for the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." So they acted according to Moses' instructions.
+\v 7 You must not go out from the entrance of the tent of meeting, or you will die, for the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." So they acted according to Moses's instructions.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -561,7 +561,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 The animals living in the water that you may eat are all those that have fins and scales, whether in the ocean or in the rivers.
-\v 10 But all living creatures that do not have fins and scales in the ocean or rivers, including all that move in the water and all the living creatures that are in the water—they must be detested by you.
+\v 10 But all living creatures that do not have fins and scales in the ocean or rivers, including all that move in the water and all the living creatures that are in the water— they must be detested by you.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 Since they must be detested, you must not eat of their meat; also, their carcasses must be detested.
@@ -746,7 +746,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 45 The leprous person who has the disease must wear torn clothes, his hair must hang loosely, and he must cover his face up to his nose and call out, 'Unclean, unclean.'
+\v 45 The person who has an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, his hair must hang loosely, and he must cover his face up to his nose and call out, 'Unclean, unclean.'
 \v 46 All the days that he has the infectious disease he will be unclean. Because he is unclean with a disease that can spread, he must live alone. He must live outside the camp.
 
 \s5
@@ -783,7 +783,7 @@
 \v 2 "This will be the law for the leper on the day of his cleansing. He must be brought to the priest.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 The priest will go out of the camp to examine the leper to see if the leprosy is healed.
+\v 3 The priest will go out of the camp to examine the leper to see if the infectious skin disease is healed.
 \v 4 Then the priest will command that the one to be cleansed must take two live, clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop.
 \v 5 The priest will command him to kill one of the birds over fresh water that is in a clay pot.
 
@@ -940,8 +940,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 25 If a woman has a flow of blood for many days that is not in the time of her impurity, or if she has a flow beyond the time of her impurity, during all the days of the flow of her uncleanness, she will be as if she were in the days of her impurity. She is unclean.
-\v 26 Every bed on which she lies all during her flow of blood will be to her just like the bed on which she lies during her impurity, and everything on which she sits will be unclean, just like the uncleanness of her impurity.
+\v 25 If a woman has a flow of blood for many days that is not in the time of her menstruation, or if she has a flow beyond the time of her menstruation, during all the days of the flow of her uncleanness, she will be as if she were in the days of her period. She is unclean.
+\v 26 Every bed on which she lies all during her flow of blood will be to her just like the bed on which she lies during her menstruation, and everything on which she sits will be unclean, just like the uncleanness of her menstruation.
 \v 27 Whoever touches any of those things will be unclean; he must wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and he will be unclean until evening.
 
 \s5
@@ -1026,7 +1026,7 @@
 \v 31 It is a solemn Sabbath of rest for you, and you must humble yourselves and do no work. This will always be a statute among you.
 
 \s5
-\v 32 The high priest, the one who will be anointed and ordained to be high priest in his father's place, must make this atonement and put on the linen garments, that is, the holy garments.
+\v 32 The high priest, the one who will be anointed and ordained to be high priest in his father's place, he must make this atonement and put on the linen garments, that is, the holy garments.
 \v 33 He must make atonement for the most holy place; he must make atonement for the tent of meeting and for the altar, and he must make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.
 
 \s5
@@ -1041,7 +1041,7 @@
 \v 4 if he does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it as a sacrifice to Yahweh before his tabernacle, that man is guilty of bloodshed. He has shed blood, and that man must be cut off from among his people.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 The purpose of this command is so that the people of Israel will bring their sacrifices to Yahweh at the entrance to the tent of meeting, to the priest, to be sacrificed as fellowship offerings to Yahweh, instead of offering sacrifices in an open field.
+\v 5 The purpose of this command is so that the people of Israel will bring their sacrifices to Yahweh at the entrance to the tent of meeting, to the priest to be sacrificed as fellowship offerings to Yahweh, instead of offering sacrifices in an open field.
 \v 6 The priest will sprinkle the blood on Yahweh's altar at the entrance to the tent of meeting; he will burn the fat for it to produce a sweet aroma for Yahweh.
 
 \s5
@@ -1162,11 +1162,11 @@
 \p
 \v 13 Do not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired servant must not stay with you all night until the morning.
 \p
-\v 14 Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but fear your God. I am Yahweh.
+\v 14 Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind. Instead, you must fear your God. I am Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 Do not cause judgment to be false. You must not exalt the poor nor favor the great. Instead, judge your neighbor justly.
+\v 15 Do not cause judgment to be false. You must not show favoritism to someone because he is poor, and you must not show favoritism to someone because he is important. Instead, judge your neighbor justly.
 \p
 \v 16 Do not walk around spreading slander among your people, but seek to protect your neighbor's life. I am Yahweh.
 
@@ -1194,7 +1194,7 @@
 \p
 \v 23 When you come into the land and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you must regard the fruit they produce as forbidden to be eaten. The fruit must be forbidden to you for three years. It must not be eaten.
 \v 24 But in the fourth year all the fruit will be holy, a sacrifice of praise to Yahweh.
-\v 25 In the fifth year you may eat the fruit, having waited so that the trees might produce more. I am Yahweh your God.
+\v 25 In the fifth you may eat the fruit, having waited so that the trees might produce more. I am Yahweh your God.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1244,7 +1244,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 The person who turns to sorcerers and spiritists so as to prostitute themselves with them, I will set my face against that person; I will cut him off from among his people.
-\v 7 Therefore consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am Yahweh your God. \f + \ft Several modern translations have \fqa ... because I, Yahweh your God, am holy. \fqa* \f*
+\v 7 Therefore consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am Yahweh your God. \f + \ft Several modern translations have \fqa ... because I, Yahweh your God, am holy \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1539,7 +1539,7 @@
 \v 6 Then you must set them in two rows, six in a row, on the table of pure gold before Yahweh.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 You must put pure incense along each row of loaves as a representative offering. This incense will be an offering made by fire for Yahweh.
+\v 7 You must put pure incense along each row of loaves as a representative offering. This incense will be burnt for Yahweh.
 \v 8 Every Sabbath day the high priest must regularly set out the bread before Yahweh on behalf of the people of Israel, as a sign of an everlasting covenant.
 \v 9 This offering will be for Aaron and his sons, and they are to eat it in a place that is holy, for it is a portion from the offerings to Yahweh made by fire."
 
@@ -1826,7 +1826,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 19 If the man who set apart the field wishes to redeem it, then he must add a fifth to the valuation, and it will belong to him.
 \v 20 If he does not redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it cannot be redeemed any more.
-\v 21 Rather, the field, when it is released in the year of Jubilee, will be a holy gift to Yahweh, like the field that has been completely given to Yahweh. It will belong to the priest.
+\v 21 Instead, the field, when it is released in the year of Jubilee, will be a holy gift to Yahweh, like the field that has been completely given to Yahweh. It will belong to the priest.
 
 \s5
 \v 22 If a man sets apart a field that he has bought, but that field is not part of his family's land,

04-NUM.usfm

@@ -44,9 +44,9 @@
 \v 14 from the tribe of Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel;
 \q1
 \v 15 and from the tribe of Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 16 These were the men appointed from the people. They led their ancestors' tribes. They were the leaders of the clans in Israel.
 
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@
 \v 49 "You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the total of the people of Israel.
 
 \s5
-\v 50 Rather, assign the Levites to care for the tabernacle of the covenant decrees, and to care for all the furnishings in the tabernacle and for everything in it. The Levites must carry the tabernacle, and they must carry the tabernacle's furnishings. They must care for the tabernacle and make their camp around it.
+\v 50 Instead, assign the Levites to care for the tabernacle of the covenant decrees, and to care for all the furnishings in the tabernacle and for everything in it. The Levites must carry the tabernacle, and they must carry the tabernacle's furnishings. They must care for the tabernacle and make their camp around it.
 
 \s5
 \v 51 When the tabernacle is to move to another place, the Levites must take it down. When the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites must set it up. Any stranger who comes near the tabernacle must be killed.
@@ -246,8 +246,8 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 11 Yahweh spoke to Moses. He said,
-\v 12 "Look, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel. I have done this instead of taking each firstborn, who opens the womb, from among the people of Israel. The Levites belong to me,
-\v 13 for all the firstborn belong to me. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I set apart for myself all the firstborn in Israel, both men and animals. They belong to me. I am Yahweh."
+\v 12 "Look, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel. I have done this instead of taking each firstborn, the first issue of the womb, from among the people of Israel. The Levites belong to me.
+\v 13 All the firstborn belong to me. On the day that I attacked all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I set apart for myself all the firstborn in Israel, both men and animals. They belong to me. I am Yahweh."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -899,7 +899,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 29 Moses spoke to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite. Reuel was the father of Moses' wife. Moses spoke to Hobab and said, "We are traveling to a place that Yahweh described. Yahweh said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us and we will do you good. Yahweh has promised to do good for Israel."
+\v 29 Moses spoke to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite. Reuel was the father of Moses's wife. Moses spoke to Hobab and said, "We are traveling to a place that Yahweh described. Yahweh said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us and we will do you good. Yahweh has promised to do good for Israel."
 \v 30 But Hobab said to Moses, "I will not go with you. I will go to my own land and my own relatives."
 
 \s5
@@ -936,7 +936,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 9 When the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna also fell.
-\v 10 Moses heard the people weeping in their families, and every man was at the entrance to his tent. Yahweh was very angry, and in Moses' eyes their complaining was wrong.
+\v 10 Moses heard the people weeping in their families, and every man was at the entrance to his tent. Yahweh was very angry, and in Moses's eyes their complaining was wrong.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 Moses said to Yahweh, "Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why are you not pleased with me? You make me carry the load of all these people.
@@ -973,7 +973,7 @@
 \v 27 A young man in the camp ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."
 
 \s5
-\v 28 Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant, one of his chosen men, said to Moses, "My master Moses, stop them."
+\v 28 Joshua son of Nun, Moses's assistant, one of his chosen men, said to Moses, "My master Moses, stop them."
 \v 29 Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all of Yahweh's people were prophets and that he would put his Spirit on them all!"
 \v 30 Then Moses and the elders of Israel went back to the camp.
 
@@ -1639,7 +1639,7 @@
 \v 21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites saying,
 \v 22 "Let us pass through your land. We will not turn into any field or vineyard. We will not drink the water from your wells. We will travel by the king's highway until we have crossed your border."
 \p
-\v 23 But King Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border. Instead, Sihon gathered all his army together and went out into the wilderness against Israel. He came to Jahaz, where he fought against Israel.
+\v 23 But King Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through their border. Instead, Sihon gathered all his army together and attacked Israel in the wilderness. He came to Jahaz, where he fought against Israel.
 
 \s5
 \v 24 Israel attacked the army of Sihon with the edge of the sword and took their land from the Arnon to the Jabbok river, as far as the land of the people of Ammon. Now the border of the people of Ammon was fortified.
@@ -1682,6 +1682,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 22
 \nb
+\p
 \v 1 The people of Israel traveled on until they camped in the plains of Moab near Jericho, on the other side of the Jordan River from the city.
 
 \s5
@@ -1827,9 +1828,10 @@
 \q2 Has he said he would do something without carrying it out?
 \v 20 Look, I have been commanded to bless.
 \q2 God has given a blessing, and I cannot reverse it.
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
+\p
 \q
 \v 21 He has not looked upon disaster in Jacob,
 \q2 and he has not seen trouble in Israel.
@@ -1842,7 +1844,7 @@
 \q
 \v 23 There is no sorcery that works against Jacob,
 \q2 and no divination harms Israel.
-\q Now it must be said about Jacob and Israel,
+\q Instead, it must be said about Jacob and Israel,
 \q2 'Look what God has done!'
 
 \s5
@@ -1867,6 +1869,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 24
 \nb
+\p
 \v 1 When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, he did not go, as at the other times, to use sorcery. Instead, he looked toward the wilderness.
 
 \s5
@@ -1966,9 +1969,9 @@
 \q
 \v 22 Nevertheless you Kenites will be consumed by fire
 \q2 when Assyria carries you away captive."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 23 Then Balaam began his final prophecy. He said,
 \q "Woe! Who will survive when God does this?
 \q
@@ -1990,7 +1993,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 4 Yahweh said to Moses, "Kill all the leaders of the people and hang them up before me to expose them in the daylight, so that my fierce anger may turn away from Israel."
-\v 5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, "Each of you must kill his people who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor."
+\v 5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, "Each of you must slay his people who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2526,7 +2529,7 @@
 \p
 \v 25 Then Yahweh spoke to Moses and said,
 \v 26 "You and Eleazar the priest and the heads of the community's ancestral clans are to count all the plundered things that were captured, both men and animals. 
-\v 27 Divide the plunder into two parts. Divide it between the soldiers who went out to battle and all the rest of the community.
+\v 27 must divide the plunder into two parts. Divide it between the soldiers who went out to battle and all the rest of the community.
 
 \s5
 \v 28 Then levy a tax to be given to me from the soldiers who went out to battle. This tax must be one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or goats.
@@ -2545,7 +2548,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 36 The half that was kept for the soldiers numbered 337,000 sheep,
-\v 37 and the tax for Yahweh of the sheep was 675.
+\v 37 The tax for Yahweh of the sheep was 675.
 \p
 \v 38 The cattle were thirty-six thousand, from which the tax for Yahweh was seventy-two.
 
@@ -2730,7 +2733,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 38 Aaron the priest went up Mount Hor at Yahweh's command and died there in the fortieth year after the people of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month.
-\v 39 Aaron was 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor.
+\v 39 Aaron was a 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2811,9 +2814,9 @@
 \q1 From the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh.
 \q1
 \v 20 From the tribe of the descendants of Simeon, Shemuel son of Ammihud.
+\q1
 
 \s5
-\q1
 \v 21 From the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad son of Kislon.
 \q1
 \v 22 From of the tribe of the descendants of Dan a leader, Bukki son of Jogli.
@@ -2868,7 +2871,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 14 You must provide three cities beyond the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan. They will be cities of refuge.
-\v 15 For the people of Israel, for the foreigner, and for the sojourner, these six cities will serve as a refuge to which anyone who kills someone unintentionally can flee.
+\v 15 For the people of Israel, for the foreigners, for anyone living among you, these six cities will serve as a refuge to which anyone who kills someone unintentionally can flee.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2888,12 +2891,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 24 In that case, the community must judge between the accused and the avenger of blood on the basis of these rules.
-\v 25 The community must rescue the killer from the power of the avenger of blood. The community must return the accused to the city of refuge to which he had originally fled. He must live there until the death of the current high priest, the one who was anointed with the holy oil.
+\v 25 The community must rescue the accused from the power of the avenger of blood. The community must return the accused to the city of refuge to which he had originally fled. He must live there until the death of the current high priest, the one who was anointed with the holy oil.
 
 \s5
 \v 26 But if the killer at any time goes beyond the border of the city of refuge to which he fled,
-\v 27 and if the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of his city of refuge, and if he kills the killer, the avenger of blood will not be guilty of murder.
-\v 28 This is because the accused man should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. After the death of the high priest, the killer may return to the land where he has his own property.
+\v 27 and if the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of his city of refuge, and if he kills the accused man, the avenger of blood will not be guilty of murder.
+\v 28 This is because the accused man should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. After the death of the high priest, the accused may return to the land where he has his own property.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2921,7 +2924,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 So Moses gave a command to the people of Israel, at Yahweh's word. He said, "What the tribe of Joseph's descendants says is right.
-\v 6 This is what Yahweh commands concerning Zelophehad's daughters. He says, 'Let them be married to whom they think best, but they must marry only within the clan of the tribe of their father.'
+\v 6 This is what Yahweh commands concerning Zelophehad's daughters. He says, 'Let them be married to whom they think best, but they must marry only within the tribe of their father.'
 
 \s5
 \v 7 No possession of the people of Israel must change from one tribe to another. Each one of the people of Israel must continue with the possession of his ancestor's tribe.

05-DEU.usfm

@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 12 "This land that we took in possession at that time—from Aroer, that is by the Valley of the Arnon, and half the hill country of Gilead, and its cities—I gave to the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
-\v 13 The rest of Gilead and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half tribe of Manasseh. (All the region of Argob in Bashan was called the land of Rephaim.
+\v 13 The rest of Gilead and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half tribe of Manasseh. (All the region of Argob, and all Bashan. The same territory is called the land of Rephaim.
 
 \s5
 \v 14 Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took all the region of Argob to the border of the Geshurites and the Maakathites. He called the region, even Bashan, by his own name, Havvoth Jair, to this day.)
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 9 Only pay attention and carefully guard yourself, so that you do not forget the things that your eyes have seen, so that they do not leave your heart for all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children.
+\v 9 Only pay attention and carefully guard yourself, so that you do not forget the things that your eyes have seen, so that they do not leave your heart for all the days of your life. Instead, make them known to your children and your children's children.
 \v 10 On the day that you stood before Yahweh your God at Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, 'Assemble me the people, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'
 
 \s5
@@ -276,8 +276,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 So watch yourselves carefully—for you saw no kind of form on the day that Yahweh spoke to you at Horeb out of the middle of the fire—
-\v 16 that you do not corrupt yourselves by making a carved image in the form of any figure, in the likeness of male or female,
+\v 15 So take great heed to yourselves—for you saw no kind of form on the day that Yahweh spoke to you at Horeb out of the middle of the fire—
+\v 16 that you do not corrupt yourselves and by making a carved image in the form of any figure, in the likeness of male or female,
 \v 17 the likeness of any animal on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the heavens,
 \v 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, or the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth.
 
@@ -286,8 +286,8 @@
 \v 20 But Yahweh has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to him a people of his own inheritance, as you are today.
 
 \s5
-\v 21 Yahweh was angry with me because of you; he swore that I would not go over the Jordan, and that I would not go into the good land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as an inheritance.
-\v 22 Rather, I must die in this land; I must not go over the Jordan. But you will go over and possess that good land.
+\v 21 Yahweh was angry with me because of you; he swore that I should not go over the Jordan, and that I should not go into that good land, the land that Yahweh your God is giving to you as an inheritance.
+\v 22 Instead, I must die in this land; I must not go over the Jordan; but you will go over and possess that good land.
 
 \s5
 \v 23 Pay attention to yourselves, so that you do not forget the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything that Yahweh your God has forbidden you to make.
@@ -574,7 +574,7 @@
 \v 17 but you may say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand acquired all this wealth.'
 
 \s5
-\v 18 But you will call to mind Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is today.
+\v 18 But you will call to mind Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is today.
 \v 19 It will happen that, if you will forget Yahweh your God and walk after other gods, worship them, and reverence them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.
 \v 20 Like the nations that Yahweh is making to perish before you, so will you perish, because you would not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.
 
@@ -680,7 +680,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 16 Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and no longer stiffen your necks.
-\v 17 For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods and Lord of lords, the Great God, the Mighty One and the Fearsome One, who favors no one and takes no bribes.
+\v 17 For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods and Lord of masters, the great God, the mighty one and the fearsome one, who favors no one and takes no bribes.
 
 \s5
 \v 18 He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and he shows love for the foreigner by giving him food and clothing.
@@ -783,7 +783,7 @@
 \v 9 for you have not yet come to the rest, to the inheritance that Yahweh your God is giving you.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 But when you go over the Jordan and live in the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit, he will give you rest from all your enemies round about so that you live in safety.
+\v 10 But when you go over the Jordan and live in the land that Yahweh your God is causing you to inherit, and he will give you rest from all your enemies round about, so that you live in safety.
 \v 11 Then to the place where Yahweh your God will choose to cause his name to live there—there you will bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, and the offerings presented by your hand, and all your choice offerings for vows that you will vow to Yahweh.
 
 \s5
@@ -799,11 +799,11 @@
 \v 16 But you will not eat the blood; you will pour it out on the earth like water.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 You must not eat within your gates from the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock; and you must not eat any of the meat you sacrifice along with any of your vows that you make, nor that of your freewill offerings, nor that of the offering you present with your hand.
+\v 17 You may not eat within your gates from the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or flock; and you may not eat any of the meat you sacrifice along with any of your vows that you make, nor that of your freewill offerings, nor that of the offering you present with your hand.
 
 \s5
 \v 18 Instead, you will eat them before Yahweh your God in the place that Yahweh your God will choose—you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates; you will rejoice before Yahweh your God about everything to which you put your hand.
-\v 19 Pay attention to yourself so that you do not abandon the Levite as long as you live on your land.
+\v 19 Pay attention to yourself so that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live on your land.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -848,8 +848,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 6 Suppose that your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is to you like your own soul, secretly entices you and says, 'Let us go and worship other gods' which you have not known, neither you nor your ancestors—
-\v 7 any of the gods of the peoples that are round about you, near to you or far off from you, from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth.'
+\v 6 Suppose that your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is to you like your own soul, secretly entices you and says, 'Let us go and worship other gods that you have not known, neither you nor your ancestors—
+\v 7 any of the gods of the peoples that are round about you, near to you, or far off from you, from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth.'
 
 \s5
 \v 8 You must not give in to him or listen to him, and you must not permit your eye to pity him, and you must not spare him or conceal him.
@@ -929,7 +929,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 26 There you will spend the money for whatever you desire: cattle, sheep, wine or strong drink, or for whatever you desire. Then you will eat there before Yahweh your God and rejoice, you and your household.
-\v 27 The Levite who is within your gates—do not abandon him, for he has no portion nor inheritance with you.
+\v 27 The Levite who is within your gates—do not forsake him, for he has no portion nor inheritance with you.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -995,7 +995,7 @@
 \v 4 No yeast must be seen among you within all your borders during seven days; nor must any of the meat that you sacrifice in the evening on the first day remain until the morning.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 You must not sacrifice the Passover within any of your city gates that Yahweh your God is giving you.
+\v 5 You may not sacrifice the Passover within any of your city gates that Yahweh your God is giving you.
 \v 6 Instead, sacrifice at the place where Yahweh your God will choose to make a dwelling for his name. There you will perform the sacrifice of the Passover in the evening at the going down of the sun, at the time of year that you came out of Egypt.
 
 \s5
@@ -1020,8 +1020,8 @@
 \v 15 For seven days you must observe the festival for Yahweh your God at the place that Yahweh will choose, because Yahweh your God will bless you in all your harvest and all the work of your hands, and you must be completely joyful.
 
 \s5
-\v 16 Three times in a year all your males must appear before Yahweh your God at the place that he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, at the Festival of Weeks, and at the Festival of Shelters. No one will appear before Yahweh empty-handed.
-\v 17 Rather, every man will bring a gift as he is able, that you might know the blessing that Yahweh your God has given to you.
+\v 16 Three times in a year all your males must appear before Yahweh your God at the place that he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, at the Festival of Weeks, and at the Festival of Shelters. No one will appear before Yahweh empty-handed;
+\v 17 instead, every man will bring a gift as he is able, that you might know the blessing that Yahweh your God has given to you.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1066,7 +1066,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 14 When you have come to the land that Yahweh your God gives you, and when you take possession of it and begin to live in it, and then you say, 'I will set a king over myself, like all the nations that are round about me,'
-\v 15 then you must surely set as king over yourself someone whom Yahweh your God will choose. You must set as king over yourself someone from among your brothers. You must not put a foreigner, who is not your brother, over yourself.
+\v 15 then you must surely set as king over yourself someone whom Yahweh your God will choose. You must set as king over yourself someone from among your brothers. You may not put a foreigner, who is not your brother, over yourself.
 
 \s5
 \v 16 But he must not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt so that he may multiply horses, for Yahweh had said to you, 'You will never return that way again.'
@@ -1195,10 +1195,10 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 10 When you march up to attack a city, make those people an offer of peace.
-\v 11 If they answer peaceably and open their gates to you, all the people who are found in it must become forced labor for you and must serve you.
+\v 11 If they answer peace and open their gates to you, all the people who are found in it must become forced labor for you and must serve you.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 But if it makes no offer of peace to you, and instead makes war against you, then you must besiege it,
+\v 12 But if it makes no offer of peace to you, but instead makes war against you, then you must besiege it,
 \v 13 and when Yahweh your God gives you victory and puts them under your control, you must strike every man in the town with the edge of the sword.
 
 \s5
@@ -1206,9 +1206,9 @@
 \v 15 You must act in this way toward all the cities that are very far from you, cities that are not of the cities of these following nations.
 
 \s5
-\v 16 In the cities of these peoples that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must keep alive nothing that breathes.
-\v 17 You must completely destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Yahweh your God has commanded you.
-\v 18 Do this so that they do not teach you to act in any of their abominable ways, as they have done for their gods. If you do, you will sin against Yahweh your God.
+\v 16 In the cities of these peoples that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must save alive nothing that breathes.
+\v 17 Instead, you must completely destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Yahweh your God has commanded you.
+\v 18 Do this so that they do not teach you to act in any of their abominable ways, as they have done with their gods. If you do, you will sin against Yahweh your God.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1250,7 +1250,7 @@
 \p
 \v 15 If a man has two wives and one is loved and the other is hated, and they have both borne him children—both the beloved wife and the hated wife—if the firstborn son is of her that is hated,
 \v 16 then on the day that the man causes his sons to inherit what he possesses, he may not make the son of the beloved wife the firstborn before the son of the hated wife, the son who is actually the firstborn.
-\v 17 Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he possesses, for that son is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
+\v 17 Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he possesses; for that son is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1264,7 +1264,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 22 If a man has committed a sin worthy of death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree,
-\v 23 then his body must not remain all night on the tree. You must surely bury him the same day; for whoever is hanged is cursed by God. You must not defile the land that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance.
+\v 23 then his body must not remain all night on the tree. Instead, you must surely bury him the same day; for whoever is hanged is cursed by God. Obey this commandment so that you do not defile the land that Yahweh your God is giving you as an inheritance.
 
 \s5
 \c 22
@@ -1425,7 +1425,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 8 Be careful regarding any plague of leprosy, so that you carefully observe and follow every instruction given to you which the priests, the Levites, teach you; as I commanded them, so you will act.
+\v 8 Take heed regarding any plague of leprosy, so that you carefully observe and follow every instruction given to you which the priests, the Levites, teach you; as I commanded them, so you will act.
 \v 9 Call to mind what Yahweh your God did to Miriam as you were coming out of Egypt.
 
 \s5
@@ -1439,17 +1439,17 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 14 You must not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is of your fellow Israelites or of the foreigners who are in your land within your city gates.
+\v 14 You must not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is of your fellow Israelites, or of the foreigners who are in your land within your city gates;
 \v 15 Each day you must give him his wage; the sun must not go down on this unsettled matter, for he is poor and is counting on it. Do this so that he does not cry out against you to Yahweh, and so that it not be a sin that you have committed.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 The parents must not be put to death for their children, neither must the children be put to death for their parents. Everyone must be put to death for his own sin.
+\v 16 The parents must not be put to death for their children, neither must the children be put to death for their parents. Instead, everyone must be put to death for his own sin.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 17 You must not twist the justice that is due the foreigner or the fatherless, nor take the widow's cloak as a pledge.
-\v 18 Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and that Yahweh your God rescued you from there. Therefore I instruct you to obey this command.
+\v 17 You must not use force to take away the justice that is due the foreigner or the fatherless, nor take the widow's cloak as a pledge.
+\v 18 Instead, you must call to mind that you were a slave in Egypt, and that Yahweh your God rescued you from there. Therefore I instruct you to obey this command.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1554,7 +1554,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people and said, "Keep all the commandments that I command you today.
 \v 2 On the day when you will pass over the Jordan to the land that Yahweh your God is giving you, you must set up some large stones and plaster them with plaster.
-\v 3 You must write on them all the words of this law when you have passed over, so that you may go into the land that Yahweh your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
+\v 3 You must write on them all the words of this law when you have passed over; that you may go into the land that Yahweh your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.
 
 \s5
 \v 4 When you have passed over the Jordan, set up these stones that I am commanding you about today, on Mount Ebal, and plaster them with plaster.
@@ -1662,11 +1662,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 20 Yahweh will send on you curses, confusion, and rebukes in all that you put your hand to, until you are destroyed, and until you perish quickly because of the evil of your deeds by which you will have abandoned me.
+\v 20 Yahweh will send on you curses, confusion, and rebukes in all that you put your hand to, until you are destroyed, and until you perish quickly because of the evil of your deeds by which you will have forsaken me.
 \v 21 Yahweh will make the plague cling to you until he destroys you from off the land that you are going in to possess.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 Yahweh will attack you with infectious diseases, with fever, with inflammation, with drought, with sword, with scorching winds, and with mildew. These will pursue you until you perish.
+\v 22 Yahweh will attack you with infectious diseases, with fever, with inflammation, and with drought and blistering heat, and with scorching winds and mildew. These will pursue you until you perish.
 
 \s5
 \v 23 Your skies that are over your head will be bronze, and the earth that is under you will be iron.
@@ -1684,7 +1684,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 30 You will betroth a woman, but another man will seize her and rape her. You will build a house but not live in it; you will plant a vineyard but not enjoy its fruit.
-\v 31 Your ox will be killed before your eyes, but you will not eat its meat; your donkey will be forcibly taken away from before you and will not be restored to you. Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and you will have no one to deliver you.
+\v 31 Your ox will be slain before your eyes, but you will not eat its meat; your donkey will be forcibly taken away from before you and will not be restored to you. Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and you will have no one to deliver you.
 
 \s5
 \v 32 Your sons and your daughters will be given to other peoples; your eyes will look for them the entire day, but will fail with longing for them. There will be no strength in your hand.
@@ -1753,12 +1753,12 @@
 \v 64 Yahweh will scatter you among all peoples from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; there you will worship other gods that you have not known, neither you nor your ancestors, gods of wood and stone.
 
 \s5
-\v 65 Among these nations will you find no ease, and there will be no rest for the bottoms of your feet; Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a soul that mourns.
-\v 66 Your life will hang in doubt before you; night and day you will be afraid and will have no assurance of your life.
+\v 65 Among these nations will you find no ease, and there will be no rest for the bottoms of your feet; instead, Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a soul that mourns.
+\v 66 Your life will hang in doubt before you; you will fear every night and day and will have no certainty at all in your life.
 
 \s5
 \v 67 In the morning you will say, 'I wish it were evening!' and in the evening you will say, 'I wish it were morning!' because of the fear in your hearts and the things your eyes will have to see.
-\v 68 Yahweh will bring you into Egypt again by ships, by the route about which I had said to you, 'You will not see Egypt again.' There you will offer yourselves for sale to your enemies as male slaves and female slaves, but no one will purchase you."
+\v 68 Yahweh will bring you into Egypt again by ships, by the route about which I had said to you, 'You will not see Egypt again.' There you will offer yourselves for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will purchase you."
 
 \s5
 \c 29
@@ -1802,7 +1802,7 @@
 \v 19 When that person hears the words of this curse, he will bless himself in his heart and say, 'I will have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.' This would destroy the wet together with the dry.
 
 \s5
-\v 20 Yahweh will not pardon him. Instead, the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will smolder against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book will come on him, and Yahweh will blot out his name from under heaven.
+\v 20 Yahweh will not pardon him, but instead, the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy will smolder against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book will come on him, and Yahweh will blot out his name from under heaven.
 \v 21 Yahweh will set him apart for disaster out of all the tribes of Israel, in keeping with all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law.
 
 \s5
@@ -1826,7 +1826,7 @@
 \c 30
 \p
 \v 1 When all these things have come on you, the blessings and the curses that I have set before you, and when you call them to mind among all the other nations where Yahweh your God has banished you,
-\v 2 and when you return to Yahweh your God and obey his voice, following all that I am commanding you today—you and your children—with all your heart and with all your soul,
+\v 2 and when you return to Yahweh your God and obey his voice, following all that I am commanding you today— you and your children—with all your heart and with all your soul,
 \v 3 then Yahweh your God will reverse your captivity and have compassion on you; he will return and gather you from all the peoples where Yahweh your God has scattered you.
 
 \s5
@@ -1857,8 +1857,8 @@
 \v 16 If you obey the decrees of Yahweh your God, in which I am commanding you today to love Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments, his regulations, and his statutes, you will live and multiply, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 But if your heart turns away, and you do not listen and are drawn away and bow down to other gods and worship them,
-\v 18 then I declare to you today that you will surely perish; you will not prolong your days in the land that you are passing over the Jordan to go into and possess.
+\v 17 But if your heart turns away, and you do not listen but instead are drawn away and bow down to other gods and worship them,
+\v 18 then I announce to you today that you will surely perish; you will not prolong your days in the land that you are passing over the Jordan to go into and possess.
 
 \s5
 \v 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life so that you may live, you and your descendants.
@@ -1874,7 +1874,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 4 Yahweh will do to them as he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, which he destroyed.
 \v 5 Yahweh will deliver them over to you, and you will do to them according to all that I commanded you.
-\v 6 Be strong and of good courage, fear not, and do not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God, he it is who goes with you; he will not fail you nor abandon you."
+\v 6 Be strong and of good courage, fear not, and do not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God, he it is who goes with you; he will not fail you nor forsake you."
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and of good courage, for you will go with this people into the land that Yahweh has sworn to their ancestors to give them; you will cause them to inherit it.
@@ -1896,11 +1896,11 @@
 \v 15 Yahweh appeared in the tent in a pillar of cloud; the pillar of cloud stood over the door of the tent.
 
 \s5
-\v 16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Look, you will lie down with your fathers; this people will rise up and act like a prostitute going after the strange gods that are among them in the land where they are going. They will abandon me and break my covenant that I have made with them.
+\v 16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Look, you will lie down with your fathers; this people will rise up and act like a prostitute going after the strange gods that are among them in the land where they are going. They will forsake me and break my covenant that I have made with them.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Then, on that day, my anger will be kindled against them and I will abandon them. I will hide my face from them and they will be devoured. Many disasters and troubles will find them so that they will say on that day, 'Have these disasters not come upon us because our God is not in our midst?'
-\v 18 I will surely hide my face from them on that day because of all the evil that they will have done, because they will have turned to other gods.
+\v 18 I will surely hide my face from them on that day because of all the evil that they will have done, because they has turned to other gods.
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Now therefore write this song for yourselves and teach it to the people of Israel. Put it in their mouths, so that this song may be a witness for me against the people of Israel.
@@ -1969,7 +1969,7 @@
 \q
 \v 8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance—
 \q when he divided all of mankind,
-\q he set the boundaries of the peoples
+\q and he set the boundaries of the peoples
 \q according to the number of the children of Israel.
 
 \s5
@@ -2229,11 +2229,11 @@
 \v 8 About Levi, Moses said:
 \q Your Thummim and your Urim belong to your faithful one,
 \q the one whom you tested at Massah,
-\q with whom you struggled at the waters of Meribah,
+\q with whom you struggled at the waters of Meribah.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 9 who said about his father and mother, "I have not seen them."
+\v 9 The man who said about his father and mother, "I have not seen them."
 \q Neither did he acknowledge his brothers,
 \q nor did he take account of his own children.
 \q For he guarded your word
@@ -2341,7 +2341,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 26 There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
+\v 26 There is no one like God, Jeshurun—the upright one,
 \q who rides through the heavens to your help,
 \q and in his majesty on the clouds.
 

06-JOS.usfm

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 1
 \p
-\v 1 Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' chief assistant, saying,
+\v 1 Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses's chief assistant, saying,
 \v 2 "Moses, my servant, is dead. Now therefore, arise, cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them—to the people of Israel.
 \v 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot will walk. I have given it to you, just as I promised to Moses.
 
@@ -123,16 +123,16 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each.
-\v 13 When the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, touch the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and even the waters that flow down from upstream will stop flowing and they will stand in one heap."
+\v 13 When the soles of the feet of the priests that carry the ark of Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, touch the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and even the waters that flow down from upstream will stop flowing and they will stand in one heap."
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 14 So when the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests who carried the ark of the covenant went ahead of the people.
+\v 14 So when the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests that carried the ark of the covenant went ahead of the people.
 \v 15 As soon as those who were carrying the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who carried the chest were dipped in the edge of the water—now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of the harvest—
 \v 16 the waters that flowed down from upstream stood up in one heap. The water stopped flowing from a great distance. The waters stopped flowing from Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, all the way down to the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea. The people crossed over near Jericho.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until all the people of Israel crossed over on dry ground.
+\v 17 The priests that carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until all the people of Israel crossed over on dry ground.
 
 \s5
 \c 4
@@ -152,16 +152,16 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 The people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded, and they picked up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, as Yahweh said to Joshua. They set the stones up according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel. They carried the stones with them, over to the place where they camped and they set them down there.
-\v 9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan River, in the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. The memorial is there to this day.
+\v 9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan River, in the place where the feet of the priests that carried the ark of the covenant stood. The memorial is there to this day.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 The priests who carried the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan until everything that Yahweh commanded Joshua to tell the people was completed, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people hurried and they crossed over.
+\v 10 The priests that carried the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan until everything that Yahweh commanded Joshua to tell the people was completed, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people hurried and they crossed over.
 \v 11 When all the people had finished crossing over, the ark of Yahweh and the priests crossed over before the people.
 
 \s5
 \v 12 The tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh passed before the people of Israel formed up as an army, just as Moses said to them.
 \v 13 About forty thousand men equipped for war passed before Yahweh, for battle on the plains of Jericho.
-\v 14 On that day Yahweh made Joshua great in the eyes of all Israel. They honored him—just as they honored Moses—all his days.
+\v 14 On that day Yahweh made Joshua great in the eyes of all Israel. They honored him—just as they honored Moses— all his days.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@
 \v 21 He said to the people of Israel, "When your descendants ask their fathers in times to come, 'What are these stones?'
 
 \s5
-\v 22 tell your children, 'This is where Israel crossed over the Jordan on dry ground.'
+\v 22 Tell your children, 'This is where Israel crossed over the Jordan on dry ground.'
 \v 23 Yahweh your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you, until you had crossed over, just as Yahweh your God did to the Sea of Reeds, which he dried up for us until we passed over,
 \v 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of Yahweh is mighty, and that you will honor Yahweh your God forever."
 
@@ -387,7 +387,7 @@
 \v 21 When Joshua and all Israel saw the ambush had captured the city with the smoke rising, they turned around and killed the men of Ai.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 The others came out from the city against them, so that they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side and some on that side. Israel attacked the men of Ai; none remained of those who survived or escaped.
+\v 22 The other came out from the city against them, so that they were caught in the middle, with Israel in the middle, some on this side and some on that side. Israel attacked the men of Ai; none remained of those who survived or escaped.
 \v 23 They kept the king of Ai, whom they captured alive, and they brought him to Joshua.
 
 \s5
@@ -627,7 +627,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 18 Joshua waged war for a long time with all the kings.
 \v 19 Not one city made peace with the army of Israel except the Hivites who lived in Gibeon. Israel captured all the rest of the cities in battle.
-\v 20 For it was Yahweh who hardened their hearts so they would wage war against Israel, so that they might be devoted to destruction without mercy, just as he had instructed Moses.
+\v 20 For it was Yahweh who hardened their hearts so they would wage war against Israel, so that he might completely destroy them without mercy, just as he had instructed Moses.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -649,7 +649,7 @@
 \v 3 Sihon also ruled over the Arabah to the Sea of Kinnereth, to the east, to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) eastward, all the way to Beth Jeshimoth and southward, toward the foot of the slopes of Mount Pisgah.
 \q
 \v 4 Og, king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei.
-\v 5 He ruled over Mount Hermon, Salekah, and all Bashan, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maakathites, and half of Gilead, to the border of Sihon, king of Heshbon.
+\v 5 He ruled over Mount Hermon, Salekah, and all Bashan, to the border of the people of Geshur and the Maacathites, and half of Gilead, to the border of Sihon, king of Heshbon.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -692,15 +692,15 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 2 This is the land that still remains: All the regions of the Philistines, and all those of the Geshurites,
-\v 3 from Shihor, which is east of Egypt, and northward to the border of Ekron, which is considered property of the Canaanites; the five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron; the territory of the Avvites
+\v 3 from Shihor, which is east of Egypt, and northward to the border of Ekron, which is considered property of the Canaanites; the five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—the territory of the Avvites.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 in the south; all the lands of the Canaanites, from Arah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek which is on the border of the Amorites;
+\v 4 In the south (the territory of the Avvites); all the lands of the Canaanites, from Arah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek which is on the border of the Amorites;
 \v 5 the land of Byblos,\f + \ft Some modern English translations read, \fqa land of Gebalites \fqa* . \f* all of Lebanon toward the east, from Baal Gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo Hamath.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 6 Also, all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth Maim, including all the people of Sidon—I will drive them out before the army of Israel. Be sure to assign the land to Israel as an inheritance, as I commanded you.
+\v 6 Also, all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth Maim, including all the people of Sidon. I will drive them out before the army of Israel. Be sure to assign the land to Israel as an inheritance, as I commanded you.
 \v 7 Divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and to the half tribe of Manasseh."
 
 \s5
@@ -711,11 +711,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 10 all the cities of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, to the border of the Ammonites;
-\v 11 Gilead, and the region of the Geshurites and Maakathites, all of Mount Hermon, all Bashan to Salekah;
+\v 11 Gilead, and the region of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, all Bashan to Salekah;
 \v 12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei—these are what was left of the remnant of the Rephaim—Moses struck them and drove them out.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 But the people of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maakathites, and so Geshur and Maakah live in the midst of Israel to this day.
+\v 13 But the people of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites. Instead, Geshur and Maacath live among Israel to this day.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -984,7 +984,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 14 Then the descendants of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given us only one assignment of land and one portion for an inheritance, since we are a people great in number, and all along Yahweh has blessed us?"
+\v 14 Then the descendants of Joseph said to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given us only one assignment of land and one portion for an inheritance, since we are a people great in number, and all along Yahweh has blessed us?"
 \v 15 Joshua said to them, "If you are a people great in number, go up by yourselves to the forest and there clear the ground for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim. Do this, since the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you."
 
 \s5
@@ -1019,7 +1019,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 The assignment of land for the tribe of Benjamin came up clan by clan. The territory of their assigned land was located between the descendants of Judah and the descendants of Joseph.
+\v 11 The assignment of land for the tribe of Benjamin clan by clan. The territory of their assigned land was located between the descendants of Judah and the descendants of Joseph.
 \v 12 On the north side, their border began at the Jordan. The border went up to the ridge north of Jericho, and then up through the hill country westward. There it reached the wilderness of Beth Aven.
 
 \s5
@@ -1040,7 +1040,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 Now the cities of the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, were Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz,
+\v 21 Now the cities of the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, had these cities: Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz,
 \v 22 Beth Arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel,
 \v 23 Avvim, Parah, Ophrah,
 \v 24 Kephar Ammoni, Ophni, and Geba. There were twelve cities, including their villages.
@@ -1076,7 +1076,7 @@
 \v 11 Their border went up westward toward Maralah and touched Dabbesheth; then it extended to the brook that was opposite Jokneam.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 From Sarid the border turned eastward toward the sunrise and went to the border of Kisloth Tabor. From there it went to Daberath and then up to Japhia.
+\v 12 From Sarid the border turned eastward toward the east and went to the border of Kisloth Tabor. From there it went to Daberath and then up to Japhia.
 \v 13 From there it passed on eastward to Gath Hepher, and then to Eth Kazin; next it went to Rimmon and turned toward Neah.
 
 \s5
@@ -1147,7 +1147,7 @@
 \v 46 Me Jarkon, and Rakkon along with the territory across from Joppa.
 
 \s5
-\v 47 When the territory of the tribe of Dan was lost to them, Dan attacked Leshem and took it. They struck it with the sword, took possession of it, and settled in it. They called Leshem Dan, after the name of their ancestor Dan.
+\v 47 When the territory of the tribe of Dan was lost to them, Dan attacked Leshem, fought against it, capturing it and striking it with the sword; taking possession of it and settled in it. They renamed Leshem, calling it Dan after their ancestor.
 \p
 \v 48 This was the inheritance of the tribe of Dan, clan by clan—the cities, including their villages.
 
@@ -1180,7 +1180,7 @@
 \v 8 Beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they selected Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau from the tribe of Reuben; Ramoth Gilead, from the tribe of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, from the tribe of Manasseh.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 These were the cities selected for all the people of Israel and for the foreigners sojourning among them, so that anyone who killed a person unintentionally could run to them for safety. This person would not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until the accused person would first stand before the assembly.
+\v 9 These were the cities selected for all the people of Israel and for the foreigners residing among them, so that anyone who killed a person unintentionally could run to them for safety. This person would not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until the accused person would first stand before the assembly.
 
 \s5
 \c 21
@@ -1195,7 +1195,7 @@
 \p
 \v 4 The casting of lots for the clans of the Kohathites gave this result: The priests—the descendants of Aaron who were from the Levites—received thirteen cities given from the tribe of Judah, from the tribe of the Simeon, and from the tribe of Benjamin.
 \p
-\v 5 The rest of Kohath’s descendants received by lot ten cities from the clans of the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and from the half tribe of Manasseh.
+\v 5 The rest of Kohath’s descendants received by lot ten towns from the clans of the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and from the half tribe of Manasseh.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1223,7 +1223,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 From the tribe of Benjamin were given Gibeon with its pasturelands, Geba with its pasturelands,
-\v 18 Anathoth with its pasturelands, and Almon with its pasturelands—four cities.
+\v 18 Anathoth with its pasturelands, and Almon with its suburbs—four cities.
 \p
 \v 19 The cities given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were thirteen cities in all, including their pasturelands.
 
@@ -1326,7 +1326,7 @@
 \v 16 "The whole assembly of Yahweh says this, 'What is this unfaithfulness that you have committed against the God of Israel, by turning this day from following Yahweh by building yourself an altar this day in rebellion against Yahweh?
 
 \s5
-\v 17 Was the iniquity of Peor not enough for us? Yet we have not even now cleansed ourselves from it. There was a plague on the assembly of Yahweh for that sin.
+\v 17 Was the iniquity of Peor not enough for us? Yet we have not even now cleansed ourselves from it. For that sin there came a plague on the assembly of Yahweh.
 \v 18 Must you also turn away from following Yahweh at this present day? If you also rebel against Yahweh today, tomorrow he will be angry with the whole assembly of Israel.
 
 \s5
@@ -1378,7 +1378,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 6 So be very strong, so that you keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left,
-\v 7 so you may not mix with these nations that remain among you or mention the names of their gods, swear by them, worship them, or bow down to them.
+\v 7 so you may not mix with these nations that re23main among you or mention the names of their gods, swear by them, worship them, or bow down to them.
 \v 8 Instead, you must cling to Yahweh your God just as you have done to this day.
 
 \s5
@@ -1436,14 +1436,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 The people answered and said, "We would never abandon Yahweh to serve other gods,
+\v 16 The people answered and said, "We would never forsake Yahweh to serve other gods,
 \v 17 for it is Yahweh our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight, and who preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the nations through whom we passed.
 \v 18 Then Yahweh drove out before us all the peoples, including the Amorites who lived in the land. So we too will worship Yahweh, for he is our God."
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 19 But Joshua said to the people, "You cannot serve Yahweh, for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions and sins.
-\v 20 If you abandon Yahweh and worship foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm. He will consume you, after he has done good to you."
+\v 20 If you forsake Yahweh and worship foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm. He will consume you, after he has done good to you."
 
 \s5
 \v 21 But the people said to Joshua, "No, we will worship Yahweh."

07-JDG.usfm

@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 The descendants of Moses' father-in-law the Kenite went up from the City of Palms with the people of Judah, into the wilderness of Judah, which is in the Negev, to live with the people of Judah near Arad.
+\v 16 The descendants of Moses's father-in-law the Kenite went up from the City of Palms with the people of Judah, into the wilderness of Judah, which is in the Negev, to live with the people of Judah near Arad.
 \v 17 The men of Judah went with the men of Simeon their brothers and they attacked the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath and they completely destroyed it. The name of the city was called Hormah.
 
 \s5
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 18 When Yahweh raised up judges for them, Yahweh helped the judges and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days the judge lived. Yahweh had pity on them as they groaned because of those who oppressed them and afflicted them.
-\v 19 But when the judge died, they would turn away and do things that were even more corrupt than their fathers had done. They would go after other gods to serve them and worship them. They refused to give up any of their evil deeds or their stubborn ways.
+\v 19 But when the judge died, they would turn away and do things that were even more corrupt than their fathers had done. They would go after other gods to serve them and worship them. They refused to give up any of their evil practices or their stubborn ways.
 
 \s5
 \v 20 The anger of Yahweh burned against Israel; he said, "Because this nation has broken the terms of my covenant that I had set in place for their fathers—because they have not listened to my voice—
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 Now Heber (the Kenite) had separated himself from the Kenites—they were the descendants of Hobab (Moses' father-in-law)—and he pitched his tent by the oak in Zaanannim near Kedesh.
+\v 11 Now Heber (the Kenite) had separated himself from the Kenites—they were the descendants of Hobab (Moses's father-in-law)—and he pitched his tent by the oak in Zaanannim near Kedesh.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -593,7 +593,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 6 Then the officials of Sukkoth said, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand? Why should we give bread to your army?"
-\v 7 Gideon said, "When Yahweh has given us victory over Zebah and Zalmunna, I will thresh your skin with desert thorns and briers."
+\v 7 Gideon said, "When Yahweh has given us victory over Zebah and Zalmunna, I will tear your skin with the desert thorns and briers."
 
 \s5
 \v 8 He went up from there to Peniel and spoke to the people there in the same way, but the men of Peniel answered him just as the men of Sukkoth had answered.
@@ -771,7 +771,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 55 When the men of Israel saw that Abimelek was dead, they went home.
-\v 56 So God avenged the evil of Abimelek that he did to his father by killing his seventy brothers.
+\v 56 So God avenged the evil of Abimelek that he did to his father by slaying his seventy brothers.
 \v 57 God made all the evil of the men of Shechem turn back on their own heads and on them came the curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal.
 
 \s5
@@ -1325,7 +1325,7 @@
 \c 20
 \p
 \v 1 Then all the people of Israel—from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead also—came out, and the congregation assembled together as one man before Yahweh at Mizpah.
-\v 2 The leaders of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, took their places in the assembly of the people of God—400,000 footmen ready to fight with the sword.
+\v 2 The leaders of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, took their places in the assembly of the people of God—400,000 men on foot, who were ready to fight with the sword.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 Now the people of Benjamin heard that the people of Israel had gone up to Mizpah. The people of Israel said, "Tell us how this wicked thing happened."
@@ -1395,7 +1395,7 @@
 \v 33 All the men of Israel rose up out of their places and formed themselves into lines for battle at Baal Tamar. Then the people of Israel who had been hiding in secret places ran out from their places from Maareh Gibeah.
 
 \s5
-\v 34 Ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel came out against Gibeah, and the fighting was fierce, but the Benjamites did not know that disaster was close to them.
+\v 34 There came out against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the fighting was fierce, but the Benjamites did not know that disaster was close to them.
 \v 35 Yahweh defeated Benjamin before Israel. On that day, the people of Israel destroyed 25,100 men of Benjamin. All these who died were those who had been trained to fight with the sword.
 
 \s5
@@ -1424,7 +1424,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 47 But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness, toward the rock of Rimmon. For four months they stayed at the rock of Rimmon.
-\v 48 And the men of Israel turned back against the descendants of Benjamin and struck down with the edge of the sword the entire city, the animals and everything that they found. They also burned down every town in their path.
+\v 48 The men of Israel turned against the descendants of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword, the city, including the animals and everything that they found. They also burned down every town in their path.
 
 \s5
 \c 21

09-1SA.usfm

@@ -86,10 +86,10 @@
 \v 3 Boast no more so very proudly;
 \q let no arrogance come out of your mouth.
 \q For Yahweh is a God of knowledge;
-\q by him acts are weighed.
+\q by him actions are weighed.
 \q
-\v 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken,
-\q but those who stumble are girded with strength.
+\v 4 The bow of the mighty men are broken,
+\q but those who stumble put on strength like a belt.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, "May Yahweh give you more children by this woman because of the request she made of Yahweh." Then they would return to their own home.
-\v 21 Yahweh again helped Hannah, and again she conceived. She bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the child Samuel grew before Yahweh.
+\v 21 Yahweh again helped Hannah, and again she became pregnant. She bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the child Samuel grew before Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 19 Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news that the ark of God was captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she knelt down and gave birth, but her labor pains overwhelmed her.
+\v 19 Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas's wife, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news that the ark of God was captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she knelt down and gave birth, but her labor pains overwhelmed her.
 \v 20 About the time of her death the women attending to her said, "Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son." But she did not answer or take what they said to heart.
 
 \s5
@@ -321,8 +321,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Now then, prepare a new cart with two nursing cows that have never been yoked. Tie the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them.
-\v 8 Take the ark of Yahweh and place it on the cart, and put the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering, in a box beside it. Send it off and let it go its way,
-\v 9 but watch. If it goes up the road to its own land toward Beth Shemesh, then it is Yahweh who has caused us this great harm. But if not, then we will know that it is not his hand that afflicted us; it happened to us by chance."
+\v 8 Then take the ark of Yahweh and place it in the cart. Put the golden figures that you are returning to him as a guilt offering into a box to one side of it. Then send it off and let it go its own way.
+\v 9 Then watch; if it goes up on the way to its own land to Beth Shemesh, then it is Yahweh who has executed this great disaster. But if not, then we will know that it is not his hand that afflicted us; instead, we will know that it happened to us by chance."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -409,7 +409,7 @@
 \v 7 Yahweh said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people in everything they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.
 
 \s5
-\v 8 The same deeds they have done since the day I brought them out of Egypt—abandoning me and serving other gods—they are now doing also to you.
+\v 8 The same deeds they have done since the day I brought them out of Egypt—forsaking me and serving other gods—they are now doing also to you.
 \v 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know by what ordinances the king will reign over them."
 
 \s5
@@ -597,14 +597,14 @@
 \s5
 \c 12
 \p
-\v 1 Samuel said to all Israel, "I have listened to everything you said to me, and I have set a king to reign over you.
+\v 1 Samuel said to all Israel, "I have listened to everything you said to me, and I have set a king over you.
 \v 2 Now, here is the king walking before you; and I am old and gray; and, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until today.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 Here I am; testify against me before Yahweh and before his anointed one. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with? Testify against me, and I will restore it to you."
 
 \s5
-\v 4 They said, "You have not defrauded us, oppressed us, or stolen anything from any man's hand."
+\v 4 They said, "You have not cheated us, oppressed us, or have stolen anything from any man's hand."
 \v 5 He said to them, "Yahweh is witness against you, and his anointed one is witness today, that you have found nothing in my hand." They replied, "Yahweh is witness."
 
 \s5
@@ -617,11 +617,11 @@
 \v 9 But they forgot Yahweh their God; he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the armies of Hazor, into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab; these all fought against your ancestors.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 They cried out to Yahweh and said, 'We have sinned, because we have abandoned Yahweh and have served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.'
+\v 10 They cried out to Yahweh and said, 'We have sinned, because we have forsaken Yahweh and have served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.'
 \v 11 So Yahweh sent Jerub-Baal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and gave you victory over your enemies all around you, so that you lived in security.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 When you saw that Nahash the king of the people of Ammon came against you, you said to me, 'No, a king must rule over us'—even though Yahweh your God was your king.
+\v 12 When you saw that Nahash the king of the people of Ammon came against you, you said to me, 'No! Instead, a king must reign over us'—although Yahweh your God, was your king.
 \v 13 Now here is the king whom you have chosen, whom you have asked for and whom Yahweh has now appointed as king over you.
 
 \s5
@@ -641,7 +641,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 22 For the sake of his great name, Yahweh will not reject his people, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people for himself.
-\v 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the way that is good and right.
+\v 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh by ceasing to pray for you. Instead, I will teach you the way that is good and right.
 
 \s5
 \v 24 Only fear Yahweh and serve him in truth with all your heart. Consider the great things he has done for you.
@@ -713,7 +713,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 6 Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, "Come, let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised fellows. It may be that Yahweh will work on our behalf, for nothing can stop Yahweh from saving by many or by few people."
+\v 6 Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, "Come, let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised fellows. It may be that Yahweh will work on our behalf, for nothing can stop Yahweh from gaining victory by many or by few people."
 \v 7 His armor bearer replied, "Do everything that is in your heart. Go ahead, see, I am with you, to obey all your commands."
 
 \s5
@@ -795,7 +795,7 @@
 \v 44 Saul said, "God do so and more also to me, if you do not die, Jonathan."
 
 \s5
-\v 45 Then the people said to Saul, "Should Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great salvation for Israel? Far from it! As Yahweh lives, not one hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he has worked with God today." So the people ransomed Jonathan so that he did not die.
+\v 45 Then the people said to Saul, "Should Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great victory for Israel? Far from it! As Yahweh lives, not one hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he has worked with God today." So the people ransomed Jonathan so that he did not die.
 \v 46 Then Saul stopped pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.
 
 \s5
@@ -836,7 +836,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 10 Then the word of Yahweh came to Samuel, saying,
-\v 11 "I regret that I have set Saul to reign as king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments." Samuel was angry; he cried out to Yahweh all night.
+\v 11 "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments." Samuel was angry; he cried out to Yahweh all night.
 
 \s5
 \v 12 Samuel got up early to meet Saul in the morning. Samuel was told, "Saul came to Carmel and he set up a monument to himself, then turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal."
@@ -851,7 +851,7 @@
 \p
 \v 17 Samuel said, "Though you are little in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel? Then Yahweh anointed you king over Israel,
 \v 18 and Yahweh sent you on your way and said, 'Go and completely destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are destroyed.'
-\v 19 Why did you not obey the voice of Yahweh? Why did you rush to the plunder and do what was evil in the sight of Yahweh?"
+\v 19 Why did you not obey the voice of Yahweh, but instead you seized the plunder and did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh?"
 
 \s5
 \v 20 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have indeed obeyed the voice of Yahweh, and have gone on the way that Yahweh sent me. I have captured Agag, the king of Amalek, and have completely destroyed the Amalekites.
@@ -920,8 +920,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 14 Now the Spirit of Yahweh left Saul, and a harmful spirit from Yahweh tormented him instead.
-\v 15 Saul's servants said to him, "See now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you.
+\v 14 Now the Spirit of Yahweh left Saul, and a harmful spirit from Yahweh troubled him instead.
+\v 15 Saul's servants said to him, "See now, a harmful spirit from God is terrifying you.
 \v 16 Let our master now command your servants who are before you to search for a man who is a skillful player on the harp. Then when the harmful spirit from God is on you, he will play it and you will be well."
 
 \s5
@@ -1007,7 +1007,7 @@
 \v 33 Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are only a youth, and he a man of war from his youth."
 
 \s5
-\v 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to shepherd his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock,
+\v 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock,
 \v 35 I chased after him and attacked him, and rescued it out of his mouth. When he rose up against me, I caught him by his beard, struck him, and put him to death.
 
 \s5
@@ -1033,7 +1033,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 46 Today Yahweh will give me victory over you, and I will kill you and remove your head from your body. Today I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army to the birds of the heavens and to the wild beasts of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,
-\v 47 and that all this gathering may know that Yahweh does not save with sword or spear. For the battle is Yahweh's, and he will give you into our hand."
+\v 47 and that all this gathering may know that Yahweh does not give victory with sword or spear. For the battle is Yahweh's, and he will give you into our hand."
 
 \s5
 \v 48 When the Philistine rose and approached David, then David ran quickly toward the enemy army to meet him.
@@ -1139,7 +1139,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 4 Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, "Do not let the king sin against his servant David. For he has not sinned against you, and his deeds have brought you good.
-\v 5 For he took his life in his hand and killed the Philistine. Yahweh brought about great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?"
+\v 5 For he took his life in his hand and killed the Philistine. Yahweh brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?"
 
 \s5
 \v 6 Saul listened to Jonathan. Saul swore, "As Yahweh lives, he will not be put to death."
@@ -1535,7 +1535,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 30 Yahweh will have done for my master everything he promised you, and has appointed you leader over Israel.
-\v 31 This will not cause grief or a troubled heart to my master—that you have poured out innocent blood, or because my master attempted to rescue himself. For when Yahweh will do good for my master, remember your servant."
+\v 31 This will not be a staggering burden for you—that you have poured out innocent blood, or because my master attempted to rescue himself. For when Yahweh will do good for my master, remember your servant."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1556,7 +1556,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "May Yahweh be blessed, who has avenged the scorn I have received from the hand of Nabal and has kept back his servant from doing wrong. He has turned Nabal's evil action back on his own head." Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her to himself as wife.
+\v 39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "May Yahweh be blessed, who has taken up the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal and has kept back his servant from evil. He has turned Nabal's evil action back on his own head." Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her to himself as wife.
 \v 40 When David's servants had come to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her and said, "David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife."
 
 \s5
@@ -1681,7 +1681,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 13 The king said to her, "Do not be afraid. What do you see?" The woman said to Saul, "I see a god coming up out of the earth."
-\v 14 He said to her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man is coming up; he is clothed with a robe." Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and showed him respect.
+\v 14 He said to her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man is coming up; he is clothed with a robe." Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and showed him respect.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1722,7 +1722,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 5 Is this not David of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying,
-\q 'Saul has killed his thousands,
+\q 'Saul has slain his thousands,
 \q and David his ten thousands'?"
 
 \s5

10-2SA.usfm

@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@
 \v 5 "Go and tell David my servant, 'This is what Yahweh says: Will you build me a house in which to live?
 
 \s5
-\v 6 For I have not lived in a house from the day that I brought up the people of Israel out of Egypt until this present day. Rather, I have been moving about in a tent, a tabernacle.
+\v 6 For I have not lived in a house from the day that I brought up the people of Israel out of Egypt until this present day; instead, I have been moving about in a tent, a tabernacle.
 \v 7 In all places where I have moved among all the people of Israel, did I ever say anything to anyone from the tribes of Israel whom I appointed to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"'
 
 \s5
@@ -655,7 +655,7 @@
 \v 18 It came about on the seventh day that the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Look, while the child was still alive we spoke to him, and he did not listen to our voice. What might he do to himself if we tell him that the boy is dead?!"
 
 \s5
-\v 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David realized that the child was dead. He said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They answered, "He is dead."
+\v 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead. He said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They answered, "He is dead."
 \v 20 Then David arose from the floor and washed himself, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. He went to the tabernacle of Yahweh and worshiped there, and then he came back to his own palace. When he asked for it, they set food before him, and he ate.
 
 \s5
@@ -764,7 +764,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 14
 \p
-\v 1 Now Joab son of Zeruiah knew that the king's heart went out to Absalom.
+\v 1 Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart desired to see Absalom.
 \v 2 So Joab sent word to Tekoa and had a wise woman brought to him. He said to her, "Please pretend you are a mourner and put on mourning clothes. Please do not anoint yourself with oil, but be like a woman who has mourned a long time for the dead.
 \v 3 Then go to the king and speak to him about what I will describe." So Joab told her the words she was to say to the king.
 
@@ -790,7 +790,7 @@
 \p
 \v 12 Then the woman said, "Please let your servant speak a further word to my master the king." He said, "Speak on."
 \v 13 So the woman said, "Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God? For in saying this thing, the king is like someone who is guilty, because the king has not brought back home again his banished son.
-\v 14 For we all must die, and we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life. Rather, he devises a way for those who were driven away not to remain outcast.
+\v 14 For we all must die, and we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life; instead, he finds a way for those who were driven away to be restored.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Now then, seeing that I have come to speak this thing to my master the king, it is because the people have made me afraid. So your servant said to herself, 'I will now speak to the king. It may be that the king will perform the request of his servant.
@@ -835,11 +835,11 @@
 \c 15
 \p
 \v 1 It came about after this that Absalom prepared a chariot and horses for himself, with fifty men to run before him.
-\v 2 Absalom would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. When any man had a dispute to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, "From what city have you come?" Then the man would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel."
+\v 2 Absalom would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. When any man had a dispute to come to the king for judgment, Absalom called to him and said, "From what city have you come?" Then the man would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel."
 
 \s5
 \v 3 So Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is good and in the right, but there is no one empowered by the king to hear your case."
-\v 4 Absalom would add, "I wish that I were made judge in the land, so that every man who had any dispute or cause might come to me, and I would bring him justice!"
+\v 4 Absalom added, "I wish that I were made judge in the land, so that every man who had any dispute or cause might come to me, and I would bring him justice!"
 
 \s5
 \v 5 So it came about that when any man came to Absalom to honor him, Absalom would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
@@ -917,7 +917,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 5 When King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the clan of Saul came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out.  
+\v 5 When King David approached Bahurim, there came out from there a man from the clan of Saul, whose name was Shimei son of Gera. He came out cursing as he walked.
 \v 6 He threw stones at David and at all of the king's servants, in spite of the people and mighty men who were on the king's right and left.
 
 \s5
@@ -944,7 +944,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with him?"
-\v 18 Hushai said to Absalom, "No! The one whom Yahweh and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, that is the man to whom I will belong, and I will stay with him.
+\v 18 Hushai said to Absalom, "No! Instead, the one whom Yahweh and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, that is the man to whom I will belong, and I will stay with him.
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Also, what man should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father's presence, I will serve in your presence."
@@ -1451,7 +1451,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 40 You girded me with strength for battle;
+\v 40 You put strength on me like a belt for battle;
 \q you put under me those who rise up against me.
 \q
 \v 41 You gave me the back of my enemies' necks;
@@ -1590,7 +1590,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 29 Heled \f + \ft Some ancient copies have the spelling of this name to read, \fqa Heleb \fqa* . \f* son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites,
+\v 29 Heled \f + \ft Some ancient copies have the spelling of this name to read read, \fqa Heleb \fqa* . \f* son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites,
 \p
 \v 30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the valleys of Gaash.
 \p
@@ -1605,7 +1605,7 @@
 \p
 \v 35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
 \p
-\v 36 Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, Bani from the tribe of Gad, \f + \ft Some modern translations have a different name at this place in the text: \fqa Zobah the son of Hagri \fqa* . \f*
+\v 36 Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, Bani from the tribe of Gad, \f + \ft Some modern versions have a different name at this place in the text: \fqa Zobah the son of Hagri \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
 \p

11-1KI.usfm

@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 35 Then you will come up after him, and he will come and sit on my throne; for he will be king in my place. I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah."
-\v 36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, "Let it be so! May Yahweh, the God of my master the king, confirm it.
+\v 36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, "So let it be! May Yahweh, the God of my master the king, confirm it.
 \v 37 As Yahweh has been with my master the king, so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my master King David."
 
 \s5
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@
 \v 4 so that Yahweh may fulfill his word which he spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your descendants carefully watch their conduct, to walk before me faithfully with all their heart and with all their soul, you will never cease to have a man on the throne of Israel.'
 
 \s5
-\v 5 You know also what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner son of Ner, and to Amasa son of Jether, whom he killed. He shed the blood of war in peace and put the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet.
+\v 5 You know also what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner son of Ner, and to Amasa son of Jether, whom he killed. He shed the blood of war in peace and put the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the shoes on his feet.
 \v 6 Deal with Joab by the wisdom you have learned, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.
 
 \s5
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 45 But King Solomon will be blessed and the throne of David will be established before Yahweh forever."
 \v 46 Then the king gave a command to Benaiah son of Jehoiada. He went out and put Shimei to death.
-\q So the kingdom was well established in Solomon's hand.
+\q So the rule was well established in Solomon's hand.
 
 \s5
 \c 3
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 10 So Hiram gave Solomon all the timber of cedar and fir that he desired.
-\v 11 Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat for food to his household and twenty thousand baths of pure oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year. \f + \ft Some ancient Hebrew copies have: \fqa twenty thousand cors ... twenty thousand cors \fqa* . Other ancient copies read: \fqa twenty thousand cors ... twenty thousand baths \fqa* , which we are following here. \f*
+\v 11 Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat for food to his household and twenty thousand baths of pure oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year. \f + \ft Some ancient Hebrew manuscripts have: \fqa twenty thousand cors ... twenty thousand cors \fqa* . Other ancient manuscripts read: \fqa twenty thousand cors ... twenty thousand baths \fqa* , which we are following here. \f*
 \v 12 Yahweh gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant.
 
 \s5
@@ -382,7 +382,7 @@
 \v 16 besides Solomon's 3,300 chief officers who were over the work and who supervised the workers.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 At the king's command they quarried large precious stones with which to lay the foundation of the temple.
+\v 17 At the king's command they quarried large stones of high quality with which to lay the foundation of the temple.
 \v 18 So Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders and the men from Byblos \f + \ft Some modern English translations read, \fqa Gebalites \fqa* . \f* did the cutting and prepared the timber and the stones to build the temple.
 
 \s5
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@
 \p
 \v 11 The word of Yahweh came to Solomon, saying,
 \v 12 "Concerning this temple which you are building, if you walk in my statutes and do justice, keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will confirm my promise with you that I had made to David your father.
-\v 13 I will live among the people of Israel and will not abandon them."
+\v 13 I will live among the people of Israel and will not forsake them."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -703,12 +703,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 54 So it was that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and request for favor to Yahweh, he arose from before the altar of Yahweh, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread out toward the heavens.
+\v 54 So it was that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and request to Yahweh, he arose from before the altar of Yahweh, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread out toward the heavens.
 \v 55 He stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying,
 \v 56 "May Yahweh be praised, who has given rest to his people Israel, keeping all his promises. Not one word has failed out of all Yahweh's good promises that he made with Moses his servant.
 
 \s5
-\v 57 May Yahweh our God be with us, as he was with our ancestors. May he never leave us or abandon us,
+\v 57 May Yahweh our God be with us, as he was with our ancestors. May he never leave us or forsake us,
 \v 58 that he may incline our hearts to him, to live in all his ways and keep his commandments and his regulations and his statutes, which he commanded our fathers.
 
 \s5
@@ -747,7 +747,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 8 This temple will become a heap of ruins, and everyone who passes by it will be shocked and will hiss. They will ask, 'Why has Yahweh done this to this land and to this house?'
-\v 9 Others will answer, 'Because they abndoned Yahweh, their God, who had brought their ancestors out of the land of Egypt, and they laid hold of other gods and bowed down to them and worshiped them. That is why Yahweh has brought all this disaster on them.'"
+\v 9 Others will answer, 'Because they forsook Yahweh, their God, who had brought their ancestors out of the land of Egypt, and they laid hold of other gods and bowed down to them and worshiped them. That is why Yahweh has brought all this disaster on them.'"
 
 \s5
 \v 10 It came about at the end of twenty years that Solomon had finished building the two buildings, the temple of Yahweh and the king's palace.
@@ -773,7 +773,7 @@
 \v 21 their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel were not able to totally destroy—Solomon made them into forced laborers, which they are to this day.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 However, Solomon made no forced laborers of the people of Israel. They were his soldiers, his servants, his officials, his officers, and commanders of his chariot forces and his horsemen.
+\v 22 However, Solomon made no forced laborers of the people of Israel. Instead, they became his soldiers and his servants, his officials, and his officers and commanders of his chariot forces and his horsemen.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -806,7 +806,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 6 She said to the king, "It is true, the report that I heard in my own land of your words and your wisdom.
-\v 7 I did not believe the message until I came here, and now my eyes have seen it. Not half was told me! In wisdom and wealth you have exceeded the report that I heard.
+\v 7 I did not believe what I heard until I came here, and now my eyes have seen it. Not half was told me! In wisdom and wealth you have exceeded the report that I heard.
 
 \s5
 \v 8 How blessed are your wives, and how blessed are your servants who constantly stand before you, because they hear your wisdom. \f + \ft Some Hebrew copies have: \fqa How blessed are your men \fqa* . The ancient Greek translation has \fqa How blessed are your wives \fqa* . Many think it is probable that \fqa women \fqa* was misread as \fqa men \fqa* , because two Hebrew words are very similar. \f*
@@ -904,7 +904,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 23 God also raised up another adversary to Solomon, Rezon son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer king of Zobah.
-\v 24 Rezon gathered men to himself and became captain over a marauding band when David killed the men of Zobah. Rezon's men went to Damascus and lived there, and Rezon reigned Damascus.
+\v 24 Rezon gathered men to himself and became captain over a marauding band when David slew the men of Zobah. Rezon's men went to Damascus and lived there, and Rezon reigned Damascus.
 \v 25 He was an enemy of Israel all the days of Solomon, along with the trouble that Hadad caused. Rezon abhorred Israel and reigned over Aram.
 
 \s5
@@ -920,10 +920,10 @@
 \s5
 \v 31 He said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces, for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'Look, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and I will give ten tribes to you
 \v 32 (but Solomon will have one tribe, for my servant David's sake and for Jerusalem's sake—the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel),
-\v 33 because they have abandoned me and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Molech the god of the people of Ammon. They have not walked in my ways, to do what is right in my eyes, and to keep my statutes and my decrees, as did David his father.
+\v 33 because they have forsaken me and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Molech the god of the people of Ammon. They have not walked in my ways, to do what is right in my eyes, and to keep my statutes and my decrees, as did David his father.
 
 \s5
-\v 34 I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon's hand. I have made him ruler all the days of his life, for David my servant's sake whom I chose, the one who kept my commandments and my statutes.
+\v 34 However, I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon's hand. Instead, I have made him ruler all the days of his life, for David my servant's sake whom I chose, the one who kept my commandments and my statutes.
 \v 35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand and I will give it to you, ten tribes.
 \v 36 I will give one tribe to Solomon's son, so that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city in which I have chosen to put my name.
 
@@ -1102,8 +1102,8 @@
 \v 8 I tore the kingdom away from the family of David and gave it to you, yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, to do only what was right in my eyes.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 Instead, you have done evil, more than all who were before you. You have made other gods, and you have cast metal images to provoke me to anger, and you have thrust me behind your back.
-\v 10 Therefore, look, I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam; I will cut off from you every male child in Israel, whether slave or free, and will completely remove the house of Jeroboam like someone who burns up dung until it is gone.
+\v 9 Instead, you have done evil, more than all who were before you. You have made other gods, and you have cast metal images to provoke me to anger, and have thrust me behind your back.
+\v 10 Therefore, look, I will bring disaster on your family; I will cut off from you every male child in Israel, whether slave or free, and will completely remove the family of Jeroboam like someone who burns up dung until it is gone.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 Anyone who belongs to Jeroboam who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the heavens, for I, Yahweh, have said it.'
@@ -1210,7 +1210,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 29 As soon as he was king, Baasha killed all the family of Jeroboam. He left none of Jeroboam's descendants breathing; in this way he destroyed his royal line, just as Yahweh had spoken by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite,
-\v 30 for the sins of Jeroboam which he committed and by which he led Israel to sin, in his anger to which he provoked Yahweh, the God of Israel.
+\v 30 for the sins of Jeroboam which he committed and by which he led Israel to sin, because he provoked Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1433,7 +1433,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 45 It happened that in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Ahab rode and went to Jezreel,
-\v 46 but the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah. He girded his loins and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
+\v 46 but the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah. He tucked his robe in his belt and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
 
 \s5
 \c 19
@@ -1454,7 +1454,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 He went to a cave there and prepared to stay overnight in it. Then the word of Yahweh came to him and said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
-\v 10 Elijah replied, "I have been very zealous for Yahweh, God of hosts, because the people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. Now I, only I, am left and they are also trying to take my life."
+\v 10 Elijah replied, "I have been very zealous for Yahweh, God of hosts, because the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. Now I, only I, am left and they are also trying to take my life."
 
 \s5
 \v 11 Yahweh replied, "Go out and stand on the mountain before me." Then Yahweh passed by, and a very strong wind struck the mountains and broke rocks into pieces before Yahweh, but Yahweh was not in the wind. Then after the wind, an earthquake came, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake.
@@ -1462,7 +1462,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 13 When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his cloak, went out, and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice came to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
-\v 14 Elijah replied, "I have been very zealous for Yahweh, God of hosts, because the people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. Now I, only I, am left and they are also trying to take my life."
+\v 14 Elijah replied, "I have been very zealous for Yahweh, God of hosts, because the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. Now I, only I, am left and they are also trying to take my life."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1596,7 +1596,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 So the men of his city, the elders and the noblemen who lived in Naboth's city, did as Jezebel had described to them, as was written in the letters that she had sent to them.
+\v 11 So the men of his city, the elders and the wealthy who lived in Naboth's city, did as Jezebel had described to them, as was written in the letters that she had sent to them.
 \v 12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth above the people.
 \v 13 The two dishonest men came in and sat before Naboth; they testified against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, "Naboth cursed both God and the king." Then they carried him out of the city and stoned him to death.
 \v 14 Then the elders sent word to Jezebel, saying, "Naboth has been stoned and is dead."
@@ -1693,7 +1693,7 @@
 \v 30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself and go into the battle, but you put on your royal robes." So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into the battle.
 
 \s5
-\v 31 Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, "Do not attack unimportant or important soldiers. Attack only the king of Israel."
+\v 31 Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, "Do not attack unimportant or important soldiers. Instead, attack only the king of Israel."
 \v 32 It came about that when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat they said, "Surely that is the king of Israel." They turned to attack him, so Jehoshaphat cried out.
 \v 33 It came about that when the commanders of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.
 

12-2KI.usfm

@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@
 \v 19 You will attack every fortified city and every good city, cut down every good tree, stop up all springs of water, and ruin every good piece of land with rocks."
 
 \s5
-\v 20 So in the morning about the time of offering the sacrifice, waters came from the direction of Edom, and the country was filled with water.
+\v 20 So in the morning about the time of offering the sacrifice, there came water from the direction of Edom; the country was filled with water.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@
 \p
 \v 20 He had traveled only a short distance, when Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God said to himself, "Look, my master has spared this Naaman the Aramean by not receiving from his hands gifts that he brought. As Yahweh lives, I will run after him and receive something from him."
 \v 21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he jumped down from his chariot to meet him and said, "Is everything all right?"
-\v 22 Gehazi said, "Everything is all right. My master has sent me, saying, 'See, now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothes.'"
+\v 22 Gehazi said, "Everything is all right. My master has sent me, saying, 'See, now there have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothes.'"
 
 \s5
 \v 23 Naaman replied, "I am very happy to give you two talents." Naaman urged Gehazi and tied two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothes, and laid them on two of his servants, who carried the bags of silver before Gehazi.
@@ -377,6 +377,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 7
 \nb
+\p
 \v 1 Elisha said, "Hear the word of Yahweh. This is what Yahweh says: 'Tomorrow about this time a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.'"
 \v 2 Then the officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, "See, even if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, can this thing happen?" Elisha replied, "See, you will watch it happen with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it."
 
@@ -694,7 +695,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 9 Then, Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of Yahweh. The priests who were guarding the temple entrance put into it all the money that was brought to the house of Yahweh.
+\v 9 Instead, Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of Yahweh. The priests who were guarding the temple entrance put into it all the money that was brought to the house of Yahweh.
 \v 10 Whenever they saw that there was much money in the chest, the king's scribe and the high priest would come and put the money in bags and then count it, the money found in the temple of Yahweh.
 
 \s5
@@ -785,7 +786,7 @@
 \v 5 It came about that as soon as his rule was well established, he killed the servants who had murdered his father, the king.
 
 \s5
-\v 6 Yet he did not put to death the sons of the murderers, according to what was written in the book of the law of Moses, as Yahweh had commanded, saying, "Fathers must not be put to death because of their children, neither must the children be put to death because of their fathers. But each one must die for his own sin."
+\v 6 Yet he did not put the sons of the murderers to death; instead, he acted according to what was written in the book of the law of Moses, as Yahweh had commanded, saying, "The fathers must not be put to death for their children, neither must the children be put to death for their parents. Instead, every person must be put to death for his own sin."
 \v 7 He killed ten thousand soldiers of Edom in the Valley of Salt; he also took Sela in war and called it Joktheel, which is what it is called to this day.
 
 \s5
@@ -827,7 +828,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 26 For Yahweh saw the suffering of Israel, that it was very bitter for everyone, both slave and free, and that there was no rescuer for Israel.
-\v 27 But Yahweh had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he delivered them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash.
+\v 27 So Yahweh said that he would not blot out the name of Israel under heaven; instead, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -906,7 +907,7 @@
 \v 33 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerushah; she was the daughter of Zadok.
 
 \s5
-\v 34 Jotham did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, just as his father Uzziah had done.
+\v 34 Jotham did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh. He followed the example of all his father Uzziah had done.
 \v 35 However, the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and burned incense at the high places. Jotham built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh.
 \v 36 As for the other matters concerning Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?
 
@@ -915,13 +916,13 @@
 \v 38 Jotham lay down with his ancestors and was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, his ancestor. Then Ahaz, his son, became king in his place.
 
 \s5
-\c 16
+<u>\c 16
 \p
 \v 1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah, began to reign.
 \v 2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. He did not do what was right in the eyes of Yahweh his God, as David his ancestor had done.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 Instead, he walked in the way of the kings of Israel. He even made his son pass through the fire, following the detestable practices of the nations whom Yahweh had driven out before the people of Israel.
+\v 3 Instead, he walked in the way of the kings of Israel; indeed, he made his son pass through the fire, following the detestable practices of the nations, which Yahweh had driven out before the people of Israel.
 \v 4 He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops, and under every green tree.
 
 \s5
@@ -987,7 +988,7 @@
 \v 13 Yet Yahweh had testified to Israel and to Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, and be careful to keep all the law I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets."
 
 \s5
-\v 14 But they would not listen; instead they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not trust in Yahweh their God.
+\v 14 But they would not listen; instead they stiffened their necks like their fathers who did not trust in Yahweh their God.
 \v 15 They rejected his statutes and the covenant that he had made with their ancestors, and the covenant decrees that he had given to them. They followed useless practices and they themselves became useless. They followed the pagan nations who were around them, those that Yahweh had commanded them not to imitate.
 
 \s5
@@ -1027,7 +1028,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 34 To this day they persist in their old customs. They neither honor Yahweh, nor do they follow the statutes, the customs, the law, or the commandments that Yahweh gave to the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel.
+\v 34 To this day they persist in their old customs. They neither honor Yahweh, nor do they follow the statutes, decrees, the law, or the commandments that Yahweh gave to the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel.
 \v 35 When Yahweh made a covenant with them, he commanded them, "You will not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor worship them, nor sacrifice to them.
 
 \s5
@@ -1045,7 +1046,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 Now in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz, king of Judah began to reign.
 \v 2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abijah; she was the daughter of Zechariah.
-\v 3 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, just as David, his ancestor, had done.
+\v 3 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, following the example of all that David, his ancestor, had done.
 
 \s5
 \v 4 He removed the high places, destroyed the stone pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke to pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because in those days the people of Israel were burning incense to it; it was called "Nehushtan."
@@ -1163,7 +1164,7 @@
 \q The daughter of Jerusalem
 \q2 shakes her head at you.
 \q
-\v 22 Whom have you defied and slandered?
+\v 22 Whom have you defied and reviled?
 \q2 Against whom have you exalted your voice
 \q and lifted up your eyes in pride?
 \q2 Against the Holy One of Israel!
@@ -1187,6 +1188,7 @@
 \q2 under the soles of my feet.'
 
 \s5
+\p
 \q
 \v 25 Have you not heard how I
 \q2 determined it long ago,
@@ -1378,7 +1380,7 @@
 \v 16 "This is what Yahweh says: 'See, I will bring disaster to this place and to its inhabitants, according to everything written in the book that the king of Judah has read.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 Because they have abandoned me and have burned incense to other gods, so that they might provoke me to anger with all the deeds they have committed—therefore my anger has been kindled against this place, and it will not be extinguished.'"
+\v 17 Because they have forsaken me and have burned incense to other gods, so that they might provoke me to anger with all the deeds they have committed—therefore my anger has been kindled against this place, and it will not be extinguished.'"
 \v 18 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to ask Yahweh's will, this is what you will say to him: "Yahweh, the God of Israel says this: 'About the words that you heard,
 \v 19 because your heart was tender, and because you have humbled yourself before Yahweh, when you heard what I said against this place and its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have listened to you—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 
@@ -1442,7 +1444,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 26 Nevertheless, Yahweh did not turn away from the burning of his raging anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke him to anger.
+\v 26 Nevertheless, Yahweh did not turn away from the burning of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke him to anger.
 \v 27 So Yahweh said, "I will also remove Judah out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will throw away this city that I have chosen, Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, 'My name will be there.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -1512,6 +1514,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 25
 \nb
+\p
 \v 1 It happened that in the ninth year of the reign of King Zedekiah, in the tenth month, and on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came with all his army against Jerusalem. He camped opposite it, and they built a siege wall around it.
 \v 2 So the city was besieged until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah's reign.
 \v 3 On the ninth day of the fourth month of that year, the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land.

13-1CH.usfm

@@ -13,13 +13,13 @@
 \v 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,
 \v 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech.
 \p
-\v 4 The sons of Noah were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. \f + \ft The Hebrew copies do not have the expression, \fqa The sons of Noah, \fqa* but the ancient Greek translation includes this expression. \f*
+\v 4 The sons of Noah were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. \f + \ft The Hebrew copies do not have the expression \fqa The sons of Noah \fqa* , but the ancient Greek translation include this expression. \f*
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
 \p
-\v 6 The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. \f + \ft Most Hebrew copies have \fqa Diphath \fqa* instead of \fqa Riphath. \fqa* However \fqa Diphath \fqa* was probably a misspelling and other ancient copies corrected it to read  \fqa Riphath. \fqa* This last name is found in Genesis 10:3. \f* 
+\v 6 The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. \f + \ft Most Hebrew copies have \fqa Diphath \fqa* instead of \fqa Riphath \fqa* . However, \fqa Diphath \fqa* was probably a misspelling, with many ancient copies correct it to \fqa Riphath \fqa* in order to make it agree with the same name that is found in Genesis 10:2. \f*
 \p
 \v 7 The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites.
 
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@
 \p
 \v 6 Zerah's sons were Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Kalkol, and Darda, five in all.
 \p
-\v 7 Karmi's son was Achar, who brought trouble on Israel when he acted faithlessly in regard to what was devoted to God. \f + \ft Some Hebrew copies spell the name: \fqa Achan \fqa* instead of \fqa Achar, \fqa* a name which means \fqa trouble \fqa* . \f*
+\v 7 Karmi's son was Achar, who brought trouble on Israel when he acted faithlessly in regard to what was devoted to God. \f + \ft Some Hebrew copies spell the name: \fqa Achan \fqa* instead of \fqa Achar \fqa* , a name which means \fqa trouble \fqa* . \f*
 \p
 \v 8 Ethan's son was Azariah.
 
@@ -274,12 +274,12 @@
 \v 2 the third was Absalom, whose mother was Maakah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur. The fourth was Adonijah son of Haggith;
 \p
 \v 3 the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital; the sixth was Ithream by Eglah his wife.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 4 These six were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. He then ruled thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
-\v 5 These four sons, by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel, were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. \f + \ft One ancient Hebrew copy and the ancient Latin translation have \fqa Bathseba, \fqa* however, most ancient Hebrew copies have \fqa Bathshua. \fqa* 1 Samuel 12:24 is clear that Bathsheba was Solomon's mother and so her name is spelled here, "Bathsheba," so as to avoid confusion. \f*
+\v 5 These four sons, by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel, were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. \f + \ft One ancient Hebrew copy and the ancient Latin translation have \fqa Bathseba \fqa* however, most ancient Hebrew copies have \fqa Bathshua \fqa* . 1 Samuel 12:24 is clear that Bathsheba was Solomon's mother, and so her name is spelled here, "Bathsheba", so as to avoid confusion. \f*
 
 \s5
 \v 6 David's other nine sons were: Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet,
@@ -337,8 +337,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 3 These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. Their sister's name was Hazzelelponi.
-\v 4 Penuel was the father of Gedor. Ezer was the father of Hushah. These were descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem.
+\v 3 These were the ancestors of the clans in the city of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. Their sister's name was Hazzelelponi.
+\v 4 Peniel was the ancestor of the clans in the city of Gedor. Ezer was the originator of the clans in Hushah. These were descendants of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah and the originator of Bethlehem.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -473,7 +473,7 @@
 \v 19 They attacked the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab.
 
 \s5
-\v 20 They received divine help against them. In this way, the Hagrites and all who were with them were defeated. This was because the Israelites cried out to God in the battle, and he responded to them, because they put their trust in him.
+\v 20 They received divine help against them. In this way, the Hagrites and all who were with them were defeated. This was because the Israelites earnestly appealed to God in the battle, and he responded to them, because they put their trust in him.
 \v 21 They captured their animals, including fifty thousand camels, 250,000 sheep, two thousand donkeys, and 100,000 men.
 \v 22 Many fell because the battle was from God. They lived in their land until the captivity.
 
@@ -484,7 +484,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 25 But they were unfaithful to their ancestors' God. They acted like prostitutes with the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.
+\v 25 But they were unfaithful to their ancestors' God. Instead, they acted like prostitutes with the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.
 \v 26 The God of Israel stirred up Pul king of Assyria (also called Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria). He took into exile the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. He brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the river of Gozan, where they remain to this day.
 
 \s5
@@ -585,10 +585,10 @@
 \v 37 Zephaniah was the son of Tahath. Tahath was the son of Assir. Assir was the son of Ebiasaph. Ebiasaph was the son of Korah.
 \p
 \v 38 Korah was the son of Izhar. Izhar was the son of Kohath. Kohath was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Israel.
+\p
 
 \s5
 \p
-\p
 \v 39 Heman's fellow worker was Asaph, who stood at his right hand. Asaph was the son of Berekiah. Berekiah was the son of Shimea.
 \p
 \v 40 Shimea was the son of Michael. Michael was the son of Baaseiah. Baaseiah was the son of Malkijah.
@@ -614,7 +614,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 50 Aaron's descendants are reckoned as follows: Aaron's son was Eleazar. Eleazar's son was Phinehas. Phinehas' son was Abishua.
+\v 50 Aaron's descendants are reckoned as follows: Aaron's son was Eleazar. Eleazar's son was Phinehas. Phinehas's son was Abishua.
 \v 51 Abishua's son was Bukki. Bukki's son was Uzzi. Uzzi's son was Zerahiah.
 \p
 \v 52 Zerahiah's son was Meraioth. Meraioth's son was Amariah. Amariah's son was Ahitub.
@@ -1017,7 +1017,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 10 These were the leaders David had, who showed themselves strong with him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, obeying the word of Yahweh concerning Israel.
-\v 11 This is a list of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, the son of a Hakmonite, was commander of the officers. \f + \ft The Hebrew could also read, \fqa of the thirty, \fqa* or, \fqa of the three \fqa* . \f* He killed three hundred men with his spear on one occasion.
+\v 11 This is a list of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, the son of a Hakmonite, was commander of the officers. \f + \ft The Hebrew could also read \fqa of the thirty \fqa* or \fqa of the three \fqa* \f* He killed three hundred men with his spear on one occasion.
 
 \s5
 \v 12 After him was Eleazar son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men.
@@ -1320,7 +1320,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were the Levites who carried the ark, the singers, and Kenaniah, the leader of the song with the singers. David was wearing a linen ephod.
-\v 28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh with joyful shouting, and with the sound of horns and trumpets, with cymbals, and with lutes and harps.
+\v 28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh with joyful shouting, and with the sound of horns and rams' horns, with cymbals, and with lutes and harps.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1479,7 +1479,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 But that same night the word of God came to Nathan, saying,
 \v 4 "Go and tell David my servant, 'This is what Yahweh says: You will not build me a house in which to live.
-\v 5 For I have not lived in a house from the day that I brought up Israel to this present day. Rather, I have been living in a tent, a tabernacle, in various places.
+\v 5 For I have not lived in a house from the day that I brought up Israel to this present day. Instead, I have been living in a tent, a tabernacle, in various places.
 \v 6 In all places I have moved among all Israel, did I ever say anything to any of Israel's judges, whom I appointed to shepherd my people, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"'"
 
 \s5
@@ -1755,7 +1755,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 Moses' sons were Gershom and Eliezer.
+\v 15 Moses's sons were Gershom and Eliezer.
 \p
 \v 16 Gershom's descendant was Shubael the oldest.
 \p
@@ -1986,7 +1986,7 @@
 \v 25 His relatives from the clan of Eliezer were his son Rehabiah, Rehabiah's son Jeshaiah, Jeshaiah's son Joram, Joram's son Zikri, and Zikri's son Shelomith.
 
 \s5
-\v 26 Shelomith and his relatives were over all the treasuries holding the dedicated things that David the king, the family leaders, commanders over thousands and hundreds, and the army commanders had dedicated.
+\v 26 Shelomith and his relatives were over all the treasuries holding the things that belong to Yahweh, that David the king, the family leaders, commanders over thousands and hundreds, and the army commanders had set apart.
 \v 27 They set apart the plunder won in battles for the upkeep of the house of Yahweh.
 \v 28 They were also in charge of everything that was set apart to Yahweh by Samuel the prophet, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah. Everything that was set apart to Yahweh was under the guard of Shelomith and his relatives.
 
@@ -2088,7 +2088,7 @@
 \v 1 David assembled all the officials of Israel at Jerusalem: the officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king in their scheduled work, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, the managers over all the property and possessions of the king and of his sons, and the officers and fighting men, including the most skilled of them.
 
 \s5
-\v 2 Then David the king rose to his feet and said, "Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was my intention to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh; a footstool for our God, and I have made preparations to build it.
+\v 2 Then David the king rose to his feet and said, "Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was my intention to build a house as a dwelling for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh; a footstool for our God, and I have made preparations to build it.
 \v 3 But God said to me, 'You will not build a temple for my name, because you are a man of war and have shed blood.'
 
 \s5
@@ -2180,7 +2180,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 22 On that day, they ate and drank before Yahweh with great joy.
 \p They made Solomon, David's son, king a second time, and anointed him with Yahweh's authority to be ruler. They also anointed Zadok to be priest.
-\v 23 Then Solomon sat on Yahweh's throne as king in place of David his father. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.
+\v 23 Then Solomon sat on Yahweh's throne as king instead of David his father. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.
 
 \s5
 \v 24 All the leaders, soldiers, and King David's sons gave allegiance to King Solomon.

14-2CH.usfm

@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 7 Now it was in the heart of David my father, to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel.
 \v 8 But Yahweh said to David my father, 'In that it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well for it to be in your heart.
-\v 9 Nevertheless, you are not to build the house; instead, your son, one who will come from your loins, will build the house for my name.'
+\v 9 Nevertheless, you must not build the house; instead, your son, one who will come from your loins, will build the house for my name.'
 
 \s5
 \v 10 Yahweh has carried out the word that he had said, for I have arisen in the place of David my father, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised. I have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel.
@@ -329,12 +329,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 19 But if you turn away, and abandon my statutes and my commandments that I have placed before you, and if you go worship other gods and bow down to them,
+\v 19 But if you turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have placed before you, and if you go worship other gods and bow down to them,
 \v 20 then I will uproot them from out of my ground that I have given them. This house that I have set apart for my name, I will cast away from before me, and I will make it a proverb and a joke among all the peoples.
 
 \s5
 \v 21 Even though this temple is so lofty now, everyone who passes by it will be appalled and will hiss. They will ask, 'Why has Yahweh done this to this land and to this house?'
-\v 22 Others will answer, 'Because they abandoned Yahweh, their God, who had brought their ancestors out of the land of Egypt, and they laid hold of other gods and bowed down to them and worshiped them. That is why Yahweh has brought all this disaster on them.'"
+\v 22 Others will answer, 'Because they forsook Yahweh, their God, who had brought their ancestors out of the land of Egypt, and they laid hold of other gods and bowed down to them and worshiped them. That is why Yahweh has brought all this disaster on them.'"
 
 \s5
 \c 8
@@ -357,7 +357,7 @@
 \v 8 their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel had not destroyed—Solomon made them into forced laborers, which they are to this day.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 However, Solomon did not makes slaves of the people of Israel for his work. Instead, they were soldiers, commanders of his officers, and commanders of his chariots and horsemen.
+\v 9 However, Solomon did not make slaves of the people of Israel. Instead, they became his soldiers, his commanders, his officers, and commanders of his chariot forces and his horsemen.
 \v 10 These were also the chief officers managing the supervisors who belonged to King Solomon, 250 of them, who ruled over the people who did the work.
 
 \s5
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 9
 \p
-\v 1 When the queen of Sheba heard the report about Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She came with a very long caravan, with camels loaded with spices, much gold, and many precious gemstones. When she had come to Solomon, she told him all that was in her heart.
+\v 1 When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She came with a very long caravan, with camels loaded with spices, much gold, and many precious gemstones. When she had come to Solomon, she told him all that was in her heart.
 \v 2 Solomon answered her all her questions; nothing was too difficult for Solomon; there was no question that he did not answer.
 
 \s5
@@ -477,9 +477,9 @@
 \v 12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king said, "Come back to me on the third day."
 \v 13 King Rehoboam spoke to them harshly, ignoring the advice of the old men.
 \v 14 He spoke to them following the advice of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn in events brought about by God, that Yahweh might carry out his word that Ahijah the Shilonite had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat.
 
 \s5
@@ -548,7 +548,7 @@
 \v 4 He captured the fortified cities that belonged to Judah and came to Jerusalem.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 Now Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak. Shemaiah said to them, "This is what Yahweh says: You have abandoned me, so I have also given you over into Shishak's hand."
+\v 5 Now Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak. Shemaiah said to them, "This is what Yahweh says: You have forsaken me, so I have also given you over into Shishak's hand."
 \v 6 Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "Yahweh is righteous."
 
 \s5
@@ -594,8 +594,8 @@
 \v 9 But did you not drive out the priests of Yahweh, the descendants of Aaron, and the Levites, and make priests of your own in the same way as the people of other lands do? Whoever comes to serve as a priest, sacrificing a young bull and seven rams, he becomes a priest of what are not gods.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not abandoned him. We have priests, descendants of Aaron, serving Yahweh, and the Levites, who are at their work.
-\v 11 Every morning and evening they burn for Yahweh burnt offerings and sweet incense. They also arrange the bread of the presence on the pure table; they also tend the lampstand of gold with its lamps, for them to burn every evening. We keep the commandments of Yahweh, our God, but you have abandoned him.
+\v 10 But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests, descendants of Aaron, serving Yahweh, and the Levites, who are at their work.
+\v 11 Every morning and evening they burn for Yahweh burnt offerings and sweet incense. They also arrange the bread of the presence on the pure table; they also tend the lampstand of gold with its lamps, for them to burn every evening. We keep the commandments of Yahweh, our God, but you have forsaken him.
 
 \s5
 \v 12 See, God is with us at our head, and his priests are here with the trumpets to sound an alarm against you. Sons of Israel, do not fight against Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed."
@@ -651,12 +651,12 @@
 \c 15
 \p
 \v 1 The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded.
-\v 2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: Yahweh is with you, while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you abandon him, he will abandon you.
+\v 2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: Yahweh is with you, while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 Now for a long period, Israel was without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without the law.
 \v 4 But when in their distress they turned to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them.
-\v 5 In those times there was no peace for him who went out or for him who came in, for there were great disturbances on all the inhabitants of the lands.
+\v 5 In those times there was no peace for him who traveled away, nor for him who traveled to here; instead, great troubles were on all the inhabitants of the lands.
 
 \s5
 \v 6 They were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city, for God troubled them with all kinds of suffering.
@@ -681,7 +681,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 King Asa also removed Maakah, his grandmother, from being queen mother because she had made a disgusting figure out of an Asherah pole. He cut down the disgusting figure, crushed it to dust, and burned it at the Kidron Brook.
+\v 16 King Asa also removed Maakah, his grandmother, from being queen mother because she had made a disgusting figure out of an Asherah pole. He cut down the disgusting figure, crushed it to dust, and burned it at the brook Kidron.
 \v 17 But the high places were not taken out of Israel. Nevertheless, Asa's heart was completely devoted all his days.
 
 \s5
@@ -727,8 +727,8 @@
 \v 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had captured.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David, and did not seek the Baals. \f + \ft Some ancient copies do not have \fqa David \fqa* , therefore, some modern translations leave it out. \f*
-\v 4 Instead, he relied on the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, not according to the practices of Israel.
+\v 3 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and did not seek the Baals. \f + \ft Some ancient copies do not have \fqa David \fqa* , therefore, some modern translations leave it out. \f*
+\v 4 Instead, he relied on the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, not after the behavior of Israel.
 
 \s5
 \v 5 So Yahweh established the rule in his hand; all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat. He had riches and honor in abundance.
@@ -824,7 +824,7 @@
 \p
 \v 28 So Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went up against Ramoth Gilead.
 \v 29 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself and go into the battle, but you put on your royal robes." So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into the battle.
-\v 30 Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel."
+\v 30 Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Do not attack the unimportant or the important soldiers. Instead, attack only the king of Israel."
 
 \s5
 \v 31 It came about that when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat they said, "That is the king of Israel." They turned around to attack him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him. God turned them away from him.
@@ -882,7 +882,7 @@
 \v 9 'If disaster comes on us—the sword, judgment, or plague, or famine—we will stand before this house, and before you (for your name is in this house), and we will cry to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.' \f + \ft Instead of \fqa judgment \fqa* , some ancient and modern translations read \fqa flood \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
-\v 10 See now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir whom you would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt; so, Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them.
+\v 10 See now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir whom you would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt; instead, Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them.
 \v 11 See how they are rewarding us; they are coming to drive us out of your land that you have given us to inherit.
 
 \s5
@@ -961,9 +961,9 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 8 In Jehoram's days, Edom rebelled against the control of Judah, and they set a king to reign over themselves.
+\v 8 In Jehoram's days, Edom rebelled against the control of Judah, and they set a king over themselves.
 \v 9 Then Jehoram crossed over with his commanders and all his chariots. It was night when he rose up and fought against the Edomites who had surrounded him and his chariot commanders.
-\v 10 So Edom has been in rebellion from the control of Judah to this present day. Libnah also revolted at the same time from his control, because Jehoram had abandoned Yahweh, the God of his ancestors.
+\v 10 So Edom has been in rebellion from the control of Judah to this present day. Libnah also revolted at the same time from his control, because Jehoram had forsaken Yahweh, the God of his ancestors.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1097,19 +1097,19 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Now after the death of Jehoiada, the leaders of Judah came and did honor to the king. Then the king listened to them.
-\v 18 They abandoned the house of Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped the Asherah gods and the idols. God's anger came on Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.
+\v 18 They forsook the house of Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped the Asherah gods and the idols. God's anger came on Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.
 \v 19 Yet he sent prophets to them to bring them again to himself, Yahweh; the prophets testified against the people, but they refused to listen.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 20 The Spirit of God clothed Zechariah son of Jehoiada, the priest; Zechariah stood above the people and said to them, "God says this: Why do you transgress the commandments of Yahweh, so that you cannot prosper? Since you have abandoned Yahweh, he has also abandoned you."
+\v 20 The Spirit of God clothed Zechariah son of Jehoiada, the priest; Zechariah stood above the people and said to them, "God says this: Why do you transgress the commandments of Yahweh, so that you cannot prosper? Since you have forsaken Yahweh, he has also forsaken you."
 \v 21 But they plotted against him; at the king's command, they stoned him with stones in the courtyard of the house of Yahweh.
-\v 22 Joash the king, did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had done to him, and so he killed Jehoiada's son. As Zechariah was dying, he said, "May Yahweh see this and call you to account."
+\v 22 In this manner, Joash, the king, ignored the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had done to him. Instead, he killed Jehoiada's son. When Zechariah was dying, he said, "May Yahweh see this and call you to account."
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 23 It came about at the end of the year, that the army of Aram came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem; they destroyed all the leaders of the people and sent all the plunder from them to the king of Damascus.
-\v 24 Although the army of the Arameans had come with only a few soldiers, Yahweh gave them victory over a very great army, because Judah had abandoned Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. In this way the Arameans brought judgment on Joash.
+\v 24 Although the army of the Arameans had come with only a few soldiers, Yahweh gave them victory over a very great army, because Judah had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. In this way the Arameans brought judgment on Joash.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1127,7 +1127,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 It came about that as soon as his rule was well established, he killed the servants who had murdered his father, the king.
-\v 4 But he did not put their children to death, according to what was written in the law, in the book of Moses, as Yahweh had commanded, "The fathers must not be put to death for their children, and children must not be put to death for their fathers. But, each one must die for his own sin."
+\v 4 But he did not put the children of the murderers to death, but acted according to what was written in the law, in the book of Moses, as Yahweh had commanded, "The fathers must not die for the children, nor must the children die for the fathers. Instead, every person must die for his own sin."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1192,7 +1192,7 @@
 \v 3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign. He reigned for fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, just as his father Amaziah had done.
+\v 4 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, following the example of his father, Amaziah, in everything.
 \v 5 He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who taught him to honor God. \f + \ft The copies of the ancient Hebrew text can be read either, \fqa to honor God \fqa*, or \fqa in the fear of God \fqa* or \fqa in seeing God \fqa* . Scholars are divided. \f* As long as he sought Yahweh, God made him prosper.
 
 \s5
@@ -1203,7 +1203,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 9 In addition, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
-\v 10 He built watchtowers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, for he had many herds in the lowlands and in the plains. He had farmers and vine growers in the hill country and in the fruitful fields, for he loved the soil.
+\v 10 He built watchtowers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, for he had many herds in the lowlands and in the plains. He had farmers and vine growers in the hill country and in the fruitful fields, for he loved farming.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 In addition, Uzziah had an army of fighting men who went out to war in groups which were organized by their number that were counted by Jeiel, the scribe, and Maaseiah, the officer, under the authority of Hananiah, one of the king's commanders.
@@ -1235,7 +1235,7 @@
 \c 27
 \p
 \v 1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jerushah; she was the daughter of Zadok.
-\v 2 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, just as his father Uzziah had done. He also refrained from going into the temple of Yahweh. But the people were still behaving corruptly.
+\v 2 He did what was right in the eyes of Yahweh, following the example of his father, Uzziah, in everything. He also refrained from going into the temple of Yahweh. But the people were still behaving corruptly.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 He built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh, and on the hill of Ophel he built much.
@@ -1265,7 +1265,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 Therefore Yahweh the God of Ahaz gave him into the hand of the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him and carried away from him a great crowd of captives, bringing them to Damascus. Ahaz was also given into the hand of the king of Israel who defeated him in a great slaughter.
-\v 6 For Pekah son of Remaliah in one day killed 120,000 soldiers in Judah and all of them were powerful men, because they had abandoned Yahweh the God of their ancestors.
+\v 6 For Pekah son of Remaliah in one day killed 120,000 soldiers in Judah and all of them were powerful men, because they had forsaken Yahweh the God of their ancestors.
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Zikri, a powerful man from Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king's son, Azrikam, the official over the palace, and Elkanah, who was next to the king.
@@ -1273,7 +1273,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 9 But a prophet of Yahweh was there, his name was Oded. He went out to meet the army coming into Samaria. He said to them, "Because Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reached up to heaven.
-\v 10 And now you, people of Judah and Jerusalem, intend to make them your male slaves and female slaves. But are you not guilty of sins of your own against Yahweh your God?
+\v 10 Now you intend to keep the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem as your slaves. But are you not guilty of sins of your own against Yahweh your God?
 \v 11 Now then, listen to me: Send the captives back, those whom you have captured of your own brothers, for Yahweh's burning anger is on you."
 
 \s5
@@ -1320,7 +1320,7 @@
 \v 5 He said to them, "Listen to me, you Levites! Consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, and carry away the filthiness from the holy place.
 
 \s5
-\v 6 For our ancestors were faithless and did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh our God; they abandoned him, turned away their faces from the place where Yahweh lives, and turned their backs on it.
+\v 6 For our ancestors were faithless and did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh our God; they forsook him, turned away their faces from the place where Yahweh lives, and turned their backs on it.
 \v 7 Also they shut up the doors of the porch and put out the lamps; they did not burn incense or offer burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel.
 
 \s5
@@ -1341,7 +1341,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 They gathered their brothers, they consecrated themselves, and they went in, as the king commanded, following the words of Yahweh, to cleanse the house of Yahweh.
-\v 16 The priests went in to the inner part of the house of Yahweh to cleanse it; they brought out everything unclean that they found in the temple of Yahweh into the courtyard of the house. The Levites took it to carry it out to the Kidron Brook.
+\v 16 The priests went in to the inner part of the house of Yahweh to cleanse it; they brought out everything unclean that they found in the temple of Yahweh into the courtyard of the house. The Levites took it to carry it out to the brook Kidron.
 \v 17 Now they began the consecration on the first day of the first month. By the eighth day of the month they reached the porch of Yahweh. Then for eight more days they consecrated the house of Yahweh. On the sixteenth day of the first month they finished.
 
 \s5
@@ -1401,7 +1401,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Do not be like your ancestors or your brothers, who were faithless against Yahweh, the God of their ancestors, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see.
-\v 8 Now do not stiffen your necks, as your ancestors did; instead, give yourselves to Yahweh and come into his holy place, which he has consecrated forever, and worship Yahweh your God, so that his burning anger may turn away from you.
+\v 8 Now do not stiffen your necks, as your ancestors were; instead, give yourselves to Yahweh and come into his holy place, which he has consecrated forever, and worship Yahweh your God, so that his burning anger may turn away from you.
 \v 9 For if you turn back to Yahweh, your brothers and children will find compassion before those who led them away as prisoners, and they will come back into this land. For Yahweh your God, is gracious and merciful, and will not turn his face away from you, if you return to him."
 
 \s5
@@ -1413,7 +1413,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 13 Many people, a very great assembly, gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread in the second month.
-\v 14 They rose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense; they threw them into the Kidron Brook.
+\v 14 They rose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense; they threw them into the brook Kidron.
 \v 15 Then they killed the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and Levites were ashamed, so they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings into the house of Yahweh.
 
 \s5
@@ -1477,7 +1477,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 They distributed to the priests who were recorded in the genealogies of their ancestors, and the same to the Levites twenty years old and more, according to their offices and their divisions.
-\v 18 They recorded in the genealogy all their little ones, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, through the whole community, for they were faithful in keeping themselves holy.
+\v 18 They included all their little ones, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, through the whole community, for they were faithful in keeping themselves holy.
 \v 19 For the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who were in the fields of the villages belonging to their cities, or in every city, there were men assigned by name to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all who were recorded in the genealogies of their ancestors as being among the Levites.
 
 \s5
@@ -1601,7 +1601,7 @@
 \p
 \v 21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; he reigned two years in Jerusalem.
 \v 22 He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as Manasseh, his father, had done. Amon sacrificed to all the carved figures that Manasseh his father had made, and he worshiped them.
-\v 23 He did not humble himself before Yahweh, as Manasseh his father had done. Instead, Amon trespassed more and more.
+\v 23 He did not humble himself before Yahweh, as Manasseh his father had done. Instead, this same Amon trespassed more and more.
 
 \s5
 \v 24 His servants conspired against him and put him to death in his own house.
@@ -1657,7 +1657,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 23 She said to them, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me,
 \v 24 'This is what Yahweh says: See, I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that have been written in the book that they have read before the king of Judah.
-\v 25 This will happen because they have abandoned me and have burned incense to other gods, and they have provoked me to anger by all the works of their hands. Therefore, my anger will be poured out on this place, and it will not be extinguished.'
+\v 25 This will happen because they have forsaken me and have burned incense to other gods, and they have provoked me to anger by all the works of their hands. Therefore, my anger will be poured out on this place, and it will not be extinguished.'
 
 \s5
 \v 26 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to ask Yahweh what he should do, this is what you will say to him, 'Yahweh, the God of Israel says this: About the words that you heard,
@@ -1759,7 +1759,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign; he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh.
-\v 10 In the spring of the year, King Nebuchadnezzar sent men and brought him to Babylon, with the valuable things from the house of Yahweh, and made Zedekiah, his relative, king over Judah and Jerusalem.
+\v 10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent men and brought him to Babylon, with the valuable things from the house of Yahweh, and made Zedekiah, his relative, king over Judah and Jerusalem.
 
 \s5
 \p

15-EZR.usfm

@@ -3,13 +3,13 @@
 \h Ezra
 \toc1 The Book of Ezra
 \toc2 Ezra
-\toc3 Ezr
+\toc3 Ezra
 \mt Ezra
 
 \s5
 \c 1
 \p
-\v 1 In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, Yahweh fulfilled his word that came from the mouth of Jeremiah. He stirred Cyrus' spirit, and Cyrus' voice went out over his entire kingdom. This is what was written and spoken:
+\v 1 In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, Yahweh fulfilled his word that came from the mouth of Jeremiah, and stirred Cyrus's spirit. Cyrus's voice went out over his entire kingdom. This is what was written and spoken:
 \p
 \v 2 "Cyrus, king of Persia, says: Yahweh, God of Heaven, gave me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he appointed me to build for him a house in Jerusalem in Judah.
 
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 36 The priests: descendants of Jedaiah of the house of Jeshua: 973.
+\v 36 The priests: descendants of Jedaiah of the house of Jeshua: 973.
 \v 37 Immer's descendants: 1,052.
 \v 38 Pashhur's descendants: 1,247.
 \v 39 Harim's descendants: 1,017.
@@ -200,8 +201,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 4 So the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah; they made the Judeans afraid to build.
-\v 5 They also bribed counselors to frustrate their plans. They did this during all of the days of Cyrus and into the reign of Darius king of Persia.
-\v 6 Then at the beginning of the reign of Xerxes \f + \ft Also known as \fqa Ahasuerus \fqa* . \f* reign they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
+\v 5 They also bribed counselors to frustrate their plans. They did this during all of Cyrus's days and into the reign of Darius king of Persia.
+\v 6 Then at the beginning of Ahasuerus's \f + \ft Also known as \fqa Xerxes \fqa* . \f* reign they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -241,7 +242,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 23 When King Artaxerxes' decree was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went out quickly to Jerusalem and forced the Jews to stop building.
+\v 23 When King Artaxerxes's decree was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went out quickly to Jerusalem and forced the Jews to stop building.
 \p
 \v 24 So the work on the house of God in Jerusalem stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
 
@@ -314,7 +315,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 13 Then because of the decree sent by Darius the king, Tattenai, the governor of the Province Beyond the River, Shethar-Bozenai, and their associates, did everything that King Darius had ordered.
 \v 14 So the Jewish elders built and prospered under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, the descendant of Iddo. They completed their buildings according to the decree of the God of Israel and by the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes the king of Persia.
-\v 15 The house was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius' reign.
+\v 15 The house was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius's reign.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -491,7 +492,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 8 Yet now for a short time, mercy from Yahweh our God has come to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a foothold in his holy place. This was for our God to enlighten our eyes and to give us a little relief in our slavery.
-\v 9 For we are slaves, but our God has not forgotten us in our slavery. Rather, he has extended covenant faithfulness to us before the king of Persia. He has given us new strength to rebuild the house of our God and raise its ruins, and he has given us a wall of safety in Judah and Jerusalem.
+\v 9 For we are slaves, but our God has not forgotten us but has extended covenant faithfulness to us. He has done this in the sight of the king of Persia in order to give us new strength, so we could rebuild the house of our God and raise its ruins. He did this so that he could give us a wall of safety in Judah and Jerusalem.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 But now, our God, what can we say after this? We have forgotten your commands,

16-NEH.usfm

@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 4
 \p
-\v 1 Now when Sanballat heard we were building the wall, anger burned within him, and he was furiously angry, and he mocked the Jews.
+\v 1 Now when Sanballat heard we were building the wall, it burned within him, and he was furiously angry, and he mocked the Jews.
 \v 2 In the presence of his brothers and the army of Samaria, he said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore the city for themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish the work in a day? Will they bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned?
 \v 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was with him, and he said, "If only a fox went up on what they are building, it would break down their stone wall!"
 
@@ -356,7 +356,7 @@
 \v 42 The descendants of Harim, 1,017.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\p>>
 \v 43 The Levites: The descendants of Jeshua, through the descendants of Kadmiel through the line of Hodaviah, 74.
 \p
 \v 44 The singers: The descendants of Asaph, 148.
@@ -461,7 +461,7 @@
 \c 9
 \p
 \v 1 Now on the twenty-fourth day of the same month the people of Israel were assembled and they were fasting, and they were wearing sackcloth, and they put dust on their heads.
-\v 2 The descendants of Israel separated themselves from all the foreigners. They stood and confessed their own sins and the iniquities of their ancestors.
+\v 2 The descendants of Israel separated themselves from all the foreigners. They stood and confessed their own sins and the evil actions of their ancestors.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 They stood up in their places, and for one-fourth of the day they read from the book of the law of Yahweh their God. For another fourth of the day they were confessing and bowing down before Yahweh their God.
@@ -527,13 +527,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 30 For many years you put up with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they did not listen. So you gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.
-\v 31 But in your great mercies you did not destroy them completely or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
+\v 31 But in your great mercies you did not destroy them completely or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 32 Now therefore, our God—you great, mighty, and awesome God who keep your covenant and steadfast love—do not let all this hardship seem little to you that has come on us, on our kings, on our leaders, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our ancestors, and on all your people from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.
 \v 33 You are just in everything that has come on us, for you have dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.
-\v 34 Our kings, our leaders, our priests, and our ancestors have not kept your law, nor paid attention to your commandments or your laws by which you warned them.
+\v 34 Our kings, our leaders, our priests, and our ancestors have not kept your law, nor paid attention to your commandments or your covenant decrees by which you warned them.
 
 \s5
 \v 35 Even in their own kingdom, while they enjoyed your great goodness to them, in the large and productive land you set before them, they did not serve you or turn away from their evil deeds.

17-EST.usfm

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@
 \s5
 \c 1
 \p
-\v 1 In the days of Xerxes \f + \ft \fqa Xerxes \fqa* \ft is also known as \fqa Ahasuerus \fqa* . \f* (this is Xerxes who reigned from India as far as Cush, over 127 provinces),
-\v 2 in those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the fortress of Susa.
+\v 1 In the days of Ahasuerus \f + \ft \fqa Ahasuerus \fqa* \ft is also known as \fqa Xerxes \fqa* . \f* (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India as far as Cush, over 127 provinces),
+\v 2 in those days King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in the fortress of Susa.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a feast to all his officials and his servants. The army of Persia and Media, the noblemen, and governors of the provinces were in his presence.
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 9 Also, Queen Vashti gave a feast for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
+\v 9 Also, Queen Vashti gave a feast for the women in the royal palace of King Ahasuerus.
 \v 10 On the seventh day, when the king's heart was feeling happy because of the wine, he told Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Karkas (the seven officials who served before him),
 \v 11 to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for her features were stunning.
 
@@ -37,11 +37,11 @@
 \p
 \v 13 So the king conferred with the men who were known to be wise, who understood the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were expert in law and judgment).
 \v 14 Now the ones close to him were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan, seven princes of Persia and Media. They had access to the king, and they held the highest offices within the kingdom.
-\v 15 "In compliance with the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti because she did not obey the command of King Xerxes, which was brought to her by the officials?"
+\v 15 "In compliance with the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus, which was brought to her by the officials?"
 
 \s5
-\v 16 Memukan said in the presence of the king and the officials, "Not only against the king has Vashti the queen done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Xerxes.
-\v 17 For the matter of the queen will become known to all women. It will cause them to treat their husbands with contempt. They will say, 'King Xerxes commanded Vashti the queen to be brought before him, but she refused.'
+\v 16 Memukan said in the presence of the king and the officials, "Not only against the king has Vashti the queen done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.
+\v 17 For the matter of the queen will become known to all women. It will cause them to treat their husbands with contempt. They will say, 'King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought before him, but she refused.'
 \v 18 Before the end of this very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard of the matter of the queen will say the same thing to all the king's officials. There will be much contempt and anger.
 
 \s5
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 2
 \p
-\v 1 After these things, when the anger of King Xerxes subsided, he thought about Vashti and what she had done. He also thought about the decree that he had made against her.
+\v 1 After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus subsided, he thought about Vashti and what she had done. He also thought about the decree that he had made against her.
 \v 2 Then the king's young men who served him said, "Let a search be made on the king's behalf for beautiful young virgins.
 
 \s5
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@
 \v 6 He had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the exiles along with those who had been taken into exile with Jehoiachin, king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylonia took into exile.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 He was caring for Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, because she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely in appearance. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
+\v 7 He was caring for Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, because she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely in appearance. Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 When the turn came for each girl to go to King Xerxes—after she had obeyed the regulations for the women for twelve months, for this was how the time of their beauty treatments was completed: six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics—
+\v 12 When the turn came for each girl to go to King Ahasuerus—after she had obeyed the regulations for the women for twelve months, for this was how the time of their beauty treatments was completed: six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics—
 \v 13 when a young woman went to the king, whatever she desired was given to her from the house of the women, for her to take to the palace.
 
 \s5
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 15 Now when the time came for Esther (daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter) to go in to the king, she did not ask for anything but what Hegai the king's official, who was in charge of the women, suggested. Now Esther received the favor of all who saw her.
 \p
-\v 16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes into the royal residence on the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
+\v 16 Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into the royal residence on the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 The king loved Esther more than all the other women and she received favor and kindness before him, more than all the other virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@
 \p
 \v 19 Now when the virgins had been gathered together a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.
 \v 20 Esther had not yet told anyone about her relatives or her people, as Mordecai had instructed her. She continued to follow Mordecai's advice, as she had done when she was raised by him.
-\v 21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, two of the king's officials, Bigthana and Teresh, who guarded the doorway, became angry and sought to do harm to King Xerxes.
+\v 21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, two of the king's officials, Bigthana and Teresh, who guarded the doorway, became angry and sought to do harm to King Ahasuerus.
 
 \s5
 \v 22 When the matter was made known to Mordecai, he told Queen Esther, and Esther spoke to the king in the name of Mordecai.
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 3
 \p
-\v 1 After these things, King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and placed his seat of authority above all the officials who were with him.
+\v 1 After these things, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and placed his seat of authority above all the officials who were with him.
 \v 2 All the king's servants who were at the king's gate kneeling down and bowing down to Haman, as the king had ordered them to do. But Mordecai did not kneel or bowed down.
 
 \s5
@@ -118,14 +118,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not kneel and show him respect, Haman was filled with rage.
-\v 6 He had contempt for the idea of killing only Mordecai, for the king's servants had told him who Mordecai's people were. Haman sought to exterminate all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, who were in the entire kingdom of Xerxes.
+\v 6 He had contempt for the idea of killing only Mordecai, for the king's servants had told him who Mordecai's people were. Haman sought to exterminate all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, who were in the entire kingdom of Ahasuerus.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 7 In the first month (which is the month of Nisan), in the twelfth year of King Xerxes, the Pur—that is the lot—was thrown before Haman, to select a day and month. They cast the lot over and over until the lot fell on the twelfth month (which is the month of Adar).
+\v 7 In the first month (which is the month of Nisan), in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, the Pur—that is the lot—was thrown before Haman, to select a day and month. They cast the lot over and over until the lot fell on the twelfth month (which is the month of Adar).
 
 \s5
-\v 8 Then Haman said to King Xerxes, "There is a certain people scattered and distributed among all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so it is not suitable for the king to let them stay.
+\v 8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and distributed among all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of other people, and they do not keep the king's laws, so it is not suitable for the king to let them stay.
 \v 9 If it is pleasing to the king, give a command to kill them, and I will weigh out ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king's business, for them to put it into the king's treasury."
 
 \s5
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree containing all that Haman had commanded was written to the king's provincial governors, those who were over all the provinces, to the governors of all the various peoples, and to the officials of all the people, to every province in their own writing, and to every people in their own language. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and was sealed with his ring.
+\v 12 Then the king's scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree containing all that Haman had commanded was written to the king's provincial governors, those who were over all the provinces, to the governors of all the various peoples, and to the officials of all the people, to every province in their own writing, and to every people in their own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and was sealed with his ring.
 \v 13 Letters were delivered by the hand of couriers to all the king's provinces, to annihilate, kill, and destroy all Jews, from young to old, children and women, in one day—on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (which is the month of Adar)—and to plunder their possessions.
 
 \s5
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 6 So Hathak went to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king's gate.
 \v 7 Mordecai reported to him all that had happened to him, and the total amount of the silver that Haman had promised to weigh out and put into the king's treasuries in order to put the Jews to death.
-\v 8 He also gave him a copy of the decree that was issued in Susa for the Jews' destruction. He did this so that Hathak could show it to Esther, and that he should make it known to her and give her a solemn command to go to the king to beg for his favor, and to plead with him on behalf of her people.
+\v 8 He also gave him a copy of the decree that was issued in Susa for the Jews' destruction. He did this so that Hathak could show it to Esther, and that he should give her the responsibility of going to the king to beg for his favor, and to plead with him on behalf of her people.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@
 \c 6
 \p
 \v 1 That night the king could not sleep. He commanded servants to bring the book of the records of the events of his reign, and they were being read aloud to the king.
-\v 2 It was found recorded there that Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officials who guarded the entrance, who had tried to harm King Xerxes.
+\v 2 It was found recorded there that Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officials who guarded the entrance, who had tried to harm King Ahasuerus.
 \v 3 The king asked, "What great honor has been given to Mordecai for doing this?" Then the king's young men who served him said, "Nothing was done for him."
 
 \s5
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 Then Queen Esther replied, "If I have found favor in your eyes, king, and if it pleases you, let my life be given to me—this is my petition, and I request this also for my people.
 \v 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated. If we had only been sold into slavery, as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, for no such distress as this would justify disturbing the king."
-\v 5 Then King Xerxes said to Esther the queen, "Who is he? Where is this person to be found who has filled his heart to do such a thing?"
+\v 5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen, "Who is he? Where is this person to be found who has filled his heart to do such a thing?"
 
 \s5
 \v 6 Esther said, "The adversary, that enemy, is this evil Haman!" Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 8
 \p
-\v 1 On that day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, and Mordecai began to serve before the king, for Esther told the king how Mordecai was related to her.
+\v 1 On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, and Mordecai began to serve before the king, for Esther told the king how Mordecai was related to her.
 \v 2 The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken back from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther designated Mordecai to be in charge of Haman's estate.
 
 \s5
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@
 \v 6 For how could I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How could I endure watching the destruction of my relatives?"
 
 \s5
-\v 7 King Xerxes said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "Look, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he was going to attack the Jews.
+\v 7 King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "Look, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he was going to attack the Jews.
 \v 8 Write another decree for the Jews in the name of the king and seal it with the king's ring. For the decree that has already been written in the king's name and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked."
 
 \s5
@@ -280,9 +280,9 @@
 \v 9 Then the king's scribes were called at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month. A decree was written containing all that Mordecai was commanding concerning the Jews. It was written to the provincial governors, the governors and officials of the provinces that were located from India to Cush, 127 provinces, to every province written in their own writing, and to every people in their language, and to the Jews in their writing and language.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the king's signet ring. He sent the letters by couriers riding on horses, warhorses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud.
+\v 10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king's signet ring. He sent the letters by couriers riding on horses, warhorses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud.
 \v 11 The king gave to the Jews who were in every city permission to gather together and to make a stand to protect their lives: To annihiliate, to kill, and to destroy any armed force from any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, or to plunder their possessions.
-\v 12 This was to be in effect in all the provinces of King Xerxes, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
+\v 12 This was to be in effect in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
 
 \s5
 \v 13 A copy of the decree was to be issued as a law in every province and publicly displayed to all the peoples. The Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies.
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@
 \c 9
 \p
 \v 1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, when the king's law and decree were about to be carried out, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain power over them, it was reversed. The Jews gained power over those who hated them.
-\v 2 The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, to lay hands on those who tried to bring disaster on them. No one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all the peoples.
+\v 2 The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, to lay hands on those who tried to bring disaster on them. No one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all the peoples.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 All the officials of the provinces, the provincial governors, the governors, and the king's administrators, helped the Jews because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.
@@ -333,7 +333,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 20 Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far,
+\v 20 Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far,
 \v 21 obligating them to keep the fourteenth and the fifteenth day of the month Adar every year.
 \v 22 These were the days when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and the month when their sorrow turned to joy, and mourning into a day of celebration. They were to make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending gifts of food to one another, and gifts to the poor.
 
@@ -353,16 +353,16 @@
 \v 29 Queen Esther daughter of Abihail and Mordecai the Jew wrote with full authority and confirmed this second letter about Purim.
 
 \s5
-\v 30 Letters were sent to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes, wishing the Jews safety and truth.
+\v 30 Letters were sent to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, wishing the Jews safety and truth.
 \v 31 These letters confirmed the days of Purim at their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated the Jews. The Jews accepted this obligation for themselves and their descendants, just as also they accepted times of fasting and lamenting.
 \v 32 The command of Esther confirmed these regulations regarding Purim, and it was written in the book.
 
 \s5
 \c 10
 \p
-\v 1 Then King Xerxes imposed a tax on the land and on the coastlands along the sea.
+\v 1 Then King Ahasuerus imposed a tax on the land and on the coastlands along the sea.
 \v 2 All the achievements of his power and might, together with the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had raised him, they are written in the book of the events of the reigns of the kings of Media and Persia.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes. He was great among the Jews and shown favor by his many Jewish brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and he spoke for the peace of all his people.
+\v 3 Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus. He was great among the Jews and shown favor by his many Jewish brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and he spoke for the peace of all his people.
 

18-JOB.usfm

@@ -60,10 +60,10 @@
 \v 3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil. He still holds fast to his integrity, although you misled me against him, to destroy him without cause."
 
 \s5
-\p
+
+\s5
 \v 4 Satan answered Yahweh and said, "Skin for skin, indeed; a man will give all he has for his life.
 \v 5 But stretch out your hand now and touch his bones and his flesh, and see if he does not curse you to your face."
-\p
 \v 6 Yahweh said to Satan, "See, he is in your hand; it is only his life that you must spare."
 
 \s5
@@ -297,7 +297,7 @@
 \v 6 For difficulties do not come out from the soil;
 \q neither does trouble sprout from the ground.
 \q
-\v 7 Yet, mankind is born for trouble,
+\v 7 Instead, mankind is born for trouble,
 \q just as sparks fly upward.
 
 \s5
@@ -428,7 +428,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 14 To the person who is about to faint, faithfulness should be shown by his friend;
-\q even to him who abandons the fear of the Almighty.
+\q even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
 \q
 \v 15 But my brothers have acted as deceitfully to me as a desert streambed,
 \q as channels of water that pass away to nothing,
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
 \q Indeed, relent, for my cause is just.
 \q
 \v 30 Is there evil on my tongue?
-\q Cannot my mouth detect destructive things?
+\q Cannot my mouth detect malicious things?
 
 \s5
 \c 7
@@ -528,9 +528,9 @@
 \q
 \v 10 He will return no more to his house;
 \q neither will his place know him again.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 11 Therefore I will not restrain my mouth;
 \q I will speak in the anguish of my spirit;
@@ -700,7 +700,7 @@
 \q and wonderful things that cannot be counted.
 \q
 \v 11 See, he goes by me, and I do not see him;
-\q he passes on, but I do not understand him.
+\q he passes on also, but I do not perceive him.
 \q
 \v 12 If he takes something away, who can stop him?
 \q Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?'
@@ -821,9 +821,9 @@
 \q
 \v 7 although you know I am not guilty
 \q and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 8 Your hands have framed and fashioned me
 \q together round about, yet you are destroying me.
@@ -866,9 +866,9 @@
 \v 17 You bring new witnesses against me
 \q and increase your anger against me;
 \q you attack me with fresh armies.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 18 Why, then, have you brought me out of the womb?
 \q I wish I had died and that no eye had ever seen me.
@@ -1020,7 +1020,7 @@
 \v 13 With God are wisdom and might;
 \q he has counsel and understanding.
 \q
-\v 14 See, he breaks things down, and they cannot be built again;
+\v 14 See, he tears down, and it cannot be built again;
 \q if he imprisons someone, there can be no release.
 \q
 \v 15 See, if he withholds the waters, they dry up;
@@ -1196,9 +1196,9 @@
 \q
 \v 6 Look away from him that he may rest,
 \q so that he may enjoy his day like a hired man if he can do so.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 7 There can be hope for a tree;
 \q if it is cut down, it might sprout again,
@@ -1221,9 +1221,9 @@
 \v 12 so people lie down and do not rise again.
 \q Until the heavens are no more, they will not awake
 \q nor be roused out of their sleep.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 13 Oh, that you would hide me away in Sheol away from troubles,
 \q and that you would keep me in private until your wrath is over,
@@ -1243,9 +1243,9 @@
 \q
 \v 17 My transgression would be sealed up in a bag;
 \q you would cover up my iniquity.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 18 But even mountains fall and crumble to nothing;
 \q even rocks are moved out of their place;
@@ -1512,9 +1512,9 @@
 \q
 \v 5 He who denounces his friends for a reward,
 \q the eyes of his children will fail.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 6 But he has made me a byword of the people;
 \q they spit in my face.
@@ -1536,7 +1536,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 11 My days are past; my plans are shattered,
-\q and so are the desires of my heart. \f + \ft Some modern translations have \fqa My days are past, as are my plans. The wishes of my heart are finished \fqa* or \fqa ... the strings of my heart have been broken \fqa* . Some translations have \fqa My days are past; my plans are over, as are the wishes of my heart. \fqa* \f*
+\q and so are the desires of my heart. \f + \ft Some modern translations have \fqa My days are past, as are my plans. The wishes of my heart are finished \fqa* or \fqa ... the strings of my heart have been broken \fqa* . Some translations have \fqa My days are past; my plans are over, as are the wishes of my heart \fqa* . \f*
 \q
 \v 12 These people, these mockers, change the night into day;
 \q light is near to darkness.
@@ -1570,7 +1570,7 @@
 \v 3 Why are we regarded as cattle, stupid in your sight?
 \q
 \v 4 You who tear at yourself in your anger,
-\q should the earth be abandoned for you
+\q should the earth be forsaken for you
 \q or should the rocks be removed out of their places?
 
 \s5
@@ -1650,7 +1650,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 These ten times you have insulted me;
+\v 3 These ten times you have reproached me;
 \q you are not ashamed that you have treated me harshly.
 \q
 \v 4 If it is indeed true that I have erred,
@@ -1864,7 +1864,7 @@
 \q his goods will flow away on the day of God's wrath.
 \q
 \v 29 This is the wicked man's portion from God,
-\q the heritage decreed for him by God."
+\q the heritage reserved for him by God."
 
 \s5
 \c 21
@@ -1919,7 +1919,7 @@
 \q for we do not wish any knowledge of your ways.
 \q
 \v 15 What is the Almighty, that we should worship him?
-\q What profit would we get if we prayed to him?'
+\q What advantage would we get if we prayed to him?'
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -2113,7 +2113,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 Then Job answered and said,
 \q
-\v 2 "Even today my complaint is rebellion; \f + \ft Some ancient translations and many English translations have: \fqa bitter \fqa* . \f*
+\v 2 "Even today my complaint is rebellion; \f + \ft Some ancient translations and many English versions have: \fqa bitter \fqa* . \f*
 \q my hand \f + \ft Some copies have: \fqa his hand \fqa* . \f* is heavy because of my groaning.
 
 \s5
@@ -2138,7 +2138,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 8 See, I go eastward, but he is not there,
-\q and westward, but I cannot find him.
+\q and westward, but I cannot perceive him.
 \q
 \v 9 To the north, where he is at work, but I cannot see him,
 \q and to the south, where he hides himself so that I cannot see him.
@@ -2222,9 +2222,9 @@
 \v 12 From out of the city the dying groan,
 \q and the throat of the wounded cries out for help.
 \q But God does not charge anyone with wrongdoing.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 13 Some of these wicked people rebel against the light;
 \q they know not its ways,
@@ -2246,9 +2246,9 @@
 \q
 \v 17 For all of them, thick darkness is like the morning;
 \q for they are friends with the terrors of thick darkness.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 18 Swiftly they pass away, however, like foam on the surface of the waters;
 \q their portion of the land is cursed;
@@ -2385,7 +2385,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 6 I hold fast to my righteousness and will not let it go;
-\q my conscience will not accuse me so long as I live.
+\q my thoughts will not reproach me so long as I live.
 \q
 \v 7 Let my enemy be like a wicked man;
 \q let him who rises up against me be like an unrighteous man.
@@ -2498,9 +2498,9 @@
 \q
 \v 11 He ties up the streams so they do not run;
 \q what is hidden there he brings out to the light.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 12 Where will wisdom be found?
 \q Where is the place of understanding?
@@ -2540,9 +2540,9 @@
 \q
 \v 22 Destruction and Death say,
 \q 'We have heard just a rumor about it with our ears.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 23 God understands the way to it;
 \q he knows its place.
@@ -2693,9 +2693,9 @@
 \q
 \v 8 They were the sons of fools, indeed, sons of nameless people!
 \q They were driven out of the land with whips.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 9 But now I have become the subject of their taunting song;
 \q I have become a byword for them.
@@ -2724,9 +2724,9 @@
 \v 15 Terrors are turned upon me;
 \q my honor is driven away as if by the wind;
 \q my prosperity passes away as a cloud.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 16 Now my life is pouring out from within me;
 \q many days of suffering have laid hold on me.
@@ -2757,9 +2757,9 @@
 \q
 \v 23 For I know that you will bring me to death,
 \q to the house appointed for all the living.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 24 However, does no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls?
 \q Does no one in trouble call out for help?
@@ -2807,9 +2807,9 @@
 \q
 \v 4 Does not God see my ways
 \q and count all my steps?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 5 If I have walked with falsehood,
 \q if my foot has hurried to deceit,
@@ -2825,9 +2825,9 @@
 \q
 \v 8 then let me sow, and let another eat,
 \q and let my crops be uprooted.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 9 If my heart has been deceived by a woman,
 \q if I have lain in wait at my neighbor's door,
@@ -2853,9 +2853,9 @@
 \q
 \v 15 Did the one who made me in the womb not make them also?
 \q Did not the same one mold us all in the womb?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 16 If I have withheld poor people from their desire,
 \q or if I have caused the eyes of the widow to grow dim from crying,
@@ -2885,9 +2885,9 @@
 \q
 \v 23 For I dreaded destruction from God;
 \q because of his majesty, I was not able to do those things.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 24 If I have made gold my hope,
 \q and if I have said to fine gold, 'You are what I am confident in';
@@ -3011,7 +3011,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 15 These three men are dismayed; they can answer Job no longer;
+\v 15 These three men are dumbfounded; they can answer Job no longer;
 \q they have not a word more to say.
 \q
 \v 16 Should I wait because they are not speaking,
@@ -3067,9 +3067,9 @@
 \q
 \v 7 See, terror of me will not make you afraid;
 \q neither will my pressure be heavy upon you.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 8 You have certainly spoken in my hearing;
 \q I have heard the sound of your words saying,
@@ -3087,9 +3087,9 @@
 \q
 \v 12 See, in this you are not in the right—I will answer you,
 \q for God is greater than man.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 13 Why do you struggle against him?
 \q He does not account for any of his doings.
@@ -3111,9 +3111,9 @@
 \q
 \v 18 God keeps man's life back from the pit,
 \q his life from crossing over to death.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 19 Man is punished also with pain on his bed,
 \q with constant strife in his bones,
@@ -3128,9 +3128,9 @@
 \q
 \v 22 Indeed, his soul draws close to the pit,
 \q his life to those who wish to destroy it.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 23 But if there is an angel who can be a mediator for him,
 \q one out of a thousand,
@@ -3157,9 +3157,9 @@
 \q
 \v 28 God has rescued my soul from going down into the pit;
 \q my life will continue to see light.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 29 See, God does all these things with a person,
 \q twice, yes, even three times,
@@ -3287,7 +3287,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 29 When he stays silent, who can condemn him?
-\q If he hides his face, who can see him?
+\q If he hides his face, who can perceive him?
 \q He rules over nation and individual alike,
 \q
 \v 30 so that a godless man may not reign,
@@ -3405,10 +3405,10 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 6 He does not preserve the life of wicked people
-\q but gives justice those who suffer.
+\q but instead does what is right for those who suffer.
 \q
 \v 7 He does not withdraw his eyes from righteous people
-\q but sets them on thrones with kings forever,
+\q but instead sets them on thrones like kings forever,
 \q and they are lifted up.
 
 \s5
@@ -3566,9 +3566,9 @@
 \q
 \v 13 He makes all of this happen; sometimes it happens for correction, sometimes for his land,
 \q and sometimes as acts of covenant faithfulness.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 14 Listen to this, Job;
 \q stop and think about God's marvelous deeds.
@@ -3594,9 +3594,9 @@
 \q
 \v 20 Should he be told that I wish to speak with him?
 \q Would a person wish to be swallowed up?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 21 Now, people cannot look at the sun when it is bright in the sky
 \q after the wind has passed through and has cleared it of its clouds.
@@ -3674,7 +3674,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 16 Have you gone to the springs of the sea?
+\v 16 Have you gone to the sources of the waters of the sea?
 \q Have you walked in the lowest parts of the deep?
 \q
 \v 17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you?
@@ -3788,9 +3788,9 @@
 \q
 \v 4 Their young ones become strong and grow up in the open fields;
 \q they go out and do not return to them.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 5 Who sent the wild donkey out free?
 \q Who has untied the bonds of the swift donkey,
@@ -3821,9 +3821,9 @@
 \q
 \v 12 Will you depend on him to bring your grain home,
 \q to gather the grain for your threshing floor?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 13 The wings of the ostrich wave proudly,
 \q but are they the pinions and plumage of love?
@@ -3844,9 +3844,9 @@
 \q
 \v 18 When she runs swiftly,
 \q she laughs in scorn at the horse and its rider.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 19 Have you given the horse his strength?
 \q Did you clothe his neck with his flowing mane?
@@ -3873,9 +3873,9 @@
 \v 25 Whenever the ram's horn sounds, he says, 'Aha!'
 \q He smells the battle from far away—
 \q the thunderous shouts of the commanders and the outcries.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 26 Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars,
 \q that he stretches out his wings for the south?
@@ -4020,9 +4020,9 @@
 \q
 \v 9 See, the hope of anyone who does that is a lie;
 \q will not anyone be thrown down to the ground just by the sight of him?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 10 None is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up;
 \q who, then, is he who can stand before me?
@@ -4044,9 +4044,9 @@
 \q
 \v 15 his back is made up of rows of shields,
 \q tight together as with a close seal.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \q
 \v 16 One is so near to another
 \q that no air can come between them.

19-PSA.usfm

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 4 The wicked are not so,
-\q but are like the chaff that the wind drives away.
+\q but are instead like the chaff that the wind drives away.
 \q
 \v 5 So the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
 \q nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@
 \q and why do the peoples devise vain plans?
 \q
 \v 2 The kings of the earth take their stand together
-\q and the rulers take counsel together
+\q and the rulers conspire together
 \q against Yahweh and against his Messiah, saying,
 \q
 \v 3 "Let us tear off the shackles they put on us
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@
 \c 3
 \m
 \d A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
-\q 
+\q
 \v 1 Yahweh, how many are my enemies!
 \q Many have risen against me.
 \q
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 11 Sing praises to Yahweh, who rules in Zion;
-\q tell the nations of his deeds.
+\q tell the nations what he has done.
 \q
 \v 12 For the God who avenges bloodshed remembers;
 \q he does not forget the cry of the oppressed.
@@ -748,7 +748,7 @@
 \m
 \d A prayer of David.
 \q
-\v 1 Listen to my plea for justice, Yahweh; pay attention to my cry for help!
+\v 1 Listen to my plea for justice, Yahweh; pay attention to my call for help!
 \q Give ear to my prayer from lips without deceit.
 \q
 \v 2 Let my vindication come from your presence; let your eyes see what is right!
@@ -841,7 +841,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 13 Yahweh thundered in the heavens! The voice of the Most High shouted. \f + \ft This verse follows some Hebrew copies and the Septuagint, ending after \fqa shouted \fqa* . Most Hebrew copies have the additional phrase \fqa hailstones and coals of fire \fqa* . \f*
+\v 13 Yahweh thundered in the heavens! The voice of the Most High shouted. \f + \ft This verse follows some Hebrew manuscripts and the Septuagint, ending after \fqa shouted \fqa* . Most Hebrew manuscripts have the additional phrase \fqa hailstones and coals of fire \fqa* . \f*
 \q
 \v 14 He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; many lightning bolts dispersed them.
 
@@ -921,7 +921,7 @@
 \q
 \v 38 I smashed them so that they were unable to rise; they have fallen under my feet.
 \q
-\v 39 For you have girded me with strength for battle; you put under me those who rise up against me.
+\v 39 For you put strength on me like a belt for battle; you put under me those who rise up against me.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1335,7 +1335,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 25
 \m
-\d A psalm of David.
+\q A psalm of David.
 \q
 \v 1 To you, Yahweh, I lift up my life!
 \q
@@ -1521,9 +1521,9 @@
 \v 9 Do not hide your face from me;
 \q do not turn your servant away in anger!
 \q You have been my helper;
-\q do not abandon me or reject me, God of my salvation!
+\q do not forsake me or abandon me, God of my salvation!
 \q
-\v 10 Even if my father and my mother abandon me,
+\v 10 Even if my father and my mother forsake me,
 \q Yahweh will take me in.
 
 \s5
@@ -1550,7 +1550,7 @@
 \d A psalm of David.
 \q
 \v 1 To you, Yahweh, I cry out; my rock, do not ignore me.
-\q If you do not respond to me, I will join those who go down to the pit.
+\q If you do not respond to me, I will join those who go down to the grave.
 \q
 \v 2 Hear the sound of my pleading when I call for help from you,
 \q when I lift up my hands toward your most holy place!
@@ -1564,7 +1564,7 @@
 \q repay them for the work of their hands and render to them their due.
 \q
 \v 5 Because they do not understand the deeds of Yahweh or the work of his hands,
-\q he will break them down and never rebuild them.
+\q he will tear them down and never rebuild them.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1717,7 +1717,7 @@
 \q My strength fails because of my iniquity,
 \q and my bones are wasting away.
 \q
-\v 11 Because of all my enemies, I have become contemptible;
+\v 11 Because of all my enemies, I have become a reproach;
 \q my neighbors are appalled at my situation,
 \q and those who know me are horrified.
 \q Those who see me in the street run from me.
@@ -1846,7 +1846,7 @@
 \q sing praises to him with the lute having ten strings.
 \q
 \v 3 Sing to him a new song;
-\q play skillfully and shout for joy.
+\q play skillfully and sing with joy.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -2114,7 +2114,7 @@
 \v 25 Do not let them say in their heart, "Aha, we have what we wanted."
 \q Do not let them say, "We have devoured him."
 \q
-\v 26 May they be put to shame and may they be humiliated who rejoice at my distress.
+\v 26 May they be put to shame and may they be confounded who rejoice at my distress.
 \q May those who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and dishonor.
 
 \s5
@@ -2357,7 +2357,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 There is no soundness in my body because of your anger;
+\v 3 My whole body is sick because of your anger;
 \q there is no health in my bones because of my sin.
 \q
 \v 4 For my iniquities overwhelm me;
@@ -2478,7 +2478,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 8 Rescue me from my sins;
-\q do not make me the scorn of fools.
+\q do not make me the reproach of fools.
 \q
 \v 9 I am silent and cannot open my mouth,
 \q because it is you who has done it.
@@ -3620,7 +3620,7 @@
 \q to God, who does all things for me.
 \q
 \v 3 He will send help from heaven and save me,
-\q he rebukes those who hotly pursue me.
+\q he reproaches those who crush me.
 \qs Selah\qs*
 \q God will send me his steadfast love and his faithfulness.
 
@@ -4103,7 +4103,7 @@
 \m
 \d For the chief musician. A song, a psalm.
 \q
-\v 1 Shout out loud to God, all the earth;
+\v 1 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
 \q
 \v 2 Sing out the glory of his name;
 \q make his praise glorious.
@@ -4239,7 +4239,7 @@
 \q
 \v 4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name!
 \q Praise the one who rides through the plains of the Jordan River valley!
-\q Yah is his name! Rejoice before him! \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*
+\q Yahweh is his name! Rejoice before him!
 \q
 \v 5 A Father of the fatherless, a judge of the widows,
 \q is God in the holy place where he lives.
@@ -4297,7 +4297,7 @@
 \v 18 You have ascended on high; you have led away captives;
 \q you have received gifts from among men,
 \q even from the rebellious,
-\q so that Yah, God, might live there.\f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*
+\q so that you, Yahweh God, might live there.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -4414,11 +4414,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 10 When I weep and fast,
-\q I must endure scorn.
+\v 10 When I wept and fasted,
+\q it became a reproach to me.
 \q
-\v 11 When I put on sackcloth,
-\q I became a byword to them.
+\v 11 When I made sackcloth my clothing,
+\q I became the object of a proverb to them.
 \q
 \v 12 Those who sit in the city gate talk about me;
 \q I am a song of drunkards.
@@ -4473,7 +4473,7 @@
 \v 24 Pour out your indignation on them,
 \q and let your raging anger overtake them.
 \q
-\v 25 Let their encampment be a desolation;
+\v 25 Let their place be a desolation;
 \q let no one live in their tents.
 
 \s5
@@ -4590,7 +4590,7 @@
 \v 10 For my enemies are talking about me;
 \q those who watch for my life are plotting together.
 \q
-\v 11 They say, "God has abandoned him;
+\v 11 They say, "God has forsaken him;
 \q pursue and take him, for there is no one to save him."
 
 \s5
@@ -4618,7 +4618,7 @@
 \v 17 God, you have taught me from my youth;
 \q even now I declare your wonderful deeds.
 \q
-\v 18 Indeed, even when I am old and gray-headed, God, do not abandon me,
+\v 18 Indeed, even when I am old and gray-headed, God, do not forsake me,
 \q as I have been declaring your strength to the next generation,
 \q your power to everyone who is to come.
 
@@ -4938,7 +4938,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 22 Arise, God; plead your own cause;
-\q call to mind how fools mock you all day long.
+\q call to mind how fools reproach you all day long.
 \q
 \v 23 Do not forget the voice of your adversaries
 \q or the uproar of those who continually defy you.
@@ -5092,8 +5092,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 11 But I will remember the deeds of Yah; \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*    
-\q I will remember your miracles of long ago.
+\v 11 But I will call to mind your deeds, Yahweh;
+\q I will think about your wonderful deeds of old.
 \q
 \v 12 I will ponder all your deeds
 \q and will reflect on them.
@@ -5445,7 +5445,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 4 We are objects of contempt to our neighbors,
+\v 4 We have become a reproach for our neighbors,
 \q mocking and derision to those who are around us.
 \q
 \v 5 How long, Yahweh? Will you stay angry forever?
@@ -5480,7 +5480,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 12 Pay back into the laps of our neighboring countries seven times as much
-\q as the contempt with which they have taunted you, Lord.
+\q as the reproaches with which they have reproached you, Lord.
 \q
 \v 13 So we your people and sheep of your pasture
 \q will give you thanks forever.
@@ -6080,7 +6080,7 @@
 \q and is awesome among all who surround him.
 \q
 \v 8 Yahweh God of hosts,
-\q who is strong like Yah?  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\q who is strong like you, Yahweh?
 \q Your truthfulness surrounds you.
 
 \s5
@@ -6165,7 +6165,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 30 If his children abandon my law
+\v 30 If his children forsake my law
 \q and do not walk in my regulations,
 \q
 \v 31 if they break my rules
@@ -6208,7 +6208,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 41 All who pass by have robbed him.
-\q He has become the scorn of his neighbors.
+\q He has become a reproach to his neighbors.
 \q
 \v 42 You have raised the right hand of his enemies;
 \q you have made all his enemies rejoice.
@@ -6493,7 +6493,7 @@
 \q God who avenges, shine over us.
 \q
 \v 2 Rise up, judge of the earth,
-\q give recompense to the proud.
+\q give to the proud what they deserve.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -6511,8 +6511,8 @@
 \v 6 They kill the widow and foreigner who lives in their country,
 \q and they murder the fatherless.
 \q
-\v 7 They say, "Yah does not see;
-\q the God of Jacob does not take notice of it."  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\v 7 They say, "Yahweh will not see,
+\q the God of Jacob does not take notice of it."
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -6532,15 +6532,15 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 12 Blessed is the one whom Yah instructs,
-\q the one whom you teach from your law.  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\v 12 Blessed is the one whom you instruct, Yahweh,
+\q the one whom you teach from your law.
 \q
 \v 13 You give him rest in times of trouble
 \q until a pit is dug for the wicked.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 14 For Yahweh will not abandon his people
+\v 14 For Yahweh will not forsake his people
 \q or abandon his inheritance.
 \q
 \v 15 For judgment will again be righteous;
@@ -6948,7 +6948,7 @@
 \q he will not reject their prayer.
 \q
 \v 18 This will be written for future generations,
-\q and a people not yet created will praise Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f* 
+\q and a people not yet born will praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -7224,7 +7224,7 @@
 \v 35 May sinners vanish from the earth,
 \q and let the wicked be no more.
 \q I give praise to Yahweh with all my life.
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 105
@@ -7394,13 +7394,13 @@
 \q
 \v 45 so that they might keep his statutes
 \q and obey his laws.
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f* 
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 106
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good,
 \q for his covenant faithfulness endures forever.
 \q
@@ -7526,8 +7526,8 @@
 \v 32 They also angered Yahweh at the waters of Meribah,
 \q and Moses suffered because of them.
 \q
-\v 33 They made his spirit bitter,
-\q and he spoke thoughtlessly with his lips.
+\v 33 They made Moses bitter,
+\q and he spoke rashly.
 \q
 \v 34 They did not destroy the nations
 \q as Yahweh had commanded them,
@@ -7588,7 +7588,7 @@
 \v 48 May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised
 \q from everlasting to everlasting.
 \q All the people said, "Amen."
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \ms Book Five
@@ -7654,7 +7654,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 17 They were foolish in their rebellious ways
-\q and afflicted because of their iniquities.
+\q and afflicted because of their sins.
 \q
 \v 18 Their soul abhorred all food,
 \q and they came close to the gates of death.
@@ -7813,7 +7813,7 @@
 \m
 \d For the chief musician. A psalm of David.
 \q
-\v 1 God whom I praise, do not be silent.
+\v 1 God whom I praise, do not be silent,
 \q
 \v 2 For the wicked and deceitful attack me;
 \q they speak lies against me.
@@ -7827,7 +7827,7 @@
 \q but I pray for them.
 \q
 \v 5 They repay me evil for good,
-\q and hatred for my love.
+\q and they hate my love.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -7846,7 +7846,7 @@
 \q and may his wife be a widow.
 \q
 \v 10 May his children wander about and beg,
-\q seeking food far from their ruined home.
+\q asking for handouts as they leave their ruined home.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -7861,23 +7861,23 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 14 May his ancestors' iniquity be remembered before Yahweh;
+\v 14 May his ancestors' iniquity be mentioned to Yahweh;
 \q and may the sin of his mother not be forgotten.
 \q
-\v 15 May their sins always be before Yahweh;
-\q may he cut off their memory from the earth.
+\v 15 May their guilt always be before Yahweh;
+\q may Yahweh cut off their memory from the earth.
 \q
-\v 16 May Yahweh do this, for that man never bothered to show any covenant faithfulness,
-\q but harassed the oppressed, the needy,
-\q and the brokenhearted to death.
+\v 16 May Yahweh do this because this man never bothered to show any covenant faithfulness,
+\q but instead harassed the oppressed, the needy,
+\q and the disheartened to death.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 17 He loved cursing; may it come back upon him.
-\q He hated blessing; may it be far from him.
+\q He hated blessing; may no blessing come to him.
 \q
 \v 18 He clothed himself with cursing as his garment,
-\q and his curse came into his body like water,
+\q and his curse came into his inner being like water,
 \q like oil into his bones.
 
 \s5
@@ -7902,9 +7902,9 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 24 My knees are weak from fasting;
-\q my body has become thin and has no fat.
+\q I am turning to skin and bones.
 \q
-\v 25 I have become an object of scorn to my accusers;
+\v 25 I have become a reproach to my accusers;
 \q when they see me, they shake their heads.
 
 \s5
@@ -7912,12 +7912,12 @@
 \v 26 Help me, Yahweh my God;
 \q save me by your covenant faithfulness.
 \q
-\v 27 Let them know that this is your hand,
+\v 27 May they know that this is your doing,
 \q that you, Yahweh, have done this.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 28 They curse, but you bless;
+\v 28 Though they curse me, please bless me;
 \q when they attack, may they be put to shame,
 \q but may your servant rejoice.
 \q
@@ -7930,14 +7930,14 @@
 \q I will praise him in the midst of a crowd.
 \q
 \v 31 For he will stand at the right hand of the one who is needy,
-\q to save him from those who condemn him.
+\q to save him from those who judge him.
 
 \s5
 \c 110
 \m
 \d A psalm of David.
 \q
-\v 1 The declaration of Yahweh to my lord: "Sit at my right hand
+\v 1 Yahweh says to my master, "Sit at my right hand
 \q until I make your enemies your footstool."
 
 \s5
@@ -7973,7 +7973,7 @@
 \c 111
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*    
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart
 \q in the assembly of the upright, in their gathering.
 \q
@@ -8016,7 +8016,7 @@
 \c 112
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Blessed is the man who fears Yahweh,
 \q who greatly delights in his commandments.
 \q
@@ -8061,7 +8061,7 @@
 \c 113
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f* 
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Praise him, you servants of Yahweh;
 \q praise the name of Yahweh.
 \q
@@ -8092,11 +8092,11 @@
 \v 8 so that he may seat him with princes,
 \q with the princes of his people.
 
-\s5  
-\q  
-\v 9 He gives a home to the barren woman of the house;  
-\q he makes her a joyful mother of children.  
-\q Give praise to Yah!  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\s5
+\q
+\v 9 He gives a home to the barren woman of the house;
+\q he makes her a joyful mother of children.
+\q Praise Yahweh!
 
 \s5
 \c 114
@@ -8201,12 +8201,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 17 The dead do not give praise to Yah, \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*
+\v 17 The dead do not praise Yahweh,
 \q nor do any who go down into silence;
 \q
-\v 18 But we will give praise to Yah, 
-\q now and forevermore. 
-\q Give praise to Yah! \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*
+\v 18 But we will bless Yahweh
+\q now and forevermore.
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 116
@@ -8285,7 +8285,7 @@
 \q
 \v 19 in the courts of the house of Yahweh,
 \q in your midst, Jerusalem.
-\q Give praise to Yah! \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*
+\q Praise Yah!
 
 \s5
 \c 117
@@ -8296,7 +8296,7 @@
 \q
 \v 2 For his covenant faithfulness is great toward us,
 \q and the trustworthiness of Yahweh endures forever.
-\q Give praise to Yah! \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 118
@@ -8318,8 +8318,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 5 In my distress I called out to Yah;
-\q Yah answered me and set me in a spacious place.  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*    
+\v 5 In my distress I called out to Yahweh;
+\q Yahweh answered me and set me free.
 \q
 \v 6 Yahweh is with me; I will not be afraid;
 \q what can man do to me?
@@ -8352,8 +8352,8 @@
 \v 13 "You attacked me to knock me down,
 \q but Yahweh helped me.
 \q
-\v 14 Yah is my strength and joy,
-\q and he is the one who rescues me."  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\v 14 Yahweh is my strength and joy,
+\q and he is the one who rescues me."
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -8366,15 +8366,15 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 17 I will not die, but live
-\q and declare what Yah has done. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f* 
+\q and declare the deeds of Yahweh.
 \q
-\v 18 Yah has punished me harshly,  
-\q but he has not handed me over to death. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\v 18 Yahweh has punished me harshly,
+\q but he has not handed me over to death.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness;
-\q I will enter them and I will give thanks to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*      
+\q I will enter them and I will give thanks to Yahweh.
 \q
 \v 20 This is the gate of Yahweh;
 \q the righteous enter through it.
@@ -8451,7 +8451,6 @@
 \q do not leave me alone.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa BETH
 \q
 \v 9 How can a young person keep his path pure?
@@ -8485,7 +8484,6 @@
 \q I will not forget your word.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa GIMEL
 \q
 \v 17 Be kind to your servant so that I may live
@@ -8519,7 +8517,6 @@
 \q and they are my counselors.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa DALETH
 \q
 \v 25 My life clings to the dust!
@@ -8553,7 +8550,6 @@
 \q for you enlarge my heart to do so.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa HE
 \q
 \v 33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes,
@@ -8580,14 +8576,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
-\q for your judgments are good.
+\v 39 Take away the reproach I dread,
+\q for your righteous judgments are good.
 \q
 \v 40 See, I have longed for your instructions;
 \q revive me in your righteousness.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa VAV
 \q
 \v 41 Yahweh, give me your unfailing love—
@@ -8621,7 +8616,6 @@
 \q I will meditate on your statutes.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa ZAYIN
 \q
 \v 49 Call to mind your word to your servant
@@ -8655,7 +8649,6 @@
 \q because I have observed your instructions.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa HETH
 \q
 \v 57 Yahweh is my portion;
@@ -8689,7 +8682,6 @@
 \q teach me your statutes.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa TETH
 \q
 \v 65 You have done good to your servant,
@@ -8723,7 +8715,6 @@
 \q than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa YOD
 \q
 \v 73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
@@ -8758,7 +8749,6 @@
 \q so that I may not be put to shame.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa KAPH
 \q
 \v 81 I faint with longing that you might rescue me!
@@ -8792,7 +8782,6 @@
 \q so that I may obey the solemn commands that come from your mouth.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa LAMEDH
 \q
 \v 89 Yahweh, your word stands forever;
@@ -8826,7 +8815,6 @@
 \q but your command is exceedingly broad.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa MEM
 \q
 \v 97 Oh how I love your law!
@@ -8860,7 +8848,6 @@
 \q therefore I hate every false way.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa NUN
 \q
 \v 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
@@ -8894,7 +8881,6 @@
 \q forever to the very end.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa SAMEKH
 \q
 \v 113 I hate those who have a double mind,
@@ -8905,7 +8891,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 115 Get away from me, you evildoers,
+\v 115 Get away from me, you evil doers,
 \q so that I may observe the commandments of my God.
 \q
 \v 116 Sustain me by your word so that I may live
@@ -8928,7 +8914,6 @@
 \q and I am afraid of your righteous decrees.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa AYIN
 \q
 \v 121 I do what is just and right;
@@ -8962,7 +8947,6 @@
 \q and I hate every path of falsehood.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa PE
 \q
 \v 129 Your rules are wonderful,
@@ -8996,7 +8980,6 @@
 \q because people do not observe your law.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa TSADHE
 \q
 \v 137 You are righteous, Yahweh,
@@ -9030,7 +9013,6 @@
 \q give me understanding that I may live.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa QOPH
 \q
 \v 145 I cried out with my whole heart, "Answer me, Yahweh,
@@ -9064,7 +9046,6 @@
 \q that you had set them in place forever.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa RESH
 \q
 \v 153 Look on my affliction and help me,
@@ -9098,7 +9079,6 @@
 \q every one of your righteous decrees lasts forever.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa SHIN
 \q
 \v 161 Princes persecute me without cause,
@@ -9132,7 +9112,6 @@
 \q for you are aware of everything I do.
 
 \s5
-\p
 \qa TAV
 \q
 \v 169 Listen to my cry for help, Yahweh;
@@ -9247,7 +9226,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 4 The tribes go up to Jerusalem—the tribes of Yah— \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f* 
+\v 4 The tribes go up to Jerusalem—the tribes of Yahweh—
 \q as a testimony for Israel,
 \q to give thanks to the name of Yahweh.
 \q
@@ -9279,7 +9258,7 @@
 \q you who are enthroned in the heavens.
 \q
 \v 2 See, as the eyes of servants look to their master's hand,
-\q as the eyes of a servant girl look to the hand of her mistress,
+\q as the eyes of a servant girl look to her mistress's hand,
 \q so our eyes look to Yahweh our God
 \q until he has mercy on us.
 
@@ -9479,8 +9458,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 If you, Yah, would mark iniquities,  
-\q Lord, who could stand?  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\v 3 If you, Yahweh, would mark iniquities,
+\q Lord, who could stand?
 \q
 \v 4 But there is forgiveness with you,
 \q that you may be revered.
@@ -9635,7 +9614,7 @@
 \c 135
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah!  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Praise the name of Yahweh.
 \q Praise him, you servants of Yahweh,
 \q
@@ -9644,11 +9623,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 Give praise to Yah, for he is good; \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\v 3 Praise Yahweh, for he is good;
 \q sing praises to his name, for it is pleasant to do so.
 \q
-\v 4 For Yah has chosen Jacob for himself, \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
-\q Israel as his own possession.
+\v 4 For Yahweh has chosen Jacob for himself,
+\q Israel as his possession.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -9716,7 +9695,7 @@
 \q
 \v 21 Blessed be Yahweh in Zion,
 \q he who lives in Jerusalem.
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 136
@@ -9900,7 +9879,7 @@
 \q
 \v 8 Yahweh is with me to the end;
 \q your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, endures forever.
-\q Do not abandon the works of your hands.
+\q Do not forsake the works of your hands.
 
 \s5
 \c 139
@@ -10078,7 +10057,7 @@
 \q guard the door of my lips.
 \q
 \v 4 Do not let my heart desire any evil thing
-\q or participate in wicked deeds
+\q or participate in sinful activities
 \q with men who behave wickedly.
 \q May I not eat any of their delicacies.
 
@@ -10362,7 +10341,7 @@
 \c 146
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Praise Yahweh, my soul.
 \q
 \v 2 I give praise to Yahweh with all my life;
@@ -10403,13 +10382,13 @@
 \q
 \v 10 Yahweh will reign forever,
 \q your God, Zion, for all generations.
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 147
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah, \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh,
 \q for it is good to sing praises to our God;
 \q it is pleasant, and praise is suitable.
 
@@ -10488,14 +10467,13 @@
 \q
 \v 20 He has not done so with any other nation,
 \q and as for his decrees, they do not know them.
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
-\q for it is good to sing praises to our God;
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 148
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Praise Yahweh, you in the heavens;
 \q praise him, you in the heights.
 \q
@@ -10551,13 +10529,13 @@
 \v 14 He has lifted up the horn of his people
 \q for praise from all his faithful ones,
 \q the people of Israel, the people near to him.
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*  
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 149
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah! \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*    
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Sing to Yahweh a new song;
 \q sing his praise in the assembly of the faithful ones.
 
@@ -10592,13 +10570,13 @@
 \q
 \v 9 They will execute the judgment that is written.
 \q This will be an honor for all his faithful ones.
-\q Give praise to Yah. \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*    
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \c 150
 \m
 \q
-\v 1 Give praise to Yah! \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f* 
+\v 1 Praise Yahweh.
 \q Praise God in his holy place;
 \q praise him in the mighty heavens.
 \q
@@ -10618,6 +10596,6 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 6 Let everything that has breath give praise to Yah!
-\q Give praise to Yah! \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f* 
+\v 6 Let everything that has breath praise Yahweh.
+\q Praise Yahweh.
 

20-PRO.usfm

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 \q fools despise wisdom and instruction.
 \q
 \v 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father
-\q and do not abandon the rules of your mother;
+\q and do not forsake the rules of your mother;
 \q
 \v 9 they will be a graceful wreath for your head
 \q and pendants hanging from your neck.
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@
 \v 16 Wisdom and discretion will save you from an adulteress,
 \q from an immoral woman and her flattering words.
 \q
-\v 17 She abandons the companion of her youth
+\v 17 She forsakes the companion of her youth
 \q and forgets the covenant of her God.
 
 \s5
@@ -368,7 +368,7 @@
 \q and pay attention so you will know what understanding is.
 \q
 \v 2 I am giving you good instructions;
-\q do not abandon my teaching.
+\q do not forsake my teaching.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -626,9 +626,9 @@
 \q
 \v 16 There are six things that Yahweh hates,
 \q seven that are an abomination to him:
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \v 17 the eyes of a proud person, a tongue that lies,
 \q hands that shed the blood of innocent people,
 \q
@@ -641,7 +641,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 20 My son, obey the command of your father
-\q and do not abandon the teaching of your mother.
+\q and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.
 \q
 \v 21 Always bind them on your heart;
 \q tie them about your neck.
@@ -805,7 +805,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 26 She has caused many people to fall down pierced;
-\q those she has killed are numerous.
+\q those she has slain are numerous.
 \q
 \v 27 Her house is on the paths to Sheol;
 \q they go down to the dark bedrooms of death.
@@ -1192,8 +1192,8 @@
 \v 10 When righteous people prosper, a city rejoices;
 \q when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
 \q
-\v 11 Through the blessings of the upright the city is exalted;
-\q by the mouth of the wicked the city is thrown down.
+\v 11 Through the blessings of the upright, the city is exalted;
+\q by the mouth of the wicked, the city is torn down.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1205,7 +1205,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 14 Where there is no counsel, a nation falls,
+\v 14 Where there is no wise direction, a nation falls,
 \q but victory comes through many counselors.
 
 \s5
@@ -1672,7 +1672,7 @@
 \v 9 The way of wicked people is an abomination to Yahweh,
 \q but he loves the one who pursues what is right.
 \q
-\v 10 Harsh discipline awaits anyone who abandons the way
+\v 10 Harsh discipline awaits anyone who forsakes the way
 \q and he who hates correction will die.
 
 \s5
@@ -1704,7 +1704,7 @@
 \v 17 Better is a meal with vegetables where there is love
 \q than a fatted calf served with hatred.
 \q
-\v 18 An angry man stirs up strife,
+\v 18 An angry man stirs up arguments,
 \q but a person who is slow to anger quiets a quarrel.
 
 \s5
@@ -2760,7 +2760,7 @@
 \v 5 A warrior of wisdom is strong,
 \q and a man of knowledge increases his strength;
 \q
-\v 6 for with guidance you can wage your war
+\v 6 for by wise direction you can wage your war
 \q and with many advisors there is victory.
 
 \s5
@@ -2811,7 +2811,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls
+\v 17 Do not celebrate when your enemy falls
 \q and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
 \q
 \v 18 or Yahweh will see and disapprove
@@ -3151,7 +3151,7 @@
 \v 9 Perfume and incense make the heart rejoice,
 \q but the sweetness of a friend comes from his sincere counsel. \f + \ft Many modern translations have different interpretations of this difficult verse. \f*
 \q
-\v 10 Do not abandon your friend and your friend's father,
+\v 10 Do not forsake your friend and your friend's father,
 \q and do not go to your brother's house on the day of your calamity.
 \q Better is a neighbor who is nearby than a brother who is far away.
 
@@ -3236,7 +3236,7 @@
 \v 3 A poor person who oppresses other poor people
 \q is like a beating rain that leaves no food.
 \q
-\v 4 Those who abandon the law praise wicked people,
+\v 4 Those who forsake the law praise wicked people,
 \q but those who keep the law fight against them.
 
 \s5
@@ -3252,7 +3252,7 @@
 \v 7 He who keeps the law is a son who has understanding,
 \q but one who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
 \q
-\v 8 The one who makes his fortune by usury and interest
+\v 8 The one who makes his fortune by charging too much interest
 \q gathers his wealth for another who will be gracious to the poor.
 
 \s5
@@ -3275,7 +3275,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 13 The one who hides his sins will not prosper,
-\q but the one who confesses them and abandons them will be shown mercy.
+\q but the one who confesses them and forsakes them will be shown mercy.
 \q
 \v 14 The one who always lives with reverence is blessed,
 \q but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
@@ -3353,7 +3353,7 @@
 \q but he who keeps company with prostitutes destroys his wealth.
 \q
 \v 4 The king establishes the land by justice,
-\q but the one who demands bribes throws it down.
+\q but the one who demands bribes tears it down.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -3362,10 +3362,10 @@
 \q
 \v 6 In the sin of an evil person is a trap,
 \q but the righteous person sings and rejoices.
+\q
 
 \s5
 \q
-\q
 \v 7 The righteous person knows the rights of the poor;
 \q the wicked person does not understand such knowledge.
 \q
@@ -3663,7 +3663,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 18 She knows what will make a good profit for her;
+\v 18 She perceives what will make a good profit for her;
 \q all night long her lamp is not extinguished.
 \q
 \v 19 She puts her hands on the spindle,

21-ECC.usfm

@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@
 \q2 together they can earn a good wage for their labor.
 \q1
 \v 10 For if one falls, the other can lift up his friend.
-\q2 However, woe to the one who is alone when he falls
+\q2 However, sorrow follows the one who is alone when he falls
 \q2 if there is no one to lift him up.
 \q1
 \v 11 If two lie down together, they can be warm,
@@ -382,7 +382,7 @@
 \c 6
 \p
 \v 1 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavy on men.
-\v 2 God gives riches, wealth, and honor to a man so that he lacks nothing that he desires for himself, but then God gives him no ability to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger enjoys them. This is meaningless and a terrible affliction.
+\v 2 God might give riches, wealth, and honor to a man so that he lacks nothing that he desires for himself, but then God gives him no ability to enjoy it. Instead, someone else uses his things. This is meaningless and a terrible affliction.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but if his heart is not satisfied with good and he is not buried, then I say that a baby that is born dead is better off than he is.
@@ -657,13 +657,13 @@
 \s5
 \q1
 \p
-\v 11 Again I saw under the sun:
-\q2 the race is not to the swift,
-\q2 nor is the battle to the strong,
-\q2 nor does food come to the wise,
-\q2 nor riches to the intelligent,
-\q2 nor favor to those with knowledge,
-\q1 but time and chance happen to them all.
+\v 11 I have seen some interesting things under the sun:
+\q2 The race does not belong to swift people.
+\q2 The battle does not belong to strong people.
+\q2 Bread does not belong to wise people.
+\q2 Riches do not belong to people of understanding.
+\q2 Favor does not belong to people of knowledge.
+\q1 Instead, time and chance affect them all.
 \q1
 \p
 \v 12 Surely, no one knows when his time will come.
@@ -694,7 +694,7 @@
 \p
 \q1
 \v 1 As dead flies cause perfume to stink,
-\q2 so a little folly can outweigh wisdom and honor.
+\q2 so a little folly can overpower wisdom and honor.
 \q1
 \v 2 The heart of a wise person tends to the right,
 \q2 but the heart of a fool tends to the left.
@@ -908,7 +908,7 @@
 \v 11 The words of wise people are like goads. Like nails driven deeply are the words of the masters in collections of their proverbs, which are taught by one shepherd.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 My son, be warned about something more. The making of many books has no end, and much study brings weariness to the body.
+\v 12 My son, be aware of something more. The making of many books has no end, and much study brings weariness to the body.
 
 \s5
 \q1

22-SNG.usfm

@@ -10,10 +10,10 @@
 \c 1
 \p
 \v 1 The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 2 Oh, that he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth,
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q for your love is better than wine.
 \q
 \v 3 Your anointing oils have a pleasing fragrance;
@@ -21,15 +21,15 @@
 \q so the young women love you.
 \q
 \v 4 Take me with you, and we will run.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q The king has brought me into his rooms.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q We are glad; We rejoice about you;
 \q let us praise your love; it is better than wine.
 \q It is right for the other women to love you.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the other women
 \q
 \v 5 I am dark but lovely,
 \q you daughters of Jerusalem—
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 \q but my own vineyard I have not kept.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q
 \v 7 Tell me, you whom my soul loves,
 \q where do you feed your flock?
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@
 \q beside the flocks of your companions?
 
 \s5
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \p
 \q
 \v 8 If you do not know, most beautiful among women,
@@ -70,7 +71,7 @@
 \q with silver studs.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 12 While the king lay on his couch,
 \q my nard emitted its fragrance.
@@ -82,13 +83,14 @@
 \q in the vineyards of En Gedi.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 15 Listen, you are beautiful, my love;
 \q listen, you are beautiful;
 \q your eyes are doves.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \p
 \q
 \v 16 Listen, you are handsome, my beloved, how handsome.
@@ -99,16 +101,17 @@
 
 \s5
 \c 2
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q
 \v 1 I am a meadow flower of Sharon,
 \q a lily of the valleys.
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 2 As a lily among thorns,
 \q so is my love among the young women.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \p
 \q
 \v 3 As an apricot tree among the trees of the forest,
@@ -120,16 +123,17 @@
 \q and his banner over me was love.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q
 \v 5 Revive me with raisin cakes and refresh me with apricots,
 \q for I am weak with love.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 6 His left hand is under my head,
 \q and his right hand embraces me.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to the other women
 \p
 \q
 \v 7 I want you to swear, daughters of Jerusalem,
@@ -138,6 +142,7 @@
 \q until she pleases.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \p
 \q
 \v 8 There is the sound of my beloved! Listen, here he comes,
@@ -178,7 +183,7 @@
 \q for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely."
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q
 \v 15 Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes
 \q that spoil vineyards,
@@ -188,7 +193,7 @@
 \q
 \v 16 My beloved is mine, and I am his;
 \q he grazes among the lilies with pleasure.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q
 \v 17 Go away, my beloved,
 \q before the day breathes and the shadows flee away.
@@ -197,7 +202,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \c 3
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 1 At night on my bed
 \q I was longing for him whom my soul loves;
@@ -220,6 +225,7 @@
 \q into the bedroom of the one who had conceived me.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to the other women
 \p
 \q
 \v 5 I want you to swear, daughters of Jerusalem,
@@ -228,6 +234,7 @@
 \q until she pleases.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \p
 \q
 \v 6 What is that coming up from the wilderness
@@ -254,7 +261,7 @@
 \q the back was made of gold, and the seat of purple cloth.
 \q Its interior was decorated with love
 \q by the daughters of Jerusalem.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the women of Jerusalem
 \q
 \v 11 Go out, daughters of Zion, and gaze on King Solomon,
 \q bearing the crown with which his mother crowned him
@@ -263,7 +270,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \c 4
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 1 Oh, you are beautiful, my love; you are beautiful.
 \q Your eyes are doves behind your veil.
@@ -346,7 +353,7 @@
 \v 15 You are a garden spring,
 \q a well of fresh water,
 \q streams flowing down from Lebanon.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q
 \v 16 Awake, north wind; come, south wind;
 \q blow on my garden so that its spices may give off their fragrance.
@@ -355,18 +362,18 @@
 
 \s5
 \c 5
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 1 I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride;
 \q I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.
 \q I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;
 \q I have drunk my wine with my milk.
-\p
+\s2 The friends speaking to the man and the woman
 \q Eat, friends;
 \q drink and be drunk with love.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 2 I was asleep, but my heart was awake.
 \q There is the sound of my beloved knocking and saying,
@@ -404,7 +411,7 @@
 \q the guards on the walls took my cloak away from me.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the women of the city
 \q
 \v 8 I want you to swear, daughters of Jerusalem,
 \q that if you find my beloved—
@@ -412,7 +419,7 @@
 \q that I am weak with love.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The women of the city speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 9 How is your beloved better than another beloved man,
 \q most beautiful among women?
@@ -420,6 +427,7 @@
 \q that you ask us to take an oath like this?
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to the women of the city
 \p
 \q
 \v 10 My beloved is radiant and ruddy,
@@ -458,7 +466,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \c 6
-\p
+\s2 The women of Jerusalem speaking to the young woman
 \q
 \v 1 Where has your beloved gone,
 \q most beautiful among women?
@@ -466,7 +474,7 @@
 \q so that we may seek him with you?
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 2 My beloved has gone down to his garden,
 \q to the beds of spices,
@@ -476,7 +484,7 @@
 \q he grazes among the lilies with pleasure.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 4 You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my love,
 \q as lovely as Jerusalem,
@@ -500,7 +508,7 @@
 \q behind your veil.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to himself
 \q
 \v 8 There are sixty queens, eighty concubines,
 \q and young women without number.
@@ -512,7 +520,7 @@
 \q the queens and the concubines saw her also, and they praised her:
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 What the queens and the concubines said
 \q
 \v 10 "Who is this who appears like the dawn,
 \q as beautiful as the moon,
@@ -520,7 +528,7 @@
 \q as awe-inspiring as an army with its banners?"
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to himself
 \q
 \v 11 I went down into the grove of nut trees
 \q to see the young growth in the valley,
@@ -532,17 +540,17 @@
 \q on the chariots of my noble people.
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The friends speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 13 Turn back, turn back, you Shulammite! \f + \ft The meaning of Shulammite is uncertain. It may mean \fqa you perfect woman \fqa* or \fqa you woman from Shulam \fqa* . \f*
 \q Turn back, turn back so that we may gaze on you!
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the friends
 \q Why do you gaze on the Shulammite,
 \q as if on the dance of Mahanaim? \f + \ft The meaning of Mahanaim is uncertain. It may be the name of a place or "two armies." Two of the possible meanings of this last phrase of verse 13 are \fqa on the dance of Mahanaim \fqa* and \fqa on the dance between two armies \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
 \c 7
-\p
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \q
 \v 1 How beautiful your feet appear in your sandals, prince's daughter!
 \q The curves of your thighs are like jewels,
@@ -592,6 +600,7 @@
 \q gliding over the lips of those who sleep. \f + \ft Some copies of the ancient Greek translation and other ancient translations of the Hebrew copies have: \fqa over my lips and teeth \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \p
 \q
 \v 10 I am my beloved's,
@@ -616,7 +625,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \c 8
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q
 \v 1 I wish that you were like my brother,
 \q who nursed at my mother's breasts.
@@ -629,12 +638,13 @@
 \q she who taught me.
 \q I would give you spiced wine to drink
 \q and some of the juice of my pomegranates.
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 3 His left hand is under my head
 \q and his right hand embraces me.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to the other women
 \p
 \q
 \v 4 I want you to swear, daughters of Jerusalem,
@@ -642,11 +652,12 @@
 \q until she pleases.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The women of Jerusalem speaking
 \p
 \q
 \v 5 Who is this who is coming up from the wilderness,
 \q leaning on her beloved?
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \q I awakened you under the apricot tree;
 \q there your mother conceived you;
 \q there she gave birth to you, she delivered you.
@@ -656,7 +667,7 @@
 \v 6 Set me as a seal over your heart,
 \q like a seal on your arm,
 \q for love is as strong as death.
-\q Jealousy is as unrelenting as Sheol;
+\q Passionate devotion is as unrelenting as Sheol;
 \q its flames burst out; it is a blazing flame,
 \q a flame hotter than any other fire.
 
@@ -668,6 +679,7 @@
 \q the offer would be utterly despised.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman's brothers speaking among themselves
 \p
 \q
 \v 8 We have a little sister,
@@ -683,13 +695,14 @@
 \q we will adorn her with boards of cedar.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \p
 \q
 \v 10 I was a wall, and my breasts were now like fortress towers;
 \q so I am in his eyes as one who brings peace. \f + \ft Some scholars read a play on the Hebrew word for "peace" and translate the Hebrew either: \fqa I am in his eyes as one who brings peace \fqa* or: \fqa so I have found favor in his eyes \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
-\p
+\s2 The woman speaking to herself
 \q
 \v 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon.
 \q He gave the vineyard to those who would maintain it.
@@ -700,6 +713,7 @@
 \q and the two hundred shekels are for those who maintain its fruit.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The man speaking to the woman
 \p
 \q
 \v 13 You who live in the gardens,
@@ -707,6 +721,7 @@
 \q let me hear it.
 
 \s5
+\s2 The woman speaking to the man
 \p
 \q
 \v 14 Hurry, my beloved,

23-ISA.usfm

@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 2
 \p
-\v 1 The things that Isaiah son of Amoz saw in a vision, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
+\v 1 The things that Isaiah son of Amoz perceived in a vision, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
 \p
 \q1
 \v 2 It will be in the last days
@@ -354,9 +354,9 @@
 \v 25 Your men will fall by the sword, and your strong men will fall in war.
 \q1
 \v 26 Jerusalem's gates will lament and mourn; and she will be alone and sit upon the ground.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \c 4
 \m
 \q1
@@ -502,7 +502,7 @@
 \q1
 \v 25 Therefore the anger of Yahweh is kindled against his people. He has reached out with his hand against them and has punished them.
 \q1 The mountains tremble, and their corpses are like garbage in the streets.
-\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; his hand is still stretched out.
+\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand is still stretched out.
 
 \s5
 \m
@@ -557,7 +557,7 @@
 \v 8 I heard the voice of the Lord say, "Whom will I send; who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am; send me."
 \q1
 \v 9 He said, "Go and tell this people,
-\q1 'Hearing, you will hear, but you will not understand; seeing, you will see, but you will not know.'
+\q1 'Listen, but do not understand; see, but do not perceive.'
 
 \s5
 \v 10 Make the heart of this people insensitive, and their ears dull, and blind their eyes.
@@ -683,7 +683,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 Yahweh spoke to me, with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people.
+\v 11 Yahweh spoke to me, with his strong hand upon me, and admonished me not to walk in the way of this people.
 \p
 \q1
 \v 12 Do not call conspiracy anything that this people calls conspiracy,
@@ -781,9 +781,8 @@
 \q1
 \v 11 Therefore Yahweh will raise up against him Rezin, his adversary, and will stir up his enemies,
 \q1
-\v 12 the Arameans on the east, and the Philistines on the west. 
-\q1 They will devour Israel with open mouth.
-\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; his hand is still stretched out.
+\v 12 the Arameans on the east, and the Philistines on the west. They will devour Israel with open mouth.
+\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand is still stretched out.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -800,7 +799,7 @@
 \q1
 \v 17 Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men nor will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows,
 \q1 since every one is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks foolish things.
-\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; his hand is still stretched out.
+\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand is still stretched out.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -817,7 +816,7 @@
 \q1 Each will even eat the flesh of his own arm. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa the flesh of his own arm \fqa* , some scholars understand the Hebrew here to mean \fqa the flesh of his own children \fqa* . \f*
 \q1
 \v 21 Manasseh will devour Ephraim, and Ephraim, Manasseh; and they together will attack Judah.
-\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; his hand is still stretched out.
+\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand is still stretched out.
 
 \s5
 \c 10
@@ -834,7 +833,7 @@
 \q1 To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth?
 \q1
 \v 4 Nothing remains, and you crouch among the prisoners or fall among the killed.
-\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; his hand is still stretched out.
+\q1 In all these things, his anger does not subside; instead, his hand is still stretched out.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -906,7 +905,7 @@
 \q1
 \v 22 For though your people, Israel, are like the sand of the seashore, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, as overflowing righteousness demands.
 \q1
-\v 23 For the Lord Yahweh of hosts is about to carry out the destruction determined throughout the land.
+\v 23 For the Lord Yahweh of hosts, is about to carry out the destruction determined throughout the land.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -962,7 +961,7 @@
 \q1 he will not judge by what his eyes see, nor decide by what his ears hear.
 \q1
 \v 4 Instead, he will judge the poor with righteousness and decide fairly for the humble of the earth.
-\q1 He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked.
+\q1 He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
 \q1
 \v 5 Righteousness will be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his hips.
 
@@ -1005,7 +1004,7 @@
 \q1
 \v 14 Instead they will swoop down on the Philistine hills on the west,
 \q1 and together they will plunder the people of the east.
-\q1 They will possess Edom and Moab, and the people of Ammon will obey them.
+\q1 They will attack Edom and Moab, and the people of Ammon will obey them.
 \q1
 \v 15 Yahweh will completely destroy the gulf of the Sea of Egypt.
 \q1 With his scorching wind he will wave his hand over the Euphrates River
@@ -1023,7 +1022,7 @@
 \q1 "I will give thanks to you, Yahweh. For though you were angry with me, your wrath has turned away, and you have comforted me.
 \q1
 \v 2 See, God is my salvation; I will trust and will not fear,
-\q1 for Yah, yes, Yahweh is my strength and song. He has become my salvation."  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\q1 for Yahweh, yes, Yahweh is my strength and song. He has become my salvation."
 
 \s5
 \q1
@@ -1132,7 +1131,7 @@
 \c 14
 \p
 \v 1 Yahweh will have compassion on Jacob; he will again choose Israel and restore them into their own land. Foreigners will join with them and attach themselves to the house of Jacob.
-\v 2 The nations will bring them to their own place. Then the house of Israel will take possession of them in the land of Yahweh as male servants and female servants. They will take captive those who had captured them, and they will rule over their oppressors.
+\v 2 The nations will bring them to their own place. Then the house of Israel will take possession them in the land of Yahweh as male and female servants. They will take captive those who had captured them, and they will rule over their oppressors.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1196,7 +1195,7 @@
 \q1 all of them lie down in honor, each one in his own tomb.
 \q1
 \v 19 But you are cast out of your grave like an abhorrent branch.
-\q1 Those who were killed cover you like a garment, those pierced by the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit like a trampled corpse.
+\q1 The slain cover you like a garment, those pierced by the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit like a trampled corpse.
 \q1
 \v 20 You will not join them in burial, because you have destroyed your land
 \q1 and killed your people.
@@ -1397,7 +1396,7 @@
 \p
 \q1
 \v 9 On that day their strong cities will be like the abandoned wooded slopes on the hill summits,
-\q1 which were abandoned because of the people of Israel, and they will become a desolation.
+\q1 which were forsaken because of the people of Israel, and they will become a desolation.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1697,8 +1696,8 @@
 \v 12 The Lord Yahweh of hosts called on that day
 \q1 for weeping, for mourning, for shaved heads, and the wearing of sackcloth.
 \q1
-\v 13 But look, there is celebration and gladness, killing cattle and slaughtering sheep,
-\q1 eating meat and drinking wine: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die."
+\v 13 But look, instead, celebration and gladness, killing cattle and slaughtering sheep,
+\q1 eating meat and drinking wine; let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die.
 \p
 \q1
 \v 14 This was revealed in my ears by Yahweh of hosts:
@@ -1929,8 +1928,8 @@
 \v 1 Yahweh, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name;
 \q1 for you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago, in perfect faithfulness.
 \q1
-\v 2 For you have made a city a heap, a fortified city a ruin;
-\q1 a palace of foreigners is no longer a city; it will never be rebuilt. 
+\v 2 For you have made the city a heap, a fortified city, a ruin,
+\q1 and a fortress of strangers into no city.
 \q1
 \v 3 Therefore a strong people will glorify you; a city of ruthless nations will fear you.
 
@@ -1995,7 +1994,7 @@
 \q1
 \v 3 The mind that is stayed on you, you will keep him in perfect peace, for he trusts in you.
 \q1
-\v 4 Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh is an everlasting rock.  \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*     
+\v 4 Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting rock.
 
 \s5
 \q1
@@ -2070,7 +2069,7 @@
 \q1 hide for a short time, until the indignation has passed by.
 \q1
 \v 21 For, look, Yahweh is about to come out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity;
-\q1 the earth will uncover her bloodshed, and will no longer conceal those she killed.
+\q1 the earth will uncover her bloodshed, and will no longer conceal her slain.
 
 \s5
 \c 27
@@ -2104,7 +2103,7 @@
 \m
 \p
 \q1
-\v 7 Has Yahweh attacked Jacob and Israel as he attacked those nations who attacked them? Have Jacob and Israel been killed as their killers were killed?
+\v 7 Has Yahweh attacked Jacob and Israel as he attacked those nations who attacked them? Have Jacob and Israel been slain as in the slaughter of those nations that were slain by them?
 \q1
 \v 8 In exact measure you have contended, sending Jacob and Israel away; he drove them away with his severe breath in the day of the east wind. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa In exact measure \fqa* , many modern translations have an idea similar to \fqa By driving them away \fqa* . \f*
 
@@ -2116,7 +2115,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q1
-\v 10 For the fortified city is desolate, the habitation is deserted and abandoned like the wilderness.
+\v 10 For the fortified city is desolate, the habitation is deserted and forsaken like the wilderness.
 \q1 There a calf feeds, and there he lies down and consumes its branches.
 \q1
 \v 11 When the boughs are withered, they will be broken off. Women will come and make fires with them,
@@ -2128,7 +2127,7 @@
 \p
 \q1
 \v 12 It will come about on that day
-\q1 that Yahweh will thresh from the Euphrates River to the Brook of Egypt
+\q1 that Yahweh will thresh from the Euphrates River to the Wadi of Egypt
 \q1 and you, the people of Israel, will be gathered together one by one.
 \q1
 \v 13 On that day a great ram's horn will be blown;
@@ -2574,7 +2573,7 @@
 \q1
 \v 9 They will lose all confidence because of terror, and his princes will be afraid at the sight of Yahweh's signal flag—
 \q1 this is the declaration of Yahweh—
-\q1 whose fire is in Zion and whose firepot is in Jerusalem."
+\q1 whose fire is in Zion and whose fire pot is in Jerusalem."
 
 \s5
 \c 32
@@ -2626,7 +2625,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q1
-\v 14 For the palace will be abandoned, the crowded city will be deserted;
+\v 14 For the palace will be forsaken, the crowded city will be deserted;
 \q1 the hill and the watchtower will become caves forever,
 \q1 a joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks;
 \q1
@@ -2687,7 +2686,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q1
-\v 9 The land mourns and wastes away; Lebanon is ashamed and withers away; \f + \ft The word \fqa mourns \fqa* can be also be read as \fqa dries up \fqa* . The two Hebrew words are spelled the same. Isaiah 24:4 is similar, and the meaning there is clearly \fqa dries up \fqa* .
+\v 9 The land mourns and wastes away; Lebanon is ashamed and withers away; \f + The word \fqa mourns \fqa* can be also be read as \fqa dries up \fqa* . The two Hebrew words are spelled the same. Isaiah 24:4 is similar, and the meaning there is clearly \fqa dries up \fqa* .
 \q1 Sharon is like a desert plain; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves.
 
 \s5
@@ -2735,8 +2734,8 @@
 \q1 your eyes will see Jerusalem as a quiet habitation, a tent that will not be removed,
 \q1 whose stakes will never be pulled up nor will any of its cords be broken.
 \q1
-\v 21 There Yahweh in majesty will be with us, in a place of broad rivers and streams,
-\q1 where no warship with oars will travel, and no large ships will sail.
+\v 21 Instead, Yahweh in majesty will be with us, in a place of broad rivers and streams.
+\q1 No warship with oars will travel it, and no large ships will sail by.
 
 \s5
 \q1
@@ -3065,7 +3064,7 @@
 \v 10 "I said that halfway through my life
 \q1 I will go through the gates of Sheol; I am sent there for the rest of my years.
 \q1
-\v 11 I said that I will no longer see Yah, Yah in the land of the living; \f + \ft Yah is a short form of the name Yahweh.\f*   
+\v 11 I said that I will no longer see Yahweh, Yahweh in the land of the living;
 \q1 I will no longer look on mankind or the inhabitants of the world. \f + \ft \fqa the inhabitants of the world \fqa* : \ft Most modern translations have this meaning. Ancient Hebrew copies have \fqa the inhabitants of the place of non-existence \fqa* (that is, brief existence). \f*
 
 \s5
@@ -3109,9 +3108,9 @@
 \q1
 \v 20 Yahweh is about to save me, and we will celebrate with music
 \q1 all the days of our lives in the house of Yahweh."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 21 Now Isaiah had said, "Let them take a lump of figs and put it on the boil, and he will recover."
 \v 22 Hezekiah also had said, "What will be the sign that I should go up to the house of Yahweh?"
@@ -3336,7 +3335,7 @@
 \p
 \q1
 \v 17 The oppressed and needy look for water, but there is none, and their tongues are parched for thirst;
-\q1 I, Yahweh, will respond to their prayers; I, the God of Israel, will not abandon them.
+\q1 I, Yahweh, will respond to their prayers; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
 \q1
 \v 18 I will make streams to flow down the slopes, and springs in the middle of the valleys;
 \q1 I will make the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into springs of water.
@@ -3575,7 +3574,7 @@
 \q1
 \v 18 "Do not think about these former things, nor consider the things of long ago.
 \q1
-\v 19 Look, I am about to do a new thing; now it begins to happen; do you not know it?
+\v 19 Look, I am about to do a new thing; now it begins to happen; do you not perceive it?
 \q1 I will make a road in the desert and streams of water in the wilderness.
 
 \s5
@@ -3986,7 +3985,7 @@
 \q1 which you have faithfully recited since your childhood;
 \q1 perhaps you will profit from them, perhaps you will cause trembling.
 \q1
-\v 13 You are tired out from so much counsel; let those men stand up
+\v 13 You are tired out with your many consultations; let those men stand up
 \q1 and save you—those who chart the heavens and prophesy by the stars,
 \q1 those who declare the new moons—let them save you from what will happen to you.
 
@@ -4007,7 +4006,7 @@
 \m
 \q1
 \v 1 Hear this, house of Jacob,
-\q1 who are called by the name Israel and have come from the waters of Judah;
+\q1 who are called by the name Israel, and have come from the sperm of Judah;
 \q1 you who swear by the name of Yahweh and invoke the God of Israel,
 \q1 but not sincerely nor in a righteous manner.
 \q1
@@ -4167,7 +4166,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \q1
-\v 14 But Zion said, "Yahweh has abandoned me, and the Lord has forgotten me."
+\v 14 But Zion said, "Yahweh has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me."
 \p
 \q1
 \v 15 "Can a woman forget her baby, nursing at her breast, so she does not have compassion on the son she has borne?
@@ -4322,7 +4321,7 @@
 \p
 \q1
 \v 7 Listen to me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your heart:
-\q1 Do not fear the scorn of men, nor be dismayed by their abuse.
+\q1 Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be dismayed by their abuse.
 \q1
 \v 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool;
 \q1 but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations."
@@ -4489,7 +4488,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q1
-\v 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellious deeds; he was crushed because of our iniquities.
+\v 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellious deeds; he was crushed because of our sins.
 \q1 The punishment for our peace was on him, and with his wounds we are healed.
 
 \s5
@@ -4546,10 +4545,8 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \q1
-\v 4 Do not fear for you will not be ashamed, 
-\q1 nor be discouraged for you will not be disgraced;
-\q1 you will forget the shame of your youth 
-\q1 and you will remember no more the disgrace of your widowhood.
+\v 4 Do not fear for you will not be ashamed, nor be discouraged for you will not be disgraced;
+\q1 you will forget the shame of your youth and the reproach of your abandonment.
 
 \s5
 \v 5 For your Maker is your husband; Yahweh of hosts is his name.
@@ -4591,8 +4588,7 @@
 \v 13 Then all your children will be taught by Yahweh;
 \q1 and the peace of your children will be great.
 \q1
-\v 14 In righteousness you will be established, and you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and you will be far from terror, for it will not come near to you.
-
+\v 14 In righteousness you will be established, and you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and from terror, for it will not come near to you.
 
 \s5
 \q1
@@ -4776,10 +4772,9 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \q1
-\v 11 "Whom are you worried about? Whom do you fear?
-\q1 Is that the reason that you have acted deceitfully,
-\q1 so that you do not remember me or think about me?
-\q1 Is it because I was silent for so long that you are no longer afraid of me?"
+\v 11 "Whom are you worried about? Whom do you fear so much that has caused you to act so deceitfully,
+\q1 so much that you would not remember me or think about me?
+\q1 Because I was silent for so long, you are no longer afraid of me.
 \q1
 \v 12 I will proclaim all your righteous acts and tell all that you have done,
 \q1 but they will not help you.
@@ -4787,10 +4782,8 @@
 \s5
 \q1
 \v 13 When you cry out, let your collection of idols rescue you.
-\q1 The wind will carry them all away, 
-\q1 a breath will carry them all away.
-\q1 But he who takes refuge in me will inherit the land
-\q1 and will possess my holy mountain.
+\q1 Instead the wind will carry them all away, a breath will carry them all away.
+\q1 Yet he who takes refuge in me will inherit the land and will take possession of my holy mountain.
 
 \s5
 \q1
@@ -4855,8 +4848,8 @@
 \q1 To release wicked bonds, to undo the ropes of the yoke,
 \q1 to set the crushed ones free, and to break every yoke?
 \q1
-\v 7 Is it not to break your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house,
-\q1 to cloth the naked when you see them, and not to hide yourself from your own relatives?
+\v 7 Is it not to break your bread with the hungry and to bring the poor and homeless into your house?"
+\q1 When you see someone naked, you should clothe him; and you should not hide yourself from your own relatives.
 
 \s5
 \q1
@@ -4865,7 +4858,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q1
-\v 9 Then you would call, and Yahweh would answer; you would cry out for help, and he would say, 'Here I am.'
+\v 9 Then you would call, and Yahweh would answer; you would cry out for help, and he would say, "Here I am."
 \q1 If you take away from among yourselves the yoke, the accusing finger, and the speech of wickedness,
 \q1
 \v 10 if you yourselves provide for the hungry and satisfy the need of the distressed;
@@ -4880,7 +4873,7 @@
 \s5
 \q1
 \v 12 Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the ruins of many generations;
-\q1 you will be called 'The repairer of the wall,' 'The restorer of streets to live on.'
+\q1 you will be called "The repairer of the wall," "The restorer of streets to live on."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -4891,7 +4884,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q1
-\v 14 Then you will find delight in Yahweh; and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
+\v 14 "Then you will find delight in Yahweh; and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
 \q1 I will feed you from the inheritance of Jacob your father—for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken."
 
 \s5
@@ -5053,8 +5046,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Instead of bronze I will bring gold, instead of iron I will bring silver;
-\q1 instead of wood, bronze, and instead of stones, iron. 
-\q1 I will appoint peace as your governors, and justice your rulers.
+\q1 instead of wood, bronze, and instead of stones, iron. I will appoint peace as your governors, and justice your rulers.
 \q1
 \v 18 Violence will no longer be heard in your land, neither devastation nor crushing within your borders;
 \q1 but you will call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.
@@ -5295,8 +5287,8 @@
 \q1
 \v 3 Previously, when you did awesome things that we had not expected, you came down, and the mountains trembled at your presence.
 \q1
-\v 4 Since ancient times no one has heard or listened,
-\q1 no eye has seen any God besides you, who takes action for the one who waits for him.
+\v 4 Since ancient times no one has heard or perceived,
+\q1 nor eye seen any God besides you, who does things for him who waits for him.
 
 \s5
 \q1

24-JER.usfm

@@ -48,11 +48,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 For I am calling all the tribes of the northern kingdoms—this is Yahweh's declaration. They will come, and everyone will set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all the walls that surround it, and against all the cities of Judah.
-\v 16 I will pronounce sentence against them for all their evil in abandoning me, in burning incense to other gods, and in worshiping the works of their own hands.
+\v 16 I will pronounce sentence against them for all their evil in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods, and in worshiping what they made with their own hands.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 17 Gird up your loins! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be shattered before them, or I will shatter you before them!
+\v 17 Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be shattered before them, or I will shatter you before them!
 \v 18 Behold! Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.
 \v 19 They will fight against you, but they will not defeat you, for I will be with you to rescue you—this is Yahweh's declaration."
 
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@
 \v 1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
 \q
 \v 2 "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem. Say, 'Yahweh says this:
-\q I have called to mind on your behalf the covenant faithfulness of your youth, your love at the time when we were engaged,
+\q I have called to mind on your behalf the covenant faithfulness in your youthfulness, your love at the time when we were engaged,
 \q when you went after me in the wilderness, the land that was not sown.
 \q
 \v 3 Israel was set apart to Yahweh, the firstfruits of his harvest!
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 12 Shudder, heavens, because of this! Be shocked and very desolate—this is Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 12 Shudder, heavens, because of this! Be shocked and horrified—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 \q
 \v 13 For my people have committed two evils against me: They have abandoned the springs of living waters,
 \q and they have dug out cisterns for themselves,
@@ -123,13 +123,13 @@
 \v 18 So now, why take the road to Egypt and drink the waters of Shihor?
 \q Why take the road to Assyria and drink the waters of the Euphrates River?
 \q
-\v 19 Your wickedness rebukes you, and your acts of apostasy punish you. So think about it and understand that it is wicked and bitter
-\q when you abandon Yahweh your God, and have no fear of me—this is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh of hosts.
+\v 19 Your wickedness rebukes you, and your faithlessness punishes you. So think about it and understand that it is wicked and bitter
+\q when you forsake Yahweh your God, and have no fear of me—this is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh of hosts.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 20 For in ancient days I broke your yoke; I tore your fetters off you. Still you said,
-\q 'I will not serve!' On every high hill and beneath every leafy tree you lay down as a prostitute.
+\v 20 For I broke your yoke that you had in ancient days; I tore your fetters off you. Still you said,
+\q 'I will not serve!' since you bowed down on every high hill and beneath every leafy tree, you adulterer.
 \q
 \v 21 I planted you as a choice vine, completely from pure seed.
 \q How then have you have changed yourself into a corrupt, worthless vine?
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@
 \q Look at what you did in the valleys! Consider what you have done—you are a swift female camel running here and there,
 \q
 \v 24 a wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness, in her heat sniffing the wind!
-\q Who can restrain her lust? None of the males need wear themselves out pursuing her; in her month they will find her.
+\q Who can restrain her lust? None of the males need wear themselves out pursuing her; at mating time they will find her.
 \q
 \v 25 You must restrain your feet from becoming bare and your throat from being thirsty!
 \q But you have said, 'It is hopeless! No, I love strangers and go after them!'
@@ -214,19 +214,19 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 6 Then Yahweh said to me in the days of Josiah the king, "Do you see what apostate Israel has done? She has gone up every high hill and under every leafy tree, and there she has acted like a prostitute.
+\v 6 Then Yahweh said to me in the days of Josiah the king, "Do you see what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up every high hill and under every leafy tree, and there she has acted like a prostitute.
 \v 7 I said, 'After she does all these things, she will return to me,' but she did not return. Then her faithless sister Judah saw these things.
 
 \s5
-\v 8 So I saw that, in the same way that apostate Israel had committed adultery and I had sent her away and had given a certificate of divorce against her, her faithless sister Judah did not fear; she also went out and acted like a prostitute.
+\v 8 So I saw that, in the same way that faithless Israel had committed adultery and I had sent her away and had given a bill of divorce against her, her faithless sister Judah did not fear; she also went out and acted like a prostitute.
 \v 9 Her prostitution was nothing to her; she defiled the land, and she committed adultery with stones and trees.
 \v 10 Then after all of this, her faithless sister Judah returned to me, not with all her heart, but with a lie—this is Yahweh's declaration."
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 Then Yahweh said to me, "Apostate Israel has been more righteous than faithless Judah!
+\v 11 Then Yahweh said to me, "Faithless Israel has been more righteous than faithless Judah!
 \v 12 Go and proclaim these words to the north. Say,
-\q 'Return, apostate Israel!—this is Yahweh's declaration—I will not always be angry with you.
+\q 'Return, faithless Israel!—this is Yahweh's declaration—I will not always be angry with you.
 \q Since I am faithful—this is Yahweh's declaration—I will not stay angry forever.
 
 \s5
@@ -261,18 +261,18 @@
 \v 21 A voice is heard on the plains, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel!
 \q For they have changed their ways; they have forgotten Yahweh their God.
 \q
-\v 22 "Return, faithless people! I will heal you of your apostasy!"
+\v 22 "Return, faithless people! I will heal you of treachery!"
 \q "Behold! We will come to you, for you are Yahweh our God!
 
 \s5
 \v 23 Surely lies come from the hills, a confusing noise from the mountains;
 \q surely Yahweh our God is the salvation of Israel.
 \q
-\v 24 Yet since our youth shameful idols have consumed the labor of our ancestors—
+\v 24 Yet shameful idols have consumed what our ancestors have worked for—
 \q their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters!
 \q
 \v 25 Let us lie down in shame. May our shame cover us, for we have sinned against Yahweh our God!
-\q We ourselves and our ancestors, from the time of our youth to this present day, have not listened to the voice of Yahweh our God!"
+\q We ourselves and our ancestors, from the time of our youthfulness to this present day, have not listened to the voice of Yahweh our God!"
 
 \s5
 \c 4
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@
 \q and remove the foreskins of your heart,
 \q men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or else my fury will break out like fire,
 \q and burn with no one to quench it,
-\q because of the wickedness of your practices.
+\q because of the wickedness of your deeds.
 \q
 \v 5 Report in Judah and let it be heard in Jerusalem.
 \q Say, "Blow the ram's horn in the land."
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@
 \v 6 Lift up the signal flag and point it toward Zion,
 \q and run for safety!
 \q Do not stay, for I am bringing disaster
-\q from the north and great crushing.
+\q from the north and a great collapse.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -311,13 +311,13 @@
 \q He is leaving his place to bring horror to your land,
 \q to turn your cities into ruins, where no one will live.
 \q
-\v 8 Because of this, gird yourselves with sackcloth, lament and wail.
+\v 8 Because of this, wrap yourself in sackcloth, lament and wail.
 \q For the force of Yahweh's anger has not turned away from us.
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \p
-\v 9 Then it will happen in that day—this is Yahweh's declaration—that the hearts of the king and his officials will die. The priests will be appalled, and the prophets will be astounded.'"
+\v 9 Then it will happen in that day—this is Yahweh's declaration—that the hearts of the king and his officials will die. The priests will be appalled, and the prophets will be horrified.'"
 \p
 \v 10 So I said, "Ah! Lord Yahweh. Surely you have completely deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, 'There will be peace for you.' Yet the sword is striking against their life."
 
@@ -329,13 +329,13 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 13 See, he comes up like clouds, and his chariots are like a storm. His horses are faster than eagles. Woe to us, for we will be devastated!
-\v 14 Cleanse your heart from wickedness, Jerusalem, so that you might be saved. How long will wicked thoughts lodge within you?
-\v 15 For a voice is bringing news from Dan and a report of trouble from the mountains of Ephraim.
+\v 14 Cleanse your heart from wickedness, Jerusalem, so that you might be saved. How long will your deepest thoughts be about how to sin?
+\v 15 For a voice is bringing news from Dan, and the coming disaster is heard from the mountains of Ephraim.
 
 \s5
 \v 16 Make the nations think about this: See, announce to Jerusalem that besiegers are coming from a distant land to shout in battle against the cities of Judah.
 \v 17 They will be like the watchmen of a cultivated field against her all around, since she has been rebellious against me—this is Yahweh's declaration—
-\v 18 and your conduct and your deeds have done these things to you. This will be your punishment. How bitter it will be! It will strike your very heart.
+\v 18 and your conduct and your deeds have done these things to you. This will be your punishment. How terrible it will be! It will strike your very heart.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -343,27 +343,27 @@
 \v 20 Disaster follows after disaster; for all the land lies in ruins. Suddenly my tents are destroyed, my curtains in a moment.
 
 \s5
-\v 21 How long will I see the signal flag? Will I hear the sound of the horn?
+\v 21 How long will I see the standard? Will I hear the sound of the horn?
 \p
-\v 22 For the foolishness of my people—they do not know me. They are stupid children, and they have no understanding. They are skilled at doing evil, but they do not know how to do good.
+\v 22 For the foolishness of my people—they do not know me. They are idiotic people and they have no understanding. They are skilled at doing evil, but they do not know how to do good.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 23 I saw the land. Behold! It was formless and empty. For there was no light for the heavens.
 \v 24 I looked at the mountains. Behold, they were trembling, and all the hills were shaking about.
 \v 25 I looked. Behold, there was no one, and all the birds of the heavens had fled.
-\v 26 I looked. Behold, the productive land was a wilderness and all the cities had been pulled down before Yahweh, before the fury of his wrath."
+\v 26 I looked. Behold, the orchards were a wilderness and all the cities had been pulled down before Yahweh, before the fury of his wrath."
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 27 This is what Yahweh says, "All the land will become a devastation, but I will not completely destroy it.
 \v 28 For this reason, the land will mourn, and the heavens above will darken. For I have declared my intentions; I will not hold back; I will not turn from carrying them out.
 \p
-\v 29 Every city will flee from the noise of the horseman and the archer with a bow; they will run into the forests. Every city will climb up into the rocky places. The cities will be abandoned, for there will be no one to inhabit them.
+\v 29 Every city will flee from the noise of the cavalry and the archers with a bow; they will run into the forests. Every city will climb up into the rocky places. The cities will be abandoned, for there will be no one to inhabit them.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 30 Now that you have been devastated, what will you do? For though you are clothed in scarlet, and though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, and though you make your eyes look bigger with paint, you are making yourself beautiful in vain. The men who lusted for you now reject you. They are trying to take away your life.
+\v 30 Now that you have been devastated, what will you do? For though you dress in scarlet, adorn yourself with gold jewelry, and make your eyes look bigger with paint, the men who lusted for you now reject you. Instead, they are trying to take away your life.
 \p
 \v 31 So I hear the sound of anguish, distress as in the birth of a firstborn child, the sound of the daughter of Zion. She is gasping for breath. She spreads out her hands, 'Woe to me! I am fainting because of these murderers.'"
 
@@ -387,9 +387,9 @@
 \v 5 I will go to the important people and declare God's messages to them, for they at least know Yahweh's ways, the decrees of their God."
 \q But they all broke their yoke together; they all tore apart the chains that bound them to God.
 \q
-\v 6 So a lion from a thicket will attack them. A wolf from the Arabah will devastate them.
-\q A leopard is watching their cities. Anyone who goes outside his city will be torn apart.
-\q For their transgressions increase. Their acts of apostasy are numerous.
+\v 6 So a lion from a thicket will attack them. A wolf from the Arabah will ruin them.
+\q A lurking panther will come against their cities. Anyone who goes outside his city will be torn apart.
+\q For their transgressions increase. Their acts of faithlessness are unlimited.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -451,10 +451,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 23 But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart. They have turned aside and gone away.
+\v 23 But this people has a stubborn heart. It turns away in rebellion and goes away.
 \q
 \v 24 For they do not say in their hearts, "Let us fear Yahweh our God, the one who brings the rain—
-\q the early rain and the late rains—in their right time, keeping the appointed weeks of the harvest for us."
+\q the early rain and the late rains—in their right time, keeping the fixed weeks of the harvest for us."
 \q
 \v 25 Your iniquities kept these things from happening. Your sins have stopped good from coming to you.
 
@@ -474,7 +474,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 30 An appalling and horrifying thing has occurred in the land.
+\v 30 Atrocities and horrors have occurred in the land.
 \q
 \v 31 The prophets prophesy with deceit, and the priests rule with their own power.
 \q My people love it this way, but what will happen in the end?'"
@@ -493,7 +493,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 4 "Dedicate yourselves to the gods for the battle. Arise, let us attack at noon.
-\q Woe to us! For the daylight is fading away and the evening shadows are falling.
+\q It is too bad that the daylight is fading away, that the evening shadows are falling.
 \q
 \v 5 But let us attack at night and destroy her fortresses."
 
@@ -503,14 +503,14 @@
 \q This is the right city to attack, because it is filled with oppression.
 \q
 \v 7 As a well pours out fresh water, so this city keeps producing wickedness.
-\q Violence and devastation are heard within her; sickness and wounds are continually before my face.
+\q Violence and disorder are heard within her; sickness and wounds are continually before my face.
 \q
 \v 8 Accept discipline, Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you
 \q and make you into a ruin, an uninhabited land.'"
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 9 Yahweh of hosts says this, "They will certainly glean the remnant of Israel like a vineyard.
+\v 9 Yahweh of hosts says this, "They will certainly glean those who are left in Israel like a vineyard.
 \q Reach out again with your hand to pick grapes from the vines.
 \q
 \v 10 To whom should I declare and warn so they will listen?
@@ -531,7 +531,7 @@
 \v 13 Yahweh declares that from the least to the greatest, all of them are greedy for dishonest gain.
 \q From the prophet to the priest, all of them practice deceit.
 \q
-\v 14 They have healed the brokenness of my people lightly,
+\v 14 They have healed the wounds of my people lightly,
 \q saying, 'Peace, Peace,' when there is no peace.
 \q
 \v 15 Were they ashamed when they practiced abominations? They were not ashamed; they did not know how to blush!
@@ -548,8 +548,8 @@
 \q
 \v 18 Therefore, nations, listen! See, you witnesses, what will happen to them.
 \q
-\v 19 Hear, earth! See, I am about to bring disaster to this people, the fruit of their thoughts,
-\q because they paid no attention to my word and they have rejected my law.
+\v 19 Hear, earth! See, I am about to bring disaster to this people—the fruit of their thoughts.
+\q They paid no attention to my word or law, but they instead rejected it.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@
 \v 25 Do not go out to the fields, and do not walk on the roads,
 \q for the swords of the enemy and terror are all around.
 \q
-\v 26 Daughter of my people, gird yourself with sackcloth and roll in ashes;
+\v 26 Daughter of my people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes;
 \q mourn with painful sobs as for an only son,
 \q for the destroyer will suddenly come upon us.
 
@@ -606,12 +606,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 5 For if you actually make your ways and practices good; if you completely execute justice between a man and his neighbor—
-\v 6 if you do not oppress the sojourner, the orphan, or the widow and do not pour out innocent blood in this place, and do not walk after other gods to your own harm—
+\v 6 if you do not exploit the one staying in the land, the orphan, or the widow and do not pour out innocent blood in this place, and do not walk after other gods to your own harm—
 \v 7 then I will let you stay in this place, in the land that I gave to your ancestors from ancient times and forever.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 8 Behold! You are entrusting yourselves to deceitful words that do not help you.
+\v 8 Behold! You are trusting in deceitful words that do not help you.
 \v 9 Do you steal, kill, and commit adultery? Do you swear deceitfully and offer incense to Baal and walk after other gods whom you have not known?
 \v 10 Then do you come and stand before me in this house that is called by my name and say, "We are saved," so you can do all of these abominations?
 \v 11 Is this house, which carries my name, a den of bandits in your eyes? But behold, I have seen it—this is Yahweh's declaration.'
@@ -625,7 +625,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 As for you, Jeremiah, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up a cry of distress or say a prayer on their behalf, and do not petition me, for I will not listen to you.
+\v 16 As for you, Jeremiah, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up a lamenting wail or say a prayer on their behalf, and do not petition me, for I will not listen to you.
 \v 17 Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
 \v 18 The children are gathering wood and the fathers kindling the fire! The women are kneading dough to make cakes for the queen of the heavens and pour out drink offerings for other gods so that they will provoke me.
 
@@ -635,14 +635,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel says this: 'Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat the meat.
+\v 21 Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel says this, 'Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and the meat from them.
 \v 22 For when I brought your ancestors out from the land of Egypt, I did not require anything from them. I gave them no command about matters of burnt offerings and sacrifices.
 \v 23 I only gave them this command, "Listen to my voice, and I will be your God and you will be my people. So walk in all the ways that I am commanding you, so that it may go well with you."
 
 \s5
 \v 24 But they did not listen or incline their ear. They lived by their own stubborn plans of their wicked hearts, so they went backwards, not forward.
 \v 25 Ever since the day when your ancestors went out from the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent every one of my servants, my prophets, to you. I persisted in sending them.
-\v 26 But they did not listen to me or incline their ear. Instead, they stiffened their necks. They were more wicked than their ancestors.'
+\v 26 But they did not listen to me or incline their ear. They paid no attention. Instead, they hardened their necks. They were more wicked than their ancestors.'
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -651,7 +651,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 29 Cut off your hair and shave yourself, and throw away your hair. Sing a dirge over the open places. For Yahweh has rejected and abandoned this generation in his rage.
+\v 29 Cut off your hair and shave yourself, and throw away your hair. Sing a funeral song over the open places. For Yahweh has rejected and abandoned this generation in his rage.
 \v 30 For the sons of Judah have done evil in my eye—this is Yahweh's declaration—they have set their detestable things in the house that is called by my name, in order to defile it.
 
 \s5
@@ -667,20 +667,20 @@
 \p
 \v 1 "At that time—this is Yahweh's declaration—they will bring out from the graves the bones of the kings of Judah and its officials, the bones of the priests and the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
 \v 2 Then they will spread them out in the light of the sun and moon and all the stars of the skies; these things in the sky that they have followed and served, that they have walked after and sought, and that they have worshiped. The bones will not be gathered or buried again. They will be like dung on the surface of the earth.
-\v 3 In every place where I have driven them, death will be chosen instead of life by all who remain from this evil family—this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts.
+\v 3 In every remaining place where I have driven them, they will choose death instead of life for themselves, all who are still left over from this evil nation—this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 4 So say to them, 'Yahweh says this: Does anyone fall and not get up? Does anyone get lost and not try to return?
 \q
-\v 5 Why has this people, Jerusalem, turned away in permanent apostasy?
-\q They hold on to deceit and refuse to repent.
+\v 5 Why has this people, Jerusalem, turned away in permanent faithlessness?
+\q They hold on to treachery and refuse to repent.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 6 I paid attention and listened, but they did not speak right; no one repented of his wickedness,
+\v 6 I paid attention and listened, but they did not speak right; no one was sorry for his wickedness,
 \q no one who says, "What have I done?" All of them go where they wish,
-\q like a horse rushing toward battle.
+\q like a stallion rushing toward battle.
 \q
 \v 7 Even the stork in heaven knows the right times; and the doves, swifts, and cranes.
 \q They go on their migrations at the right time, but my people do not know Yahweh's decrees.
@@ -698,8 +698,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 11 They have healed the brokenness of my people lightly,
-\q saying, "Peace, Peace," when there is no peace.
+\v 11 They healed the wounds of my people lightly,
+\q saying, "Peace, Peace," when there was no peace.
 \q
 \v 12 Were they ashamed when they practiced abominations? They were not ashamed; they did not know how to blush! So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says Yahweh.
 \q
@@ -724,7 +724,7 @@
 \q
 \v 18 My sorrow has no end, and my heart is sick.
 \q
-\v 19 Behold! The cry for help of the daughter of my people from a land far away! Is Yahweh not in Zion?
+\v 19 Behold! The screaming voice of the daughter of my people from a land far away! Is Yahweh not in Zion?
 \q Is her king no longer there? Why then do they provoke me to anger with their carved figures and their worthless foreign idols?
 
 \s5
@@ -743,11 +743,11 @@
 \q For I wish to weep day and night for those among the daughter of my people who have been killed.
 \q
 \v 2 If only someone would give me a place for travelers in the wilderness to stay, where I could go to abandon my people.
-\q If only I could leave them, since all of them are adulterers, a company of traitors!
+\q If only I could leave them, since all of them are adulterers, a band of traitors!
 \q
-\v 3 "They bend their tongues like their bows for lies,
+\v 3 Yahweh declares, "They bend their tongues like their bows for lies,
 \q and it is not because of any faithfulness of theirs that they grow strong on the earth.
-\q For they go from one wicked act to another. They do not know me." This is Yahweh's declaration.
+\q For they go from one wicked act to another. They do not know me."
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -764,7 +764,7 @@
 \v 7 Yahweh of hosts says this, "See, I am about to refine them and test them,
 \q for what else can I do, because of what my people have done?
 \q
-\v 8 Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deceit.
+\v 8 Their tongues are sharpened arrows; they speak unfaithful things.
 \q With their mouths they proclaim peace with their neighbors, but with their hearts they lie in wait for them.
 \q
 \v 9 Should I not punish them because of these things—this is Yahweh's declaration—
@@ -772,15 +772,15 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 10 I will sing a song of mourning and wailing for the mountains, and a dirge will be sung for the meadows in the wilderness.
-\q For they have been made desolate and no one can pass through them, and the lowing of the cattle is not heard.
+\v 10 I will sing a song of mourning and wailing for the mountains, and a funeral song will be sung for the meadows.
+\q For they are laid waste and no one can pass through them, and the lowing of the cattle is not heard.
 \q The birds of the skies and the animals have all fled away.
 \q
 \v 11 So I will turn Jerusalem into piles of ruins, a hideout for jackals.
 \q I will make Judah's cities ruined places without inhabitants."
 \q
 \v 12 What man is wise enough to understand this? To whom has the mouth of Yahweh spoken, and he will declare it?
-\q Why has the land perished and been made desolate like the wilderness that no one can pass through?
+\q Why has the land perished and been destroyed like the wilderness that no one can pass through?
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -805,7 +805,7 @@
 \q We are greatly ashamed, for we have abandoned the land since they tore down our houses.'
 \q
 \v 20 So you women, hear Yahweh's word; pay attention to the messages that come from his mouth.
-\q Then teach your daughters a mourning song, and each neighbor woman a dirge.
+\q Then teach your daughters a mourning song, and each neighbor woman a funeral song.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -827,7 +827,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 25 "See, days are coming—this is Yahweh's declaration—when I will punish all the circumcised who are such only in their body.
-\v 26 I will punish Egypt and Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all the desert people who cut the hair on the sides of their heads very short. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel has an uncircumcised heart."
+\v 26 I will punish Egypt and Judah, Edom, the people of Ammon, Moab, and all the people who cut the hair on their heads very short. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel has an uncircumcised heart."
 
 \s5
 \c 10
@@ -839,9 +839,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 For the customs of these people are worthless.
-\q Someone cuts down a tree from the forest.
-\q It is the work of the hands of a craftsman using an axe.
+\v 3 For the customs of these people are worthless;
+\q someone cuts down a tree from the forest, and the craftsman shapes it with his tool.
 \q
 \v 4 Then they decorate it with silver and gold. They strengthen it with hammer and nails so it will not fall over.
 \q
@@ -857,8 +856,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 8 They are both brutish and stupid.
-\q Their vain discipline—it is nothing but wood.
+\v 8 They are all the same, they are brutish and stupid, disciples of idols that are nothing but wood.
 \q
 \v 9 They bring hammered silver from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz made by artificers,
 \q the hands of refiners. Their clothes are blue and purple cloth. Their skillful men made all of these things.
@@ -878,8 +876,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 14 Every man has become stupid, without knowledge. Every metalworker is put to shame by his idols.
-\q For his cast metal images are frauds; there is no life in them.
+\v 14 Every man has become ignorant, without knowledge. Every metalworker is put to shame by his idols.
+\q For his cast images are frauds; there is no life in them.
 \q
 \v 15 They are useless, the work of mockers; they will perish at the time of their punishment.
 \q
@@ -927,18 +925,18 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 Say to them, 'Yahweh, God of Israel says this: Cursed is anyone who does not listen to the words of this covenant.
 \v 4 This is the covenant that I commanded your ancestors to keep the day I brought them out from the land of Egypt, from the furnace for smelting iron. I said, "Listen to my voice and do all of these things just as I have commanded you, for you will be my people and I will be your God."
-\v 5 Obey me so that I may confirm the oath that I swore to your ancestors, the oath that I would give them the land flowing with milk and honey, where you live today.'" Then I, Jeremiah, answered and said, "Let it be so, Yahweh!"
+\v 5 Obey me so that I may confirm the oath that I swore to your ancestors, the oath that I would give them the land flowing with milk and honey, where you live today.'" Then I, Jeremiah, answered and said, "Yes, Yahweh!"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 Yahweh said to me, "Proclaim all these things in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. Say, 'Listen to the words of this covenant and carry them out.
 \v 7 For I have been giving solemn commands to your ancestors from the day I brought them up from the land of Egypt until this present time, persistently warning them and saying, "Listen to my voice."'
-\v 8 But they did not listen or incline their ear. Each person has been walking in the stubbornness of his wicked heart. So I brought all the curses in the covenant that I commanded them to obey, but the people still did not obey."
+\v 8 But they did not listen or incline their ear. Each person has been walking in the stubbornness of his wicked heart. So I brought all the curses in this covenant that I commanded to come against them. But the people still did not obey."
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 Next Yahweh said to me, "A conspiracy has been discovered among the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
-\v 10 They have returned to the iniquities of their earliest ancestors, who refused to listen to my word. They walked after other gods to worship them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah broke my covenant that I established with their ancestors.
+\v 10 They have turned to the iniquities of their earliest ancestors, who refused to listen to my word, who instead walked after other gods to worship them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah broke my covenant that I established with their ancestors.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 Therefore Yahweh says this, 'See, I am about to bring disaster on them, disaster from which they will not be able to escape. Then they will call out to me, but I will not listen to them.
@@ -947,7 +945,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 14 So you yourself, Jeremiah, must not pray for this people. You must not cry for help or pray on their behalf. For I will not be listening when they call on me in their disaster.
+\v 14 So you yourself, Jeremiah, must not pray for this people. You must not wail or pray on their behalf. For I will not be listening when they call on me in their disaster.
 \q
 \v 15 Why is my beloved one, the one who has had so many wicked intentions, in my house?
 \q The meat of your sacrifices cannot help you. You rejoice because of your evil actions.
@@ -962,24 +960,24 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 18 Yahweh made me know these things, so I know them. You, Yahweh, made me see their deeds.
-\v 19 I was like a gentle lamb being led to the slaughter. I did not know that they had formed plans against me, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit! Let us cut him off from the land of the living so his name will be no longer remembered."
+\v 19 I was like a gentle lamb being led to a butcher. I did not know that they had formed plans against me, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit! Let us cut him off from the land of the living so his name will be no longer remembered."
 \q
 \v 20 Yet Yahweh of hosts is the righteous judge who examines the heart and the mind.
 \q I will witness your vengeance against them, for I have presented my case to you.
+\p
 
 \s5
 \p
-\p
 \v 21 Therefore Yahweh says this concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life, "They say, 'You must not prophesy in the name of Yahweh, or you will die by our hand.'
 \v 22 Therefore Yahweh of hosts says this, 'See, I am about to punish them. Their vigorous young men will die by the sword. Their sons and their daughters will die by famine.
-\v 23 No remnant will be left for them, because I am bringing disaster against the people of Anathoth, a year of their punishment.'"
+\v 23 None of them will be left, because I am bringing disaster against the people of Anathoth, a year of their punishment.'"
 
 \s5
 \c 12
 \m
 \q
 \v 1 You are righteous, Yahweh, whenever I bring disputes to you.
-\q I must certainly tell you of my reason to complain: Why do the ways of the wicked succeed? All the treacherous are at ease.
+\q I must certainly tell you of my reason to complain: Why do the ways of the wicked succeed? All the faithless people are successful.
 \q
 \v 2 You planted them and they took root. They continue to produce fruit.
 \q You are near to them in their mouths, but far away from their hearts.
@@ -988,19 +986,19 @@
 \v 3 Yet you, Yahweh, know me. You see me and you test my heart toward you.
 \q Take them away like sheep to the slaughter, and set them apart for the day of slaughter!
 \q
-\v 4 How long will the land mourn and the grass in the field be withered? Because those who live in it are wicked, the animals and the birds have been swept away, because the people said, "He will not see what happens to us."
+\v 4 How long will the land be parched and the grass in the field be withered? Because those who live in it are wicked, the animals and the birds have been swept away, because the people said, "He will not see what happens to us."
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 5 Yahweh said, "Indeed, if you, Jeremiah, have run with foot soldiers and they have tired you out, how can you compete against horses?
-\q And if you are confident only in a peaceful land, how will you do in the majesty along the Jordan?
+\q If you fall down in the safe countryside, how will you do in the thickets along the Jordan?
 \q
-\v 6 For even your brothers and your father's family have betrayed you and have raised their voice against you.
+\v 6 For even your brothers and your father's family have betrayed you and have loudly denounced you.
 \q Do not trust in them, even if they say nice things to you.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 7 I have abandoned my house; I have abandoned my inheritance.
+\v 7 I have abandoned my house; I have forsaken my inheritance.
 \q I have given my beloved into the hands of her enemies.
 \q
 \v 8 My inheritance has become to me like a lion in a thicket;
@@ -1011,7 +1009,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 10 Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard. They have trampled on my portion of land;
+\v 10 Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard. They have stomped all over my portion of land;
 \q they turned my delightful portion into a wilderness, a desolation.
 \q
 \v 11 They have made her a desolation. I mourn for her; she is desolate.
@@ -1045,13 +1043,13 @@
 \v 5 So I went and hid it in Perath, just as Yahweh had commanded me.
 
 \s5
-\v 6 After many days, Yahweh said to me, "Get up and go back to Perath. Take from there the undergarment that I commanded you to hide."
+\v 6 After many days, Yahweh said to me, "Get up and go back to Perath. Take from there the undergarment that I had told you to hide."
 \v 7 So I went back to Perath \f + \ft Some transate \fqa Perath \fqa* as \fqa the Euphrates \fqa* . \f* and dug out the undergarment where I had hid it, and behold, it was destroyed and completely useless.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 9 "Yahweh says this: In the same way I will destroy the pride of Judah and the great majesty of Jerusalem.
+\v 9 "Yahweh says this: In the same way I will destroy the great arrogance of Judah and Jerusalem.
 \v 10 This wicked people who refuses to listen to my word, who walk in the hardness of their heart, who go after other gods to worship them and bow down to them—they will be like this undergarment that is good for nothing.
 \v 11 For just as an undergarment clings to someone's hips, so I have made all the house of Israel and all the house of Judah cling to me—this is Yahweh's declaration—to be my people, to bring me fame, praise, and honor. But they would not listen to me.
 
@@ -1071,13 +1069,13 @@
 \q but he will turn it to deep darkness
 \q and change it to deep gloom.
 \q
-\v 17 So if you will not listen, I will weep alone because of your pride.
+\v 17 So if you will not listen, I will weep alone because of your arrogance.
 \q My eyes will certainly weep and flow with tears, for Yahweh's flock has been taken captive.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 18 "Say to the king and to the queen mother, 'Humble yourselves! Sit!
-\q For your splendid crowns have fallen from your heads.'
+\v 18 "Say to the king and to the queen mother, 'Come down from your thrones,
+\q for your splendid crowns have fallen from your heads.'
 \q
 \v 19 The cities in the Negev will be shut up, with no one to open them. All Judah will be taken captive, completely taken captive.
 
@@ -1086,7 +1084,7 @@
 \v 20 Lift up your eyes and look at the ones coming from the north.
 \q Where is the flock he gave to you, the flock that was so beautiful to you?
 \q
-\v 21 What will you say when God sets over you those whom you yourself had trained to be your special allies?
+\v 21 What will you say when God sets over you those you had trained to be your special allies?
 \q Are these not the beginnings of the labor pains that will seize you just like a woman in childbirth?
 
 \s5
@@ -1104,7 +1102,7 @@
 \v 25 This is what I have given to you, the portion I have decreed for you—this is Yahweh's declaration—
 \q because you have forgotten me and trusted in deceit.
 \q
-\v 26 So also I myself will strip your skirts off you, and your nakedness will be seen.
+\v 26 So also I myself will strip your skirts off you, and your private parts will be seen.
 \q
 \v 27 I have seen your adultery and neighing,
 \q the wickedness of your prostitution on the hills and in the fields,
@@ -1116,11 +1114,11 @@
 \p
 \v 1 This is the word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah regarding the drought,
 \q
-\v 2 "Let Judah mourn; let her gates waste away. They are wailing for the land;
+\v 2 "Let Judah mourn; let her gates fall apart. They are wailing for the land;
 \q their cries for Jerusalem are going up.
 \q
 \v 3 Their mighty ones send out their servants for water.
-\q When they go to the trenches, they cannot find water. They all return with empty vessels;
+\q When they go to the trenches, they cannot find water. They all return unsuccessful;
 \q they cover their heads ashamed and dishonored.
 
 \s5
@@ -1137,7 +1135,7 @@
 \q2
 \p
 \v 7 Even though our iniquities testify against us, Yahweh, act for the sake of your name.
-\q2 For our acts of apostasy increase; we have sinned against you.
+\q2 For our faithless actions increase; we have sinned against you.
 \q2
 \v 8 You are the Hope of Israel, the one who saves him in the time of distress,
 \q2 why will you be like a stranger in the land, like a foreign wanderer who stretches out and spends just one night?
@@ -1151,12 +1149,12 @@
 \q Yahweh is not pleased with them. Now he calls to mind their iniquity and has punished their sins.
 \p
 \v 11 Yahweh said to me, "Do not pray for good on behalf of this people.
-\v 12 For if they fast, I will not listen to their outcry, and if they offer up burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not take pleasure in them. For I will put an end to them by sword, famine, and plague."
+\v 12 For if they fast, I will not listen to their wailing, and if they offer up burnt offerings and food offerings, I will not take pleasure in them. For I will put an end to them by sword, famine, and plague."
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 13 Then I said, "Oh, Lord Yahweh! Behold! The prophets are saying to the people, 'You will not see the sword; there will be no famine for you, for I will give you true peace in this place.'"
-\v 14 Yahweh said to me, "The prophets prophesy deceit in my name. I did not send them out, nor did I give them any command or speak to them. But deceitful visions and worthless divination and the deceitfulness of their hearts. That is what they are prophesying to you."
+\v 13 Then I said, "Oh, Lord Yahweh! Behold! The prophets are saying to the people, 'You will not see the sword; there will be no famine for you, for I will give you true security in this place.'"
+\v 14 Yahweh said to me, "The prophets prophesy deceit in my name. I did not send them out, nor did I give them any command or speak to them. But deceitful visions and useless, deceitful divination coming from their own minds are what they are prophesying to you."
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Therefore Yahweh says this, "About the prophets prophesying in my name but whom I did not send out—those who say there will be no sword or famine in this land: These prophets will perish by sword and famine.
@@ -1204,16 +1202,16 @@
 \q
 \v 5 For who will have compassion for you, Jerusalem? Who will grieve for you?
 \q
-\v 6 You have abandoned me—this is Yahweh's declaration—you have gone back from me.
-\q So I will strike you with my hand and destroy you. I am tired of relenting.
+\v 6 You have forsaken me—this is Yahweh's declaration—you have gone back from me.
+\q So I will strike you with my hand and destroy you. I am tired of having mercy on you.
 \q
 \v 7 So I will winnow them with a pitchfork at the gates of the land.
 \q I will bereave them. I will destroy my people since they will not turn from their ways.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 8 I will make their widows more numerous than the sands of the seashore. Against the mothers of young men I will send
-\q the destroyer at noonday. I will make horror and dismay suddenly fall on them.
+\v 8 I will make their widows number more than the sands of the seashore. Against the mothers of young men I will send
+\q the destroyer at noonday. I will make shock and horror suddenly fall on them.
 \q
 \v 9 The mother who has borne seven children will waste away. She will gasp. Her sun will set while it is still day.
 \q She will be ashamed and embarrassed, for I will give those who remain to the sword in the presence of their enemies—
@@ -1221,7 +1219,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 10 Woe to me, my mother! For you have borne me, I who am a man of strife and argument through all the land.
+\v 10 Woe to me, my mother! For you have borne me, I who am a man of controversy and argument through all the land.
 \q I have not lent, nor has anyone lent to me, but they all curse me.
 \q
 \v 11 Yahweh said: "Will I not rescue you for good?
@@ -1240,7 +1238,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 15 Yahweh, you know! Remember me and help me. Bring vengeance for me against those who persecute me.
-\q You are patient, but do not allow them to take me away; know that I have suffered insult for your sake.
+\q You are patient, but do not allow them to take me away; know that I suffer reproach for your sake.
 \q
 \v 16 Your words have been found, and I consumed them. Your words became to me a joy
 \q and the delight of my heart,
@@ -1249,9 +1247,9 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 17 I did not sit in the circle of those who celebrated or rejoiced.
-\q I sat alone because of your powerful hand, for you filled me with indignation.
+\q I sat in solitude because of your powerful hand, for you filled me with indignation.
 \q
-\v 18 Why is my pain constant and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
+\v 18 Why is my pain ongoing and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
 \q Will you be like deceitful waters to me, waters that dry up?
 
 \s5
@@ -1263,7 +1261,7 @@
 \v 20 I will make you like an impenetrable bronze wall to this people, and they will wage war against you.
 \q But they will not defeat you, for I am with you to save and rescue you—this is Yahweh's declaration—
 \q
-\v 21 for I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the hand of the ruthless."
+\v 21 for I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the hand of the tyrant."
 
 \s5
 \c 16
@@ -1301,7 +1299,7 @@
 \p
 \v 16 Behold! I will send for many fishermen—this is Yahweh's declaration—so they will fish the people out. After this I will send for many hunters so they will hunt for them among all the mountains and hills, and in rock crevices.
 \v 17 For my eye is on all their ways; they cannot be hidden from before me. Their iniquity cannot be concealed from before my eyes.
-\v 18 I will first pay back double for their iniquity and sin. They have polluted my land. They have filled my inheritance with the corpses of their detestable idols and their abominations."
+\v 18 I will first pay back double for their iniquity and sin for their polluting of my land with their disgusting idol figures, and for their filling my inheritance with their disgusting idols."
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1330,7 +1328,7 @@
 \q together with your high places,
 \q because of the sin you committed in all your territories.
 \q
-\v 4 You will, by your own actions, let go of the inheritance that I gave to you.
+\v 4 You will lose the inheritance that I gave to you.
 \q I will enslave you to your enemies in a land that you do not know,
 \q for you have ignited a fire in my wrath, which will burn forever."
 
@@ -1362,10 +1360,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 12 "The place of our sanctuary is a glorious throne, elevated from the beginning.
+\v 12 "The place of our temple is a glorious throne, elevated from the beginning.
 \q
 \v 13 Yahweh is the hope of Israel. All who abandon you will be put to shame; those in the land who turn away from you will be written in the earth,
-\q for they have abandoned Yahweh, the fountain of living waters.
+\q for they have forsaken Yahweh, the fountain of living waters.
 \q
 \v 14 Heal me, Yahweh, and I will be healed! Rescue me, and I will be rescued. For you are my song of praise.
 
@@ -1395,7 +1393,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 24 It will happen that if you truly listen to me—this is Yahweh's declaration—and do not bring a load to the gates of this city on the Sabbath day but instead set apart the Sabbath day and not do any work on it,
+\v 24 It will happen that if you truly listen to me—this is Yahweh's declaration—and do not bring a load to the gates of this city on the Sabbath day but instead set apart the Sabbath day to Yahweh and not do any work on it,
 \v 25 then kings, princes, and those who sit on David's throne will come to the gates of this city in chariots and with horses, they and their leaders, men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and this city will be inhabited forever.
 
 \s5
@@ -1408,7 +1406,7 @@
 \v 1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying,
 \v 2 "Arise and go out to the potter's house, for I will have you hear my word there."
 \v 3 So I went out to the potter's house, and behold! The potter was working on the potter's wheel.
-\v 4 But the pot he was making from the clay was ruined in the potter's hand, so he returned the clay and formed it into another pot, and he made that pot an object that was pleasing in his eyes.
+\v 4 But the pot he was making from the clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, so he returned the clay and formed it into another pot, and he made that pot an object that was pleasing in his eyes.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1420,7 +1418,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 At another moment, I may proclaim something about a nation or a kingdom, that I will build it up or plant it.
-\v 10 But if it does evil in my eyes by not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had said I would do for them.
+\v 10 But if it does evil in my eyes by not listening to my voice, then I will stop the good that I had said I would do for them.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 So now, speak to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and say, 'Yahweh says this: See, I am about to form disaster against you. I am about to devise a plan against you. Repent, each person from his wicked way, so your ways and your practices will bring good to you.'
@@ -1440,7 +1438,7 @@
 \q they have left the ancient paths to walk lesser paths.
 \q
 \v 16 Their land will become a horror, an object of everlasting hissing.
-\q Everyone who passes by her will be astonished and shake his head.
+\q Everyone who passes by her will shudder and shake his head.
 \q
 \v 17 I will scatter them before their enemies like an eastern wind. I will show them my back, and not my face, on the day of their disaster.'"
 
@@ -1462,8 +1460,8 @@
 \q For they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden traps for my feet.
 \q
 \v 23 But you, Yahweh, you know all of their plans against me to kill me.
-\q Do not forgive their iniquities. Do not wipe their sins away from you.
-\q Let them be overthrown before you. Act against them in the time of your wrath.
+\q Do not forgive their iniquities and sins. Do not wipe their sins away from you.
+\q Instead, let them be overthrown before you. Act against them in the time of your wrath.
 
 \s5
 \c 19
@@ -1480,8 +1478,8 @@
 \p
 \v 6 Therefore, see, the days are coming—this is Yahweh's declaration—when this place will no longer be called Topheth, the Valley of Ben Hinnom, for it will be the Valley of Slaughter.
 \v 7 In this place I will make the plans of Judah and Jerusalem useless. I will make them to fall by the sword before their enemies and by the hand of the ones seeking their lives. Then I will give their corpses as food to the birds of the heavens and the wild animals of the earth.
-\v 8 Then I will make this city a ruin and the object of hissing, for everyone passing by it will be astonished and hiss regarding all of its plagues.
-\v 9 I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters; each man will consume the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in the distress with which their enemies and the ones seeking their lives distress them."'
+\v 8 Then I will make this city a ruin and the object of hissing, for everyone passing by it will shudder and hiss regarding all of its plagues.
+\v 9 I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters; each man will consume the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in the anguish brought on them by their enemies and the ones seeking their lives."'
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1508,7 +1506,7 @@
 \v 4 For Yahweh says this, 'Look, I will make you an object of horror, you and all of your loved ones, for they will fall by the sword of their enemies and your eyes will see it. I will give all of Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon. He will make them captives in Babylon or attack them with the sword.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 I will give him all the wealth of this city and all the products of its labor, all of its precious items, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah. I will place these things in the hand of your enemies, and they will plunder them. They will seize them and bring them to Babylon.
+\v 5 I will give him all the wealth of this city and all of its riches, all of its precious items and all the treasures of the kings of Judah. I will place these things in the hand of your enemies, and they will seize them. They will take them and bring them to Babylon.
 \v 6 But you, Pashhur, and all the inhabitants of your house will go into captivity. You will go to Babylon and die there. You and all of your loved ones to whom you prophesied deceitful things will be buried there.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -1517,18 +1515,18 @@
 \q I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me.
 \q
 \v 8 For whenever I have spoken, I have called out and proclaimed, 'Violence and destruction.'
-\q So the word of Yahweh has brought me insult and mocking all the day.
+\q Then Yahweh's word has become for me reproach and mocking every day.
 \q
 \v 9 If I say, 'I will not think about Yahweh anymore. I will not speak any longer in his name.'
-\q Then it is like a burning fire in my heart, held within my bones. So I struggle to contain it but I cannot.
+\q Then it is like a fire in my heart, held within my bones. So I struggle to contain it but I cannot.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 10 I have heard rumors of terror from many people all around. 'Report! We must report it!'
-\q Every one of my men of peace watches to see if I will fall. 'Perhaps he can be tricked.
+\q Those who are close to me watch to see if I will fall. 'Perhaps he can be tricked.
 \q If so, we can overpower him and take our revenge on him.'
 \q
-\v 11 But Yahweh is with me like a terrifying warrior, so the ones pursuing me will stagger.
+\v 11 But Yahweh is with me like a powerful warrior, so the ones pursuing me will stagger.
 \q They will not defeat me. They will be greatly ashamed, because they will not succeed.
 \q They will have unending shame, it will never be forgotten.
 
@@ -1545,7 +1543,7 @@
 \v 14 Let the day when I was born be cursed.
 \q Do not let the day that my mother bore me be blessed.
 \q
-\v 15 Let the man who brought the joyful news to my father be cursed,
+\v 15 Let the man who informed my father be cursed,
 \q the one who said, 'A male child has been born to you,' causing great joy.
 
 \s5
@@ -1578,7 +1576,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 Then to this people you must say, 'Yahweh says this: See, I am about to place before you the way of life and the way of death.
-\v 9 Anyone staying in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague; but anyone going out and falling on his knees before the Chaldeans who have closed in against you will live. His life will be his loot.
+\v 9 Anyone staying in this city will die by the sword, famine, and plague; but anyone going out and falling on his knees before the Chaldeans who have closed in against you will live. He will escape with his life.
 \v 10 For I have set my face against this city in order to bring disaster and not to bring good—this is Yahweh's declaration. It has been given into the hand of the king of Babylon and he will burn it.'
 
 \s5
@@ -1588,7 +1586,7 @@
 \v 12 House of David, Yahweh says, 'Bring about justice in the morning.
 \q Rescue the one who has been robbed by the hand of the oppressor,
 \q or my fury will go out like fire and burn,
-\q and there is no one who can quench it, because of the wickedness of your practices.
+\q and there is no one who can quench it, because of your evil deeds.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1607,14 +1605,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 4 For if you truly do these things, then kings sitting on David's throne will enter the gates of this house riding in a chariot and on horses—he, his servants, and his people!
-\v 5 But if you do not listen to these words, then I have sworn by myself—this is Yahweh's declaration—that this royal house will become a ruin."'
+\v 5 But if you do not listen to these words from me that I have announced—this is Yahweh's declaration—then this royal house will become a ruin."'
 
 \s5
 \v 6 For Yahweh says this concerning the house of the king of Judah,
 \q 'You are like Gilead, or like the summit of Lebanon to me. Yet I will turn you into a wilderness,
 \q into cities with no inhabitants.
 \q
-\v 7 For I have appointed destroyers to come against you! Men with their weapons
+\v 7 For I have designated destroyers to come against you! Men with their weapons
 \q will cut off the best of your cedars and let them fall into the fire.
 
 \s5
@@ -1626,11 +1624,11 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 10 Do not weep for the one who is dead or mourn for him; but weep bitterly for him who is about to go away,
-\q because he will never return and see the land of his birth again.'
+\q because he will never return and see his native land again.'
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 For Yahweh says this about Shallum son of Josiah king of Judah, who served as king instead of Josiah his father, 'He has gone from this place and will not come back.
+\v 11 For Yahweh says this about Jehoahaz son of Josiah king of Judah, who served as king instead of Josiah his father, 'He has gone from this place and will not come back.
 \v 12 He will die there in the place to where they have exiled him, and he will never again see this land.'
 
 \s5
@@ -1701,11 +1699,11 @@
 \c 23
 \p
 \v 1 "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture—this is Yahweh's declaration."
-\v 2 Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says this concerning the shepherds who are shepherding his people, "You have scattered my flock and have driven them away. You have not cared for them. So I am about to punish you for the wickedness of your practices—this is Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 2 Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says this concerning the shepherds who are shepherding his people, "You have scattered my flock and have driven them away. You have not cared for them. So I am about to punish you for the evil you have done—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all of the lands where I have driven them, and I will return them to a grazing place, where they will be fruitful and increase.
-\v 4 Then I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them so they will no longer fear or be dismayed. None of them will go missing—this is Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 4 Then I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them so they will no longer fear or be shattered. None of them will go missing—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1718,14 +1716,14 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 7 Therefore see, days are coming—this is Yahweh's declaration—when they will no longer say, 'As Yahweh lives, who brought the people of Israel up from the land of Egypt.'
-\v 8 Instead they will say, 'As Yahweh lives, who brought up and who led back the descendants of the house of Israel from the northern land and all the lands where I had driven them.' Then they will live in their own land."
+\v 8 Instead they will say, 'As Yahweh lives, who brought up and who led back the descendants of the house of Israel from the northern land and all the lands where they had been driven.' Then they will live in their own land."
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 9 Regarding the prophets, my heart is broken in me, and all of my bones tremble. I have become like a drunk man,
 \q like a man whom wine has overpowered, because of Yahweh and his holy words.
 \q
-\v 10 For the land is full of adulterers. Because of the curse the land mourns.
+\v 10 For the land is full of adulterers. Because of these the land is dried up.
 \q The meadows in the wilderness dry up. These prophets' paths are wicked; their power is not used in a right manner.
 
 \s5
@@ -1752,7 +1750,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 16 Yahweh of hosts says this, "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
-\q They are leading you into vanity! They are announcing visions from their own minds, not from Yahweh's mouth.
+\q They have deluded you! They are announcing visions from their own minds, not from Yahweh's mouth.
 \q
 \v 17 They are constantly saying to those who dishonor me, 'Yahweh declares there will be peace for you.'
 \q For everyone walking in the stubbornness of his own heart says, 'Disaster will not come upon you.'
@@ -1765,16 +1763,16 @@
 \v 19 See, there is a storm coming from Yahweh! His fury is going out, and a tempest is whirling about.
 \q It is whirling around the heads of the wicked.
 \q
-\v 20 Yahweh's wrath will not return until it has carried out and brought into being his heart's purposes.
+\v 20 Yahweh's wrath will not return until it has carried out and brought into being his heart's intentions.
 \q In the final days, you will understand it.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 21 I did not send out these prophets, but they ran.
+\v 21 I did not send out these prophets. They just appeared.
 \q I did not proclaim anything to them, but they have still prophesied.
 \q
 \v 22 For if they had stood in my council meeting, they would have caused my people to hear my word;
-\q they would have caused them to turn from their wicked words and from the wickedness of their practices.
+\q they would have caused them to turn from their wicked words and corrupt practices.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1815,12 +1813,12 @@
 \q
 \v 39 therefore, behold, I am about to pick you up and throw you away from me, along with the city that I gave you and your ancestors.
 \q
-\v 40 Then I will put everlasting disgrace and everlasting shame on you that will not be forgotten.'"
+\v 40 Then I will put everlasting shame and insult on you that will not be forgotten.'"
 
 \s5
 \c 24
 \p
-\v 1 Yahweh showed me something. Behold, two baskets of figs were placed before the temple of Yahweh. (This vision happened after Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took into exile Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, the officials of Judah, the craftsmen and the metalworkers from Jerusalem and brought them to Babylon.)
+\v 1 Yahweh showed me something. Behold, two baskets of figs were placed before the house of Yahweh. (This vision happened after Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took into exile Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, the officials of Judah, the craftsmen and the metalworkers from Jerusalem and brought them to Babylon.)
 \v 2 One basket of figs was very good, like first ripe figs, but the other basket of figs was so very bad that they could not be eaten.
 \v 3 Yahweh said to me, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" I said, "Figs. Figs that are very good and figs that are so very bad they cannot be eaten."
 
@@ -1834,7 +1832,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 But like the bad figs that are too bad to be eaten—this is what Yahweh says—I will act in this way with Zedekiah, king of Judah, with his officials, and with the rest of Jerusalem who remain in this land or go to stay in the land of Egypt.
-\v 9 I will turn them into a terrifying thing, a disaster, in the sight of all the kingdoms on earth, a disgrace and a subject for proverbs, taunts, and curses in every place where I will have driven them.
+\v 9 I will turn them into a frightening thing, a disaster, in the sight of all the kingdoms on earth, a disgrace and a subject for proverbs, taunts, and curses in every place where I will have driven them.
 \v 10 I will send out sword, famine, and plague against them, until they are destroyed from the land that I gave them and their ancestors."
 
 \s5
@@ -1848,7 +1846,7 @@
 \v 4 Yahweh sent out all his servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or turned your ear to hear.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 These prophets said, 'Let each man turn from his wicked way and the wickedness of his practices and return to the land that Yahweh gave in ancient times to your ancestors and to you, as a permanent gift.
+\v 5 These prophets said, 'Let each man turn from his wicked way and the corruption of his practices and return to the land that Yahweh gave in ancient times to your ancestors and to you, as a permanent gift.
 \v 6 So do not walk after other gods to worship them or bow down to them, and do not provoke him with the work of your hands so that he does you harm.'
 
 \s5
@@ -1873,16 +1871,16 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 So I took the cup from Yahweh's hand, and I made all the nations to which Yahweh had sent me drink it:
-\v 18 Jerusalem, the cities of Judah and her kings and officials—to turn them into ruins and a waste, and into an object for hissing and cursing, as they are at this present day.
+\v 18 Jerusalem, the cities of Judah and her kings and officials—to turn them into ruins and something terrifying, and into an object for hissing and cursing, as they are at this present day.
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Other nations also had to drink it: Pharaoh king of Egypt and his servants; his officials and all his people;
-\v 20 all people of mixed heritage and all the kings of the land of Uz; all the kings of the land of the Philistines—Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;
+\v 20 all people of mixed heritage and all the kings of the land of Uz; all the kings of the land of Philistia—Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;
 \v 21 Edom and Moab and the people of Ammon.
 
 \s5
 \v 22 The kings of Tyre and Sidon, the kings of the coasts on the other side of the sea,
-\v 23 Dedan, Tema, and Buz with all the ones who cut the hair on the sides of their heads very short, they also had to drink it.
+\v 23 Dedan, Tema, and Buz with all the ones who cut the hair on the sides of their heads, they also had to drink it.
 
 \s5
 \v 24 All the kings of Arabia and all the kings of people of mixed heritage who live in the wilderness;
@@ -1923,13 +1921,13 @@
 \q
 \v 34 Wail, shepherds, and shout for help!
 \q Roll about in the dust,
-\q you noblemen of the flock,
+\q you leaders of the flock,
 \q for the days of your slaughter have come;
 \q you will be scattered when you fall like fine pottery.
 \q
-\v 35 There is no refuge for the shepherds, there will be no escape for the noblemen of the flock.
+\v 35 There is no refuge for the shepherds, there will be no escape for the leaders of the flock.
 \q
-\v 36 Hear the outcry of the shepherds and the wails of the noblemen of the flock,
+\v 36 Hear the cries of the shepherds and the wails of the leaders of the flock,
 \q for Yahweh is destroying their pastures.
 
 \s5
@@ -1942,9 +1940,9 @@
 \s5
 \c 26
 \p
-\v 1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from Yahweh, saying,
+\v 1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, this word came from Yahweh, saying,
 \v 2 "Yahweh says this: Stand in the courtyard of my house and speak about all the cities of Judah who come to worship at my house. Proclaim all the words that I have commanded you to say to them. Do not cut short any word!
-\v 3 It may be that they will listen, that each man will turn from his wicked ways, so I will relent concerning the disaster that I am planning to bring on them because of the wickedness of their deeds.
+\v 3 It may be that they will listen, that each man will turn from his wicked ways, so I will relent concerning the disaster that I am planning to bring on them because of the wickedness of their practices.
 
 \s5
 \v 4 So you must say to them, 'Yahweh says this: If you do not listen to me so as to walk in my law that I have placed before you—
@@ -1955,7 +1953,7 @@
 \p
 \v 7 The priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah announcing these words in the house of Yahweh.
 \v 8 So it happened that when Jeremiah had finished announcing all that Yahweh commanded him to say to all the people, the priests, prophets, and all the people seized him and said, "You will certainly die!
-\v 9 Why have you prophesied in Yahweh's name and said that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will become desolate, with no inhabitant?" For all the people had assembled together against Jeremiah in the house of Yahweh.
+\v 9 Why have you prophesied in Yahweh's name and said that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will become desolate, with no inhabitant?" For all the people had formed a mob against Jeremiah in the house of Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2008,7 +2006,7 @@
 \v 8 So the nation and the kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and that does not put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon—I will punish that nation with the sword, with famine, and with the plague—this is Yahweh's declaration—until I have destroyed it by his hand.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, and sorcerers, who have been speaking to you and saying, 'Do not serve the king of Babylon.'
+\v 9 So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your seers, your soothsayers, and sorcerers, who have been speaking to you and saying, 'Do not serve the king of Babylon.'
 \v 10 For they are prophesying deceit to you in order to send you far away from your lands, for I will drive you away, and you will die.
 \v 11 But the nation that places its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serves him, I will allow it to rest in its land—this is Yahweh's declaration—and they will cultivate it and make their homes in it."'"
 
@@ -2048,7 +2046,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 So Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Hananiah the prophet in front of the priests and to all the people who stood in the house of Yahweh.
-\v 6 Jeremiah the prophet said, "Let it be so! May Yahweh confirm the words that you prophesied and bring back to this place the objects belonging to the house of Yahweh and all the captives from Babylon.
+\v 6 Jeremiah the prophet said, "May Yahweh do this! May Yahweh confirm the words that you prophesied and bring back to this place the objects belonging to the house of Yahweh and all the captives from Babylon.
 \v 7 However, listen to the word that I am proclaiming in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people.
 
 \s5
@@ -2062,11 +2060,11 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 12 After Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,
-\v 13 "Go and speak to Hananiah and say, 'Yahweh says this: You broke yokes of wood, and in their place you have made yokes of iron.'
+\v 13 "Go and speak to Hananiah and say, 'Yahweh says this: You broke a yoke of wood, but I will make instead a yoke of iron.'
 \v 14 For Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this: I have placed a yoke of iron on the neck of all of these nations to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have also given him the wild beasts in the fields to rule over."
 
 \s5
-\v 15 Next Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah the prophet, "Listen Hananiah! Yahweh has not sent you, but you yourself have caused this people to trust in a lie.
+\v 15 Next Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah the prophet, "Listen Hananiah! Yahweh has not sent you, but you yourself have caused this people to believe in lies.
 \v 16 So Yahweh says this: Look, I am about to send you out from the earth. You will die this year, since you proclaimed rebellion against Yahweh."
 \v 17 In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died.
 
@@ -2086,7 +2084,7 @@
 \v 7 Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be exiled, and intercede with me on its behalf since there will be peace for you if it is at peace.'
 
 \s5
-\v 8 For Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this, 'Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that you encourage them to dream.
+\v 8 For Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this, 'Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that you yourselves are having.
 \v 9 For they are prophesying deceitfully to you in my name. I did not send them—this is Yahweh's declaration.'
 
 \s5
@@ -2103,10 +2101,10 @@
 \p
 \v 15 Since you said that Yahweh has raised up prophets for us in Babylon,
 \v 16 Yahweh says this to the king who sits on the throne of David and to all the people who are staying in that city, your brothers who have not gone out with you into captivity—
-\v 17 Yahweh of hosts says this, 'See, I am about to send sword, famine, and plague on them. For I will make them like rotten figs that are too bad to be eaten.
+\v 17 Yahweh of hosts says this, 'See, I am about to send sword, famine, and disease on them. For I will make them like rotten figs that are too bad to be eaten.
 
 \s5
-\v 18 Then I will pursue them with sword, famine, and plague and make them a terrifying thing to all the kingdoms on earth—a horror, an object of curses and hissing, and a shameful thing among all the nations where I scattered her.
+\v 18 Then I will pursue them with sword, famine, and plague and make them a horrible sight to all the kingdoms on earth—a horror, an object of curses and hissing, and a shameful thing among all the nations where I scattered her.
 \v 19 This is because they did not listen to my word—this is Yahweh's declaration—that I sent out to them through my servants the prophets. I repeatedly sent them, but you would not listen—this is Yahweh's declaration.'
 
 \s5
@@ -2115,14 +2113,14 @@
 \v 21 'Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who prophesy falsely to you in my name: See, I am about to put them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He will kill them before your eyes.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 Then a curse will be spoken about these persons by all the exiles from Judah in Babylon. The curse will say: "May Yahweh make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in fire."
-\v 23 This will happen because of the disgraceful things they did in Israel when they committed adultery with their neighbor's wives and declared false words in my name, things that I never commanded them to say. For I am the one who knows; I am the witness—this is Yahweh's declaration.'"
+\v 22 Then a curse will be spoken about these persons by all the captives of Judah in Babylon. The curse will say: "May Yahweh make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in fire."
+\v 23 This will happen because of the shameful things they did in Israel when they committed adultery with their neighbor's wives and declared false words in my name, things that I never commanded them to say. For I am the one who knows; I am the witness—this is Yahweh's declaration.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 24 About Shemaiah the Nehelamite, say this:
 \v 25 "Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this: Because you sent out letters in your own name to all the people in Jerusalem, to Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, and said,
-\v 26 'Yahweh has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, for you to be the overseer of the house of Yahweh. You are in control of all the people who rave and make themselves into prophets. You should put them in stocks and chains.
+\v 26 'Yahweh has made you priest instead of Jehoiada the priest, for you to be in charge of the house of Yahweh. You are in control of all the people who rave and make themselves into prophets. You should put them in stocks and chains.
 
 \s5
 \v 27 So now, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth, who makes himself into a prophet against you?
@@ -2131,7 +2129,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 30 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,
-\v 31 "Send word to all the exiles and say, 'Yahweh says this about Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you when I myself did not send him, and he has caused you to trust in a lie,
+\v 31 "Send word to all the exiles and say, 'Yahweh says this about Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you when I myself did not send him, and he has led you to believe lies,
 \v 32 therefore Yahweh says this: Look, I am about to punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants. There will not be a man for him to stay among this people. He will not see the good that I will do for my people—this is Yahweh's declaration—for he has proclaimed rebellion against Yahweh.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -2154,7 +2152,7 @@
 \q Why have all their faces become pale?
 \q
 \v 7 Woe! For that day will be great, with none like it.
-\q It will be a time of distress for Jacob, but he will be rescued from it.
+\q It will be a time of anxiety for Jacob, but he will be rescued from it.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -2165,8 +2163,8 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 10 So you, my servant Jacob, do not fear—this is Yahweh's declaration—and do not be dismayed, Israel.
-\q For see, I am about to deliver you from the faraway place, and your descendants from the land of captivity.
-\q Jacob will return and be at ease; he will rest secure, and there will be no more terror.
+\q For see, I am about to bring you back from far away, and your descendants from the land of captivity.
+\q Jacob will return and be at peace; he will be secure, and there will be no more terror.
 \q
 \v 11 For I am with you—this is Yahweh's declaration—to save you. Then I will bring a complete end
 \q to all the nations where I have scattered you. But I will certainly not put an end to you,
@@ -2182,10 +2180,10 @@
 \q
 \v 14 All of your lovers have forgotten you. They will not look for you,
 \q for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy and the discipline of a cruel master
-\q because of your many iniquities and your numerous sins.
+\q because of your many iniquities and your innumerable sins.
 \q
 \v 15 Why do you call for help for your injury? Your pain is incurable.
-\q Because of your many iniquities, your numerous sins, I have done these things to you.
+\q Because of your many iniquities, your innumerable sins, I have done these things to you.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -2206,9 +2204,9 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 20 Then their people will be like before, and their assembly will be established before me
-\q when I punish all the ones who are now oppressing them.
+\q when I punish all the ones who are now tormenting them.
 \q
-\v 21 Their ruler will come from among them. He will emerge from their midst
+\v 21 Their leader will come from among them. He will emerge from their midst
 \q when I draw him near and when he approaches me.
 \q If I do not do this, who would dare come close to me?—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 \q
@@ -2219,7 +2217,7 @@
 \v 23 See, the tempest of Yahweh, his fury, has gone out. It is a continual tempest.
 \q It will whirl on the heads of the wicked people.
 \q
-\v 24 Yahweh's wrath will not return until it has carried out and brought into being his heart's purposes.
+\v 24 Yahweh's wrath will not return until it has carried out and brought into being his heart's intentions.
 \q In the final days, you will understand it."
 
 \s5
@@ -2267,15 +2265,15 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 12 Then they will come and rejoice on the heights of Zion. Their faces will shine because of Yahweh's goodness,
-\q over the grain and the new wine, over the oil and the offspring of the flocks and herds.
+\q over the corn and the new wine, over the oil and the offspring of the flocks and herds.
 \q For their lives will become like a watered garden, and they will never again feel any more sorrow.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 13 Then virgins will rejoice with dancing, and young and old men will be together.
-\q For I will change their mourning into celebration. I will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.
+\q For I will change their mourning into celebration. I will have compassion on them and cause them to rejoice instead of sorrowing.
 \q
-\v 14 Then I will saturate the lives of the priests with abundance.
+\v 14 Then I will saturate the lives of the priests in abundance.
 \q My people will fill themselves with my goodness—this is Yahweh's declaration."
 
 \s5
@@ -2295,8 +2293,8 @@
 \v 18 "I have certainly heard Ephraim sorrowing, 'You punished me, and I have been punished like an untrained calf.
 \q Bring me back and I will be brought back, for you are Yahweh my God.
 \q
-\v 19 For after I turned back to you, I repented; after I was trained, I slapped my thigh.
-\q I was ashamed and humiliated, for I have borne the disgrace of my youth.'
+\v 19 For after I turned back to you, I was sorry; after I was trained, I slapped my thigh.
+\q I was ashamed and humiliated, for I have borne the guilt of my youth.'
 \q
 \v 20 Is not Ephraim my precious child? Is he not my dear, delightful son?
 \q For whenever I speak against him, I certainly still call him to my loving mind. In this way my heart longs for him.
@@ -2312,9 +2310,9 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 23 Yahweh of hosts, the God of Israel, says this, "When I reverse their captivity, they will say this in the land of Judah and its cities, 'May Yahweh bless you, you righteous place where he lives, you holy mountain.'
+\v 23 Yahweh of hosts, the God of Israel, says this, "When I bring back the people to their land, they will say this in the land of Judah and its cities, 'May Yahweh bless you, you righteous place where he lives, you holy mountain.'
 \v 24 For Judah and all its cities will live together there, as will farmers and those who set out with flocks.
-\v 25 For I will cause those who are weary to drink their fill, and I fill up those who are faint."
+\v 25 For I will cause those who are weary to drink, and I fill up those who are faint."
 \v 26 After this I awoke, and I realized that my sleep had been refreshing.
 
 \s5
@@ -2329,6 +2327,7 @@
 \v 30 For each man will die in his own iniquity; everyone who eats sour grapes, his teeth will be dulled.
 
 \s5
+\p
 \q
 \v 31 Look, the days are coming—
 \q2 this is Yahweh's declaration—
@@ -2365,8 +2364,8 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 35 Yahweh says this,
-\q2 it is he who gives the sun for light by day
-\q2 and the ordinance of the moon and stars for light by night.
+\q2 it is he who makes the sun to shine by day
+\q2 and fixes the moon and stars to shine by night.
 \q He is the one who sets the sea in motion
 \q2 so that its waves roar—
 \q Yahweh of hosts is his name.
@@ -2395,21 +2394,21 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him and said, "Why do you prophesy and say, 'Yahweh says this: Look, I am about to give over this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.
 \v 4 Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hand of the Chaldeans, for he will certainly be given into the hand of the king of Babylon. His mouth will speak to the king's mouth, and his eyes will see the king's eyes.
-\v 5 He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, and he will remain there until I have dealt with him—this is Yahweh's declaration. Though you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.'?"
+\v 5 He will take Zekediah to Babylon, and he will remain there until I have dealt with him—this is Yahweh's declaration. Though you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.'?"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 Jeremiah said, "The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 7 'Look, Hanamel son of Shallum your uncle is coming to you and will say, "Buy my field that is in Anathoth for yourself, for the right of redemption belongs to you."'"
+\v 7 'Look, Hanamel son of Shallum your uncle is coming to you and will say, "Buy my field that is in Anathoth for yourself, for the right to buy it belongs to you."'"
 
 \s5
-\v 8 Then, as Yahweh had declared, Hanamel, the son of my uncle, came to me in the courtyard of the guard, and he said to me, "Buy my field that is in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of inheritance is yours, and the right of redemption belongs to you. Buy it for yourself." Then I knew that this was Yahweh's word.
+\v 8 Then, as Yahweh had declared, Hanamel, the son of my uncle, came to me in the courtyard of the guard, and he said to me, "Buy my field that is in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of inheritance is yours, and the right to buy it belongs to you. Buy it for yourself." Then I knew that this was Yahweh's word.
 \v 9 So I bought the field in Anathoth from Hanamel, the son of my uncle, and I weighed out for him the silver, seventeen shekels in weight.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 Then I wrote in a scroll and sealed it, and had witnesses witness it. Then I weighed the silver in the scales.
 \v 11 Next I took the deed of purchase that was sealed, following the command and the statutes, as well as the unsealed deed.
-\v 12 I gave the sealed scroll to Baruch son of Neriah son of Mahseiah in front of Hanamel, the son of my uncle, and the witnesses who had written in the sealed scroll, and in front of all the Jews who sat in the courtyard of the guard.
+\v 12 I gave the sealed scroll to Baruch son of Neriah son of Mahseiah in front of Hanamel, the son of my uncle, and the witnesses who had written in the sealed scroll, and in front of all the Judeans who sat in the courtyard of the guard.
 
 \s5
 \v 13 So I gave a command to Baruch before them. I said,
@@ -2421,10 +2420,10 @@
 \v 16 After I gave the receipt of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to Yahweh and said,
 \p
 \v 17 "Woe, Lord Yahweh! Look! You alone have made the heavens and the earth by your great strength and with your raised arm. Nothing you say is too difficult for you to do.
-\v 18 You show steadfast love to thousands and pour the guilt of fathers into the laps of their children after them. You are the great and mighty God; Yahweh of hosts is your name.
+\v 18 You show steadfast love to thousands and pour the guilt of men into the laps of their children after them. You are the great and mighty God; Yahweh of hosts is your name.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 You are great in wise counsel and mighty in deeds, for your eyes are open to all the ways of people, to give to each man what his conduct and deeds deserve.
+\v 19 You are great in wisdom and mighty in deeds, for your eyes are open to all the ways of people, to give to each man what his conduct and deeds deserve.
 \v 20 You did signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. To this present day here in Israel and among all mankind, you have made your name famous.
 \v 21 For you brought your people Israel out from the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand, with a raised arm, and with great terror.
 
@@ -2434,7 +2433,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 24 Look! The siege mounds have reached up to the city to capture it. For because of sword, famine, and plague, the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. For what you have said would happen is happening, and see, you are watching.
-\v 25 Then you, Lord Yahweh, said to me, "Purchase a field for yourself with silver and have witnesses witness it, even though this city is being given into the hand of the Chaldeans."
+\v 25 Then you yourself said to me, "Purchase a field for yourself with silver and have witnesses witness it, even though this city is being given into the hand of the Chaldeans."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2444,14 +2443,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 29 The Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will come and set fire to this city and burn it, along with the houses on the roofs of which the people worshiped Baal and poured out drink offerings to other gods in order to provoke me.
-\v 30 For the people of Israel and Judah have certainly been people who have been doing evil before my eyes since their youth. The people of Israel have certainly provoked me to anger with the works of their hands—this is Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 30 For the people of Israel and Judah have certainly been people who have been doing evil before my eyes since their youth. The people of Israel have certainly offended me with the practices of their hands—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \v 31 Yahweh declares that this city has been a provocation of my wrath and fury since the day that they built it. It has been that right up to this present day. So I will remove it from before my face
 \v 32 because of all the wickedness of the people of Israel and Judah, the things that they have done to provoke me—they, their kings, princes, priests, prophets, and every person in Judah and inhabitant of Jerusalem.
 
 \s5
-\v 33 They turned their backs to me instead of their faces. Though I persistently taught them, not one of them listened in order to receive correction.
+\v 33 They turned their backs to me instead of their faces, though I had eagerly taught them. I tried to teach them, but not one of them listened in order to receive correction.
 \v 34 They set up their abominable idols in the house that is called by my name, to defile it.
 \v 35 They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom in order to put their sons and daughters in the fire for Molech. I did not command them. It never entered my mind that they should do this detestable thing and so cause Judah to sin.'
 
@@ -2489,7 +2488,7 @@
 \v 6 But see, I am about to bring healing and a cure, for I will heal them and will bring to them abundance, peace, and faithfulness.
 \v 7 For I will reverse the captivity of Judah and Israel; I will build them up as in the beginning.
 \v 8 Then I will purify them from all the iniquity that they have committed against me. I will pardon all the iniquities that they have done against me, and all the ways that they rebelled against me.
-\v 9 For this city will become for me a joyful name, a song of praise and honor for all the nations of the earth who will hear of all the good things that I am going to do for it. Then they will fear and tremble because of all the good things and the peace that I will give to it.'
+\v 9 For this city will become for me an object of joy, a song of praise and honor for all the nations of the earth who will hear of all the good things that I am going to do for it. Then they will fear and tremble because of all the good things and the peace that I will give to it.'
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2511,13 +2510,13 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 17 For Yahweh says this: 'A man from David's line will never be lacking to sit on the throne of the house of Israel,
-\v 18 nor will a man from the Levitical priests be lacking before me to raise burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to perform sacrifices all the time.'"
+\v 18 nor will a man from the Levitical priests be lacking before me to raise burnt offerings, to burn food offerings, and to perform grain offerings all the time.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 19 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah, saying,
 \v 20 "Yahweh says this: 'If you can break my covenant with day and night so that there will no longer be day or night at their proper times,
-\v 21 then you will be able to break my covenant with David my servant, so that he will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne, and my covenant with the Levitical priests, my servants.
+\v 21 then you will be able to break my covenant with David my servant, so that he will no longer have a descendant to sit on his throne, and my covenant with the Levitical priests, my servants.
 \v 22 As the hosts of heaven cannot be counted, and as the sand of the seashores cannot be measured, so I will increase the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who serve before me.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -2532,7 +2531,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 34
 \p
-\v 1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all of his army, together with all the kingdoms of the earth, the domains under his dominion, and all their people were waging war against Jerusalem and all of her cities, saying:
+\v 1 The word that came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all of his army, together with all the kingdoms of the earth, the domains under his power, and all their people were waging war against Jerusalem and all of her cities, saying:
 \v 2 "Yahweh, God of Israel, says this: Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and say to him, 'Yahweh says this: Look, I am about to give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon. He will burn it.
 \v 3 You will not escape from his hand, for you will certainly be seized and given into his hand. Your eyes will look at the eyes of the king of Babylon; he will speak directly to you as you go to Babylon.'
 
@@ -2548,11 +2547,11 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 The word came to Jeremiah from Yahweh after King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem, to proclaim freedom to them,
-\v 9 that each man must send away his Hebrew slaves free, both male and female, so no one was to make a slave of a Jew, who was his brother.
+\v 9 that each man must free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, so one was to make a slave of a Jew, who was his brother.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 So all the leaders and people entered into the covenant that each person would free his male and female slaves so that they would not be enslaved any longer. They obeyed and set them free.
-\v 11 But after this they changed their minds. They brought back the slaves whom they had sent away free. They forced them to become slaves again.
+\v 11 But after this they changed their minds. They brought back the slaves whom they had freed. They forced them to become slaves again.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2562,16 +2561,16 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Now you yourselves repented and began to do what is right in my eyes. You proclaimed freedom, each man to his neighbor, and you made a covenant before me in the house that is called by my name.
-\v 16 But then you turned and polluted my name; you caused each man to bring back his male and female slaves, the ones whom you had sent away free. You forced them to become your slaves again.'
+\v 16 But then you turned and polluted my name; you caused each man to bring back his male and female slaves, the ones whom you had sent out to go where they wished. You forced them to become your slaves again.'
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 17 Therefore Yahweh says this, 'You yourselves have not listened to me. You should have proclaimed freedom, every one of you, to your brothers and fellow Israelites. So look! I am about to proclaim freedom to you—this is Yahweh's declaration—freedom for the sword, the plague, and famine, for I am going to make you a terrifying thing in the sight of every kingdom on earth.
+\v 17 Therefore Yahweh says this, 'You yourselves have not listened to me. You should have proclaimed freedom, every one of you, to your brothers and fellow Israelites. So look! I am about to proclaim freedom to you—this is Yahweh's declaration—freedom for the sword, the plague, and famine, for I am going to make you a horrible thing in the sight of every kingdom on earth.
 \v 18 Then I will deal with the people who have broken my covenant, who did not keep the words of the covenant that they established before me when they cut a bull in two and walked between its parts,
 \v 19 and then the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the eunuchs and the priests, and all the people of the land walked between the parts of the bull.
 
 \s5
-\v 20 I will give them into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who are seeking their lives. Their corpses will be food for the birds of the skies and the wild animals on the earth.
+\v 20 I will give them into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who are seeking their lives. Their bodies will be food for the birds of the skies and the wild animals on the earth.
 \v 21 So I will give Zedekiah king of Judah and his leaders into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who are seeking their life, and into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon that has risen up against you.
 \v 22 Look, I am about to give a command—this is Yahweh's declaration—and will bring them back to this city to wage war against it and take it, and to burn it. For I will turn the cities of Judah into ruined places in which there will be no inhabitants.'"
 
@@ -2603,8 +2602,8 @@
 \v 14 The words of Jonadab son of Rekab that he gave to his sons as a command, not to drink any wine, have been observed to this very day. They have obeyed their ancestor's command. But as for me, I myself have been making persistent proclamations to you, but you do not listen to me.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 I persistently sent to you all my servants, the prophets, saying 'Let each person turn from his wicked way and do good deeds; let no one walk any longer after other gods and worship them. Then you will live in the land that I gave to you and your ancestors.' But you did not incline your ears and you did not listen to me.
-\v 16 For the descendants of Jonadab son of Rekab have observed the commands of their ancestor that he commanded them, but this people refuses to listen to me."'
+\v 15 I sent out to you all my servants, the prophets. I was persistent in sending them to say, 'Let each person turn from his wicked way and do good deeds; let no one walk any longer after other gods and worship them. Instead, come back to the land that I gave to you and your ancestors.' Yet you did not incline your ears and you did not listen to me.
+\v 16 For the descendants of Jonadab son of Rekab have observed the commands of their ancestor that he gave them, but this people refuses to listen to me."'
 
 \s5
 \v 17 So Yahweh, God of hosts and God of Israel, says this, 'Look, I am bringing upon Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem, all the disasters I pronounced against them because I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.'"
@@ -2629,12 +2628,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Perhaps their pleas for mercy will come before Yahweh. Perhaps each person will turn from his wicked way, since the wrath and fury that Yahweh has proclaimed against this people are severe."
-\v 8 So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him to do. He read aloud from the scroll the words of Yahweh in the house of Yahweh.
+\v 8 So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him to do. He read aloud the words of Yahweh in the house of Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 It came about in the fifth year and ninth month of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, that all the people in Jerusalem and the people who came to Jerusalem from the cities of Judah proclaimed a fast before Yahweh.
-\v 10 Baruch read aloud from the scroll Jeremiah's words in the house of Yahweh, from the room of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper courtyard, by the gate of the entrance to the house of Yahweh. He did this in the hearing of all the people.
+\v 10 Baruch read aloud Jeremiah's words in the house of Yahweh, from the room of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper courtyard, by the gate of the entrance to the house of Yahweh. He did this in the hearing of all the people.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2642,7 +2641,7 @@
 \v 12 He went down to the house of the king, to the secretary's room. Look, all the officials were sitting there: Elishama the secretary, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Akbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the officials.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 Then Micaiah reported to them all the words that he had heard that Baruch read aloud from the scroll in the hearing of the people.
+\v 13 Then Micaiah reported to them all the words that he had heard that Baruch read aloud in the hearing of the people.
 \v 14 So all the officials sent Jehudi son of Nethaniah son of Shelemiah son of Cushi, to Baruch. Jehudi said to Baruch, "Take the scroll in your hand, the scroll from which you were reading in the hearing of the people, and come." So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and went to the officials.
 \v 15 Then they said to him, "Sit down and read this in our hearing." So Baruch read the scroll.
 
@@ -2682,7 +2681,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 37
 \p
-\v 1 Now Zedekiah son of Josiah reigned as king in place of Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had made Zedekiah king over the land of Judah.
+\v 1 Now Zedekiah son of Josiah reigned as king instead of Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had made Zedekiah king over the land of Judah.
 \v 2 But Zedekiah, his servants, and the people of the land did not listen to the words of Yahweh that he proclaimed by the hand of Jeremiah the prophet.
 
 \s5
@@ -2699,7 +2698,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 9 Yahweh says this: Do not deceive yourselves by saying, 'Surely the Chaldeans are leaving us,' for they will not leave.
-\v 10 Even if you had defeated the entire Chaldean army that is fighting you so that only badly wounded men were left in their tents, they would get up and burn this city."
+\v 10 Even if you had defeated the entire Chaldean army that is fighting you so that only wounded men were left in their tents, they would get up and burn this city."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2713,13 +2712,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 So Jeremiah was put into a dungeon, where he stayed for many days.
+\v 16 So Jeremiah was put into an underground cell, where he stayed for many days.
 \v 17 Then King Zedekiah sent someone who brought him to the palace. In his house, the king asked him privately, "Is there any word from Yahweh?" Jeremiah answered, "There is a word: You will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon."
 
 \s5
 \v 18 Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, "How have I sinned against you, your servants, or this people so that you have placed me in prison?
 \v 19 Where are your prophets, the ones who prophesied for you and said the king of Babylon will not come against you or against this land?
-\v 20 But now listen, my master the king! Let my plea for favor come before you. Do not return me to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there."
+\v 20 But now listen, my master the king! Let my pleas come before you. Do not return me to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there."
 
 \s5
 \v 21 So King Zedekiah gave an order. His servants confined Jeremiah in the courtyard of the guard. A loaf of bread was given him every day from the street of the bakers, until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah stayed in the courtyard of the guard.
@@ -2728,7 +2727,7 @@
 \c 38
 \p
 \v 1 Shephatiah son of Mattan, Gedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehukal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah heard the words that Jeremiah was declaring to all the people. He was saying,
-\v 2 "Yahweh says this: Anyone staying in this city will be killed by sword, famine, and plague. But anyone who goes out to the Chaldeans will survive. His life will be his loot, but he will survive.
+\v 2 "Yahweh says this: Anyone staying in this city will be killed by sword, famine, and plague. But anyone who goes out to the Chaldeans will survive. He will escape with his own life, and live.
 \v 3 Yahweh says this: This city will be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it."
 
 \s5
@@ -2764,7 +2763,7 @@
 \v 18 But if you do not go out to the officials of the king of Babylon, then this city will be given into the hand of the Chaldeans. They will burn it, and you will not escape from their hand."
 
 \s5
-\v 19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "But I am afraid of the Jews who have deserted to the Chaldeans, because I might be given over into their hand, for them to treat me badly."
+\v 19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "But I am afraid of the people of Judah who have deserted to the Chaldeans, because I might be given over into their hand, for them to treat me badly."
 
 \s5
 \v 20 Jeremiah said, "They will not give you over to them. Obey the message from Yahweh that I am telling you, so that things will go well for you, and so that you will live.
@@ -2772,8 +2771,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 22 Look! All the women who are left in your house, king of Judah, will be brought out to the officials of the king of Babylon. These women will say to you,
-\q 'You have been deceived by your men of peace; they have ruined you.
-\q Your feet are now sunk into the mud, and your friends will turn away from you.'
+\q 'You have been deceived by your friends; they have ruined you.
+\q Your feet are now sunk into the mud, and your friends will run away.'
 \m
 \p
 \v 23 For all of your wives and children will be brought out to the Chaldeans, and you yourself will not escape from their hand. You will be captured by the hand of the king of Babylon, and this city will be burned."
@@ -2785,7 +2784,7 @@
 \v 26 then you must say to them, 'I made a humble plea before the king that he would not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.'"
 
 \s5
-\v 27 Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, so he answered them as the king had commanded him. So they stopped talking with him, because they had not heard the conversation between Jeremiah and the king.
+\v 27 Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, so he answered them as the king had instructed him. So they stopped talking with him, because they had not heard the conversation between Jeremiah and the king.
 \v 28 So Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.
 
 \s5
@@ -2793,7 +2792,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 In the ninth year and tenth month of Zedekiah king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came with all his army against Jerusalem and besieged it.
 \v 2 In the eleventh year and fourth month of Zedekiah, on the ninth day of the month, the city was broken into.
-\v 3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-Sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-Sarsekim an important official, and Nebo-Sarsekim a high official, and all the remaining officials of the king of Babylon.
+\v 3 Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-Sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-Sarsekim an important official, and Nebo-Sarsekim a high official, and all the officials of the king of Babylon.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2806,7 +2805,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 8 Then the Chaldeans burned the king's house and the people's houses. They also tore down the walls of Jerusalem.
-\v 9 Nebuzaradan, the commander of the king's bodyguards, took into exile in Babylon the rest of the people who were left in the city. This included the people who had deserted to the Chaldeans and the rest of the people who were left in the city.
+\v 9 Nebuzaradan, the commander of the king's bodyguards, took into exile the rest of the people who were left in the city. This included the people who had deserted to the Chaldeans and the rest of the people who were left in the city.
 \v 10 But Nebuzaradan the commander of the king's bodyguards allowed the poorest people who had nothing for themselves to remain in the land of Judah. He gave them vineyards and fields on that same day.
 
 \s5
@@ -2823,7 +2822,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 But I will rescue you on that day—this is Yahweh's declaration—and you will not be given into the hand of the men whom you fear.
-\v 18 For I will certainly rescue you. You will not fall by the sword. Your life will be your loot since you trust in me—this was Yahweh's declaration.'"
+\v 18 For I will certainly rescue you. You will not fall by the sword. You will escape with your life, since you trust in me—this was Yahweh's declaration.'"
 
 \s5
 \c 40
@@ -2849,8 +2848,8 @@
 \v 10 Look, I am living in Mizpah to meet with the Chaldeans who came to us. So harvest wine, summer fruit, and oil and store them in your containers. Live in the cities that you have occupied."
 
 \s5
-\v 11 Then all the Jews in Moab, among the people of Ammon, and in Edom, and in every land heard that the king of Babylon had allowed a remnant of Judah to stay, that he had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan over them.
-\v 12 So all the Jews returned from every place where they had been scattered. They came back to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah. They harvested wine and summer fruit in great abundance.
+\v 11 Then all the Judeans in Moab, among the people of Ammon, and in Edom, and in every land heard that the king of Babylon had allowed a remnant of Judah to stay, that he had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan over them.
+\v 12 So all the Judeans returned from every place where they had been scattered. They came back to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah at Mizpah. They harvested wine and summer fruit in great abundance.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2866,7 +2865,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 But it happened that in the seventh month Ishmael son of Nethaniah son of Elishama, from the royal family, and some officers of the king, came—ten men were with him—to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, at Mizpah. They ate food together there in Mizpah.
 \v 2 But Ishmael son of Nethaniah, and the ten men who were with him rose up and attacked Gedaliah son of Ahikam son of Shaphan, with the sword. Ishmael killed Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon had put in charge of the land.
-\v 3 Then Ishmael killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah in Mizpah and the Chaldean fighting men found there.
+\v 3 Then Ishmael killed all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah in Mizpah and the Chaldean fighting men found there.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2882,7 +2881,7 @@
 \v 9 The cistern where Ishmael threw all the dead bodies that he had killed, was a large cistern that King Asa dug to make a defense against King Baasha of Israel. Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it in with the dead.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 Next Ishmael captured all the people who remained in Mizpah, the king's daughters and all the people who were left in Mizpah whom Nebuzaradan the chief guard had assigned to Gedaliah son of Ahikam. So Ishmael son of Nethaniah captured them and went to cross over to the people of Ammon.
+\v 10 Next Ishmael captured all the other people who were in Mizpah, the king's daughters and all the people who were left in Mizpah whom Nebuzaradan the chief guard had assigned to Gedaliah son of Ahikam. So Ishmael son of Nethaniah captured them and went to cross over to the people of Ammon.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2906,7 +2905,7 @@
 \c 42
 \p
 \v 1 Then all the army commanders and Johanan son of Kareah, Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest approached Jeremiah the prophet.
-\v 2 They said to him, "Let our plea for favor come before you. Pray for us to Yahweh your God for these people who remain since we are so few in number, as you see.
+\v 2 They said to him, "Let our pleas come before you. Pray for us to Yahweh your God for these people who remain since we are so few in number, as you see.
 \v 3 Ask Yahweh your God to tell us the way we should go and what we should do."
 
 \s5
@@ -2919,7 +2918,7 @@
 \v 7 At the end of ten days, the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah.
 \v 8 So Jeremiah called to Johanan son of Kareah and all the army commanders with him, and to all the people from the least to the greatest.
 \v 9 Then he said to them, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel—to whom you sent me so I might lay your pleas before him—says,
-\v 10 'If you go back and live in this land, then I will build you and not tear you down; I will plant you and not pull you up, for I will relent concerning the disaster that I have brought on you.
+\v 10 'If you go back and live in this land, then I will build you and not tear you down; I will plant you and not pull you up, for I will turn back the disaster that I have brought on you.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 Do not fear the king of Babylon, whom you are fearing. Do not fear him—this is Yahweh's declaration—since I am with you to save you and rescue you from his hand.
@@ -2931,7 +2930,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Now listen to this word of Yahweh, you remnant of Judah. Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this, 'If you actually set out to go to Egypt, to go and live there,
-\v 16 then the sword that you fear will overtake you there in the land of Egypt. The famine that you are anxious about will pursue you to Egypt, and you will die there.
+\v 16 then the sword that you fear will overtake you there in the land of Egypt. The famine that you are worrying about will pursue you to Egypt, and you will die there.
 \v 17 So it will happen that all the men who set out to go to Egypt to live there will die by sword, famine, or plague. There will be no survivor of them, no one to escape the disaster that I will bring on them.
 
 \s5
@@ -2960,8 +2959,8 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 So the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,
-\v 9 "Take some large stones in your hand, and, in the sight of some Jewish men, hide them in the mortar in the pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes."
-\v 10 Then say to them, "Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this, 'See, I am about to send messengers to bring Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, my servant. I will place his throne over these stones that you, Jeremiah, have buried. Nebuchadnezzar will place his pavilion over them.
+\v 9 "Take some large stones in your hand, and, in the sight of the people of Judah, hide them in the mortar in the pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes."
+\v 10 Then say to them, "Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this, 'See, I am about to send messengers to take Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon as my servant. I will place his throne over these stones that you, Jeremiah, have buried. Nebuchadnezzar will place his pavilion over them.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 For he will come and attack the land of Egypt. Anyone who is assigned to death will be given to death. Anyone who is assigned to captivity will be taken captive. Anyone who is assigned to the sword will be given to the sword.
@@ -2971,9 +2970,9 @@
 \s5
 \c 44
 \p
-\v 1 The word came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews who lived in the land of Egypt, the ones staying in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Memphis, and in Upper Egypt:
+\v 1 The word came to Jeremiah concerning all the Judeans who lived in the land of Egypt, the ones staying in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Memphis, and in Upper Egypt:
 \v 2 "Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says, 'You yourselves have seen all the disasters that I brought on Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah. See, they are ruins today. There is no one to live in them.
-\v 3 This is because of the wicked things they did to provoke me to anger by going to burn incense and to worship other gods. These were gods that neither they themselves, nor you, nor your ancestors knew.'
+\v 3 This is because of the wicked things they did to offend me by going to burn incense and to worship other gods. These were gods that neither they themselves, nor you, nor your ancestors knew.'
 
 \s5
 \v 4 So I repeatedly sent all of my servants the prophets to them. I sent them to say, 'Stop doing these abominable things that I hate.'
@@ -2982,7 +2981,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 7 So now Yahweh, the God of hosts and the God of Israel, says this, 'Why are you doing great wickedness against yourselves? Why are you causing yourselves to be cut off from among Judah—men and women, children and babies? No remnant of you will be left.
-\v 8 By your wickedness you have provoked me to anger with the deeds of your hands, by burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you have gone to live. You have gone there so that you will be destroyed, so that you will be a curse and a taunt among all the nations of the earth.
+\v 8 By your wickedness you have offended me with the deeds of your hands, by burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you have gone to live. You have gone there so that you will be destroyed, so that you will be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth.
 
 \s5
 \v 9 Have you forgotten the wickedness committed by your ancestors and the wickedness committed by the kings of Judah and their wives? Have you forgotten the evil committed by yourselves and your wives in the land of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem?
@@ -2991,7 +2990,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 11 Therefore Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this, 'See, I am about to set my face against you to bring disaster to you and to destroy all of Judah.
-\v 12 For I will take the remnant of Judah that has set out to go to the land of Egypt to live there. I will do this so that they will all perish in the land of Egypt. They will fall by sword and famine. From the least to the greatest they will die by sword and famine. They will die and will become a curse, an object of horror—a curse and an insult. 
+\v 12 For I will take the remnant of Judah that has set out to go to the land of Egypt to live there. I will do this so that they will all perish in the land of Egypt. They will fall by sword and famine. From the least to the greatest they will perish by sword and famine. They will die and will become an object of swearing, cursing, reproaching, and a horrible thing.
 
 \s5
 \v 13 For I will punish the people inhabiting the land of Egypt just as I punished Jerusalem with the sword, with famine, and with the plague,
@@ -3013,7 +3012,7 @@
 \v 21 "Did not Yahweh remember the incense that you burned in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem—you and your ancestors, your kings and leaders, and the people of the land? For Yahweh calls this to mind; it comes to his thoughts.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 Then he was no longer able to bear it because of the wickedness of your practices, because of the abominations that you did. Then your land became a desolation, a horror, and a curse so there was no longer an inhabitant as at this present day.
+\v 22 Then he was no longer able to bear it because of your wicked practices, because of the abominations that you did. Then your land became a desolation, a horror, and a curse so there was no longer an inhabitant as at this present day.
 \v 23 Because you burned incense and sinned against Yahweh, and because you would not listen to his voice, his law, his statutes, or his covenant decrees, this disaster against you has happened as at this present day."
 
 \s5
@@ -3039,14 +3038,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 4 This is what you must say to him: 'Yahweh says this: See, what I built, I am now tearing down. What I planted, I am now pulling up—I will do this throughout all the earth.
-\v 5 But are you hoping for great things for yourself? Do not hope for that. For see, disaster is coming on all humanity—this is Yahweh's declaration—but I am giving you your life as loot everywhere you will go.'"
+\v 5 But are you hoping for great things for yourself? Do not hope for that. For see, disaster is coming on all humanity—this is Yahweh's declaration—but I am giving you your life as your plunder everywhere you will go.'"
 
 \s5
 \c 46
 \p
 \v 1 This is the word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations.
 \p
-\v 2 For Egypt: "This is about the army of Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt that was at Carchemish by the Euphrates River. This was the army that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:
+\v 2 For Egypt: "This is about the army of Pharaoh Necho, king of Egypt that was at Carchemish by the Euphrates river. This was the army that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:
 \q
 \v 3 Get the small shields and the large shields ready, and go forward to fight.
 \q
@@ -3055,8 +3054,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 5 What am I seeing here? They are dismayed and are running away, for their soldiers have been completely destroyed.
-\q They are fleeing for refuge and are not looking back. Terror is all around—this is Yahweh's declaration—
+\v 5 What am I seeing here? They are filled with terror and are running away, for their soldiers are defeated.
+\q They are running for safety and are not looking back. Terror is all around—this is Yahweh's declaration—
 \q
 \v 6 the swift cannot run away, and the soldiers cannot escape.
 \q They stumble in the north and fall beside the Euphrates River.
@@ -3082,7 +3081,7 @@
 \v 11 Go up to Gilead and obtain medicine, virgin daughter of Egypt.
 \q It is useless that you put much medicine on yourself. There is no cure for you.
 \q
-\v 12 The nations have heard of your disgrace. The earth is filled with your cry of distress,
+\v 12 The nations have heard of your disgrace. The earth is filled with your laments,
 \q for soldier stumbles against soldier; both of them fall together."
 
 \s5
@@ -3094,10 +3093,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 15 Why are your mighty ones facedown on the ground? They will not stand, because Yahweh has pushed them to the ground.
+\v 15 Why are your mighty ones face-down on the ground? They will not stand, because I, Yahweh, have pushed them to the ground.
 \q
 \v 16 He increases the numbers of those who stumble. Each soldier falls against the next one. They are saying, 'Get up. Let us go home.
-\q Let us go back to our own people, to the land of our birth, and away from the sword of the oppressor.'
+\q Let us go back to our own people, to our native land. Let us leave this sword that is beating us down.'
 \q
 \v 17 They proclaimed there, 'Pharaoh the king of Egypt is only a noise, one who has let his opportunity slip away.'
 
@@ -3107,7 +3106,7 @@
 \q someone will come like Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel by the sea.
 \q
 \v 19 Pack for yourselves baggage to carry into exile, you who live in Egypt.
-\q For Memphis will become a waste; it will be burned, and no one will live there.
+\q For Memphis will become a waste, it will lie in ruins and no one will live there.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -3125,16 +3124,16 @@
 \q For the enemies will be more numerous than locusts, unable to be counted.
 \q
 \v 24 The daughter of Egypt will be made ashamed. She will be given into the hand of people from the north."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 25 Yahweh of hosts, the God of Israel, says, "See, I am about to punish Amon of Thebes, Pharaoh, Egypt and her gods, her kings the Pharaohs, and those who trust in them.
 \v 26 I am giving them into the hand of the ones seeking their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his servants. Then after this Egypt will be inhabited as in previous days—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 27 But you, my servant Jacob, do not fear. Do not be dismayed, Israel, for see, I am about to deliver you from the faraway place, and your descendants from the land of their captivity. Jacob will return and be at ease; he will rest secure, and there will be no more terror.
+\v 27 But you, my servant Jacob, do not fear. Do not be dismayed, Israel, for see, I am about to bring you back from far away, and your descendants from the land of their captivity. Then Jacob will return, find peace, and be secure, and there will be no one to terrify him.
 \v 28 You, my servant Jacob, do not fear—this is Yahweh's declaration—for I am with you, so I will bring complete destruction against all the nations where I scattered you. But I will not destroy you completely. Yet I will discipline you justly and will certainly not leave you unpunished."
 
 \s5
@@ -3144,27 +3143,27 @@
 \q
 \v 2 "Yahweh says this: See, floods of water are rising in the north. They will be like an overflowing river!
 \q Then they will overflow the land and everything in it, its cities and its inhabitants! So everyone will shout for help,
-\q and all the inhabitants of the land will howl.
+\q and all the inhabitants of the land will lament.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 3 At the sound of the stamping of their strong horses' hooves,
 \q at the roar of their chariots and the noise of their wheels,
-\q fathers will not help their children because of the weakness of their own hands.
+\q fathers will not help their children because of their own weakness.
 \q
 \v 4 For the day is coming that will devastate all of the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon
 \q every survivor who wants to help them. For Yahweh is devastating the Philistines,
 \q those who remain from the island of Caphtor.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 Baldness will come upon Gaza. Ashkelon has been silenced.
-\q You remnant in their valley, how long will you cut yourself?
+\v 5 Baldness will come upon Gaza. As for Ashkelon, the people who are left in their valley will be made silent.
+\q How long will you cut yourself in mourning?
 \q
 \v 6 Woe, sword of Yahweh! How long will it be until you become silent?
 \q Go back to your scabbard! Stop and be silent.
 \q
 \v 7 How can it rest when Yahweh has commanded it,
-\q when he has appointed it to attack Ashkelon and the coastlands along the sea?"
+\q when he has ordered it to attack Ashkelon and the coastlands along the sea?"
 
 \s5
 \c 48
@@ -3178,7 +3177,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 Listen! A sound of an outcry is coming from Horonaim, where there is ruin and great destruction.
+\v 3 Listen! A sound of screaming is coming from Horonaim, where there is ruin and great destruction.
 \q
 \v 4 Moab has been destroyed. Her children have made their cries heard.
 \q
@@ -3204,7 +3203,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 11 Moab has rested secure since he was young. He is like his wine
+\v 11 Moab has felt secure since he was young. He is like his wine
 \q that has never been poured from pot to pot. He has never gone into captivity.
 \q Therefore he tastes as good as ever; his flavor remains unchanged.
 \q
@@ -3267,13 +3266,13 @@
 \q his haughtiness, his pride, his self-glory and the conceit in his heart.
 
 \s5
-\v 30 This is Yahweh's declaration—I myself know his arrogant speech, which amounts to nothing, like his deeds.
+\v 30 This is Yahweh's declaration—I myself know his defiant speech, which amounts to nothing, like his deeds.
 \q
 \v 31 So I will howl a lament for Moab, and I will shout in sorrow for all of Moab.
 \q I will lament for the people of Kir Hareseth.
 \q
 \v 32 I will weep for you more than I did for Jazer, vine of Sibmah! Your branches passed across the Salt Sea and reached
-\q as far as Jazer. The destroyer has attacked your summer fruit and your grapes.
+\q as far as Jazer. The destroyers have attacked your summer fruit and your wine.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -3282,7 +3281,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 34 From the shouts at Heshbon as far as Elealeh, their sound is heard at Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah, since even the waters of Nimrim have become desolate.
+\v 34 From the shouts at Heshbon as far as Elealeh, their sound is heard at Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath Shelishiyah, since even the waters of Nimrim have dried up.
 \v 35 For I will put an end to anyone in Moab who makes sacrifices on the high places and burns incense to his gods—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
@@ -3305,16 +3304,16 @@
 \q
 \v 42 So Moab will be destroyed and be no longer a people, because he made himself to be great against Yahweh.
 \q
-\v 43 Terror, the pit, and a trap are coming on you, inhabitant of Moab—this is Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 43 Terror and the pit, and a trap are coming on you, inhabitant of Moab—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 \q
 \v 44 Anyone who flees because of terror will fall into the pit,
-\q and anyone who climbs out of the pit will be caught in the trap, for I will bring this on them, the people of Moab,
+\q and anyone who climbs out of the pit will be caught in the trap, for I will bring this on them
 \q in the year of my vengeance against them—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 45 The ones who flee will stand in the shadow of Heshbon without any strength, for fire will go out from Heshbon,
-\q flame from the middle of Sihon. It will devour the forehead of Moab and the scalps of the boastful people.
+\q flame from the middle of Sihon. It will devour the forehead of Moab and the top of the heads of the boastful people.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -3332,13 +3331,13 @@
 \q "Does Israel have no children? Is there no one to inherit anything in Israel?
 \q Why does Molech occupy Gad, and his people live in its cities? \f + \ft Instead of \fqa Molech \fqa* , some modern translations have \fqa their king \fqa* . \f*
 \q
-\v 2 So look, the days are coming—this is Yahweh's declaration—when I will cause a trumpet call for battle against Rabbah
-\q to be heard among the people of Ammon, so it will become a deserted heap and its villages will be set on fire.
+\v 2 So look, the days are coming—this is Yahweh's declaration—when I will sound the signal for battle
+\q against Rabbah among the people of Ammon, so it will become a deserted heap and its villages will be set on fire.
 \q For Israel will possess those who possessed him," says Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 "Howl in lament, Heshbon, for Ai will be devastated! Shout out, daughters of Rabbah! Gird yourselves with sackcloth.
+\v 3 "Howl in lament, Heshbon, for Ai will be devastated! Shout out, daughters of Rabbah! Put on sackcloth.
 \q Lament and run about in futility, for Molech is going into captivity,
 \q together with his priests and leaders.
 \q
@@ -3364,7 +3363,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 9 If grape harvesters came to you, would they not leave a little bit behind?
-\q If thieves came in the night, would they not spoil only as much as they wanted?
+\q If thieves came in the night, would they not steal only as much as they wanted?
 \q
 \v 10 But I have stripped Esau bare. I have revealed his hiding places.
 \q So he will not be able to hide himself. His children, his brothers, and his neighbors are destroyed, and he is gone.
@@ -3373,8 +3372,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 For Yahweh says this, "See, those who did not deserve it must certainly drink some of the cup. Do you yourself think you will go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for you will certainly drink.
-\v 13 For I have sworn by myself—this is Yahweh's declaration—that Bozrah will become a horror, a disgrace, a devastation, and an object for cursing. All of its cities will become ruins forever.
+\v 12 For Yahweh says this, "See, those who did not deserve it must certainly drink some of the cup. Do you yourself think you will go without punishment? You will not, for you will certainly drink.
+\v 13 For I have sworn by myself—this is Yahweh's declaration—that Bozrah will become a horror, a disgrace, a devastation, and an object for cursing. All of its cities will become devastations forever.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -3392,14 +3391,14 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 17 Edom will become a horror to everyone passing by it.
-\q Every such person will be appalled and hiss because of all of its disasters.
+\q Every such person will tremble and hiss because of all of its disasters.
 \q
 \v 18 Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbors, says Yahweh,
 \q and no one will live there; no person will stay there.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 19 See, he will go up like a lion from the majesty of the Jordan to the green pasturelands.
+\v 19 See, he will go up like a lion from the forests of the Jordan to the green pasturelands.
 \q For I will quickly make Edom run from it, and I will put someone who will be chosen in charge of it.
 \q For who is like me, and who will summon me? What shepherd is able to resist me?
 
@@ -3412,7 +3411,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 21 At the sound of their falling the earth shakes. The sound of cries of distress is heard at the Sea of Reeds.
+\v 21 At the sound of their falling the earth shakes. The sound of distressed shouts is heard at the Sea of Reeds.
 \q
 \v 22 See, someone will attack like an eagle, and swoop down and spread his wings over Bozrah.
 \q Then on that day, the hearts of Edom's soldiers will become like the heart of a woman in birth labor."
@@ -3420,12 +3419,12 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 23 About Damascus: "Hamath and Arpad will be ashamed, for they have heard news of disaster.
-\q They melt away! Anxiety is in the sea. It cannot stay calm.
+\q They melt away! They become as troubled as the sea, which cannot stay calm.
 \q
 \v 24 Damascus has become very weak. It turns away to flee; terror seizes it.
 \q Distress and pain seize it, like the pain of a woman giving birth.
 \q
-\v 25 How has the city of praise not been abandoned, the town of my joy?
+\v 25 How has the city of praise not been forsaken, the town of my joy?
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -3455,7 +3454,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 32 For their camels will become plunder, and the abundance of their property will become war plunder.
-\q Then I will scatter to every wind those who cut the hair on the sides of their heads very short,
+\q Then I will scatter to every wind those who cut the corners of their hair,
 \q and I will bring disaster on them from every side—this is Yahweh's declaration.
 \q
 \v 33 Hazor will become a lair of jackals, a permanent wasteland.
@@ -3475,7 +3474,7 @@
 \q
 \v 37 So I will shatter Elam before their enemies and before those who seek their lives.
 \q for I will bring disaster against them, the fury of my wrath—this is Yahweh's declaration—
-\q and I will send the sword after them until I have consumed them.
+\q and I will send the sword after them until I have annihilated them.
 \q
 \v 38 Then I will put my throne in Elam and will destroy its king and leaders from there—this is Yahweh's declaration—
 \q
@@ -3503,7 +3502,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 My people have been a lost flock. Their shepherds have led them astray in the mountains;
-\q they have turned them around from hill to hill. They went, they have forgotten their resting place.
+\q they have turned them around from hill to hill. They went, they forgot the place where they had lived.
 \q
 \v 7 Everyone who went out to them devoured them. Their adversaries said, 'We are not guilty,
 \q because they sinned against Yahweh, their true home—Yahweh, the hope of their ancestors.'
@@ -3529,12 +3528,12 @@
 \q See, she will be the least of nations, a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.
 \q
 \v 13 Because of Yahweh's anger, Babylon will not be inhabited, but will be a complete devastation.
-\q Everyone who passes by will be appalled because of Babylon and will hiss because of all of its wounds.
+\q Everyone who passes by will shudder because of Babylon and will hiss because of all of its wounds.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 14 Arrange yourselves against Babylon all around her. Everyone who bends a bow must shoot at her.
-\q Do not spare any of your arrows, for she has sinned against Yahweh.
+\q Do not keep back any of your arrows, for she has sinned against Yahweh.
 \q
 \v 15 Raise a shout against her all around! She has surrendered; her towers have fallen;
 \q her walls are torn down, for this is Yahweh's vengeance.
@@ -3547,7 +3546,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 17 Israel is a scattered flock driven away by lions.
+\v 17 Israel is a wandering sheep driven away by lions.
 \q First the king of Assyria devoured him;
 \q then after this, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon broke his bones.
 \p
@@ -3564,14 +3563,14 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 21 "Arise against the land of Merathaim, against it and the ones inhabiting Pekod.
-\q Put them to the sword and completely destroy them—this is Yahweh's declaration—do everything that I am commanding you.
+\q Put them to the sword and set them apart for destruction—this is Yahweh's declaration—do everything that I am commanding you.
 \q
 \v 22 The sounds of battle and enormous destruction are in the land.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 23 How the hammer of all the lands has been cut apart and destroyed.
-\q How Babylon has become an object of horror among the nations.
+\q How Babylon has become a destroyed place among the nations.
 \q
 \v 24 I have set a trap for you and you were taken, Babylon, and you did not know it!
 \q You were found and captured, because you opposed Yahweh.
@@ -3598,7 +3597,7 @@
 \q Camp against her, and let no one escape.
 \q Repay her for what she has done.
 \q Do to her by the measure she has used.
-\q For she had acted arrogantly against Yahweh—against the Holy One of Israel.
+\q For she had defied Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel.
 \q
 \v 30 So her young men will fall in the city squares,
 \q and all her fighting men will be destroyed on that day—
@@ -3610,7 +3609,7 @@
 \q for your day has come, proud one, the time when I will punish you.
 \q
 \v 32 So the proud ones will stumble and fall. No one will raise them up.
-\q I will set fire to their cities; it will devour everything around him.
+\q I will light a fire in their cities; it will devour everything around him.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -3661,7 +3660,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 44 Behold! He goes up like a lion from the majesty of the Jordan to the enduring grazing place
+\v 44 Behold! He goes up like a lion from the heights of the Jordan to the enduring grazing place
 \q For I will quickly cause them to run from it, and I will put someone who will be chosen in charge of it.
 \q For who is like me, and who will summon me? What shepherd is able to resist me?
 
@@ -3688,11 +3687,11 @@
 \v 3 Do not let the archers bend their bows; do not let them put on armor.
 \q Do not spare her young men; set her whole army apart for destruction.
 \q
-\v 4 For the wounded people will fall in the land of the Chaldeans; those who are thrust through will fall in her streets.
+\v 4 For the wounded people will fall in the land of the Chaldeans; those who are killed will fall in her streets.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 5 For Israel and Judah are not abandoned by their God, by Yahweh of hosts,
+\v 5 For Israel and Judah are not forsaken by their God, by Yahweh of hosts,
 \q although their land is filled with offenses committed against the Holy One of Israel.
 \q
 \v 6 Flee from the midst of Babylon; let each man save himself. Do not perish in her iniquity.
@@ -3711,7 +3710,7 @@
 \v 9 'We wished to heal Babylon, but she is not healed. Let us all leave her and go away,
 \q to our own land. For her guilt reaches up to the heavens; it is piled up to the clouds.
 \q
-\v 10 Yahweh has brought about our vindication. Come, let us give a full account in Zion
+\v 10 Yahweh has declared our innocence. Come, let us tell in Zion
 \q the deeds of Yahweh our God.'
 
 \s5
@@ -3720,7 +3719,7 @@
 \q the spirit of the king of the Medes in a plan to destroy Babylon.
 \q This is for Yahweh's vengeance, vengeance for the destruction of his temple.
 \q
-\v 12 Lift up a signal flag over Babylon's walls; make the watch strong; set up watchmen; prepare the ambushes;
+\v 12 Lift up a banner over Babylon's walls; make the watch strong; set up watchmen; prepare the ambushes;
 \q for the LORD will do what he has said concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.
 
 \s5
@@ -3741,8 +3740,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 17 Every man has become stupid, without knowledge. Every metalworker is put to shame by his idols.
-\q For his cast metal images are frauds, and there is no life in them.
+\v 17 Every man has become ignorant, without knowledge. Every metalworker is put to shame by his idols.
+\q For his cast images are frauds, and there is no life in them.
 \q
 \v 18 They are useless, the work of mockers; they will perish at the time of their punishment.
 \q
@@ -3780,8 +3779,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 27 Lift up a signal flag over the earth. Blow the ram's horn over the nations. Call the nations to attack her:
-\q the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz.
+\v 27 Lift up a banner over the earth. Blow the ram's horn over the nations. Call the nations to attack her:
+\q Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz.
 \q Appoint a commander to attack her; bring up horses like swarming locusts.
 \q
 \v 28 Prepare the nations to attack her: The kings of the Medes and his governors,
@@ -3812,7 +3811,7 @@
 \q
 \v 34 'Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me,
 \q he has driven me into confusion and has made me an empty pot.
-\q Like a sea monster he has swallowed me,
+\q Like a monster he has swallowed me,
 \q he has filled his stomach with my delicious foods,
 \q and then he has spit me out.'
 \q
@@ -3831,7 +3830,7 @@
 \q
 \v 38 The Babylonians will roar together like young lions. They will growl like lion cubs.
 \q
-\v 39 When they become hot with greed, I will make a feast for them; I will make them drunk so they become joyful
+\v 39 When they become hot with greed, I will make a feast for them; I will make them drunk so they become happy,
 \q and then sleep an unending sleep and not wake up—this is Yahweh's declaration—
 \q
 \v 40 I will send them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with male goats.
@@ -3875,7 +3874,7 @@
 \v 50 Survivors of the sword, go away! Do not stay still.
 \q Call Yahweh to mind from far away; let Jerusalem come to mind.
 \q
-\v 51 We are ashamed, for we have been insulted; shame has covered our faces,
+\v 51 We are ashamed, for we have heard insults; reproach has covered our faces,
 \q for foreigners have entered the holy places of the house of Yahweh.
 
 \s5
@@ -3888,18 +3887,17 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 54 A cry of distress came from Babylon, great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans.
+\v 54 A shout of distress came from Babylon, a great collapse from the land of the Chaldeans.
 \q
 \v 55 For Yahweh is destroying Babylon. He is causing her loud voice to perish.
 \q Their enemies roar like the waves of many waters; their noise becomes very strong.
 \q
 \v 56 For the destroyers have come against her—against Babylon!—and her warriors have been captured.
-\q Their bows are shattered, for Yahweh is the God of vengeance; he will surely carry out this repayment.
+\q Their bows are broken, for Yahweh is the God of vengeance; he will surely carry out this repayment.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 57 For I will make her princes and her wise men drunk,
-\q as well as her governors, her officials, and her soldiers.
+\v 57 For I will make her princes, her sages, her officials, and her soldiers drunk,
 \q and they will sleep in an unending sleep and never wake up—
 \q this is the King's declaration: Yahweh of hosts is his name.
 \q
@@ -3950,7 +3948,7 @@
 \v 14 As for the walls around Jerusalem, all the army of the Chaldeans who were with the commander of the bodyguards destroyed them.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 As for the poorest people, the rest of the people who were left in the city, those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the craftsmen—Nebuzaradan, the commander of the bodyguards, took some of them away into exile.
+\v 15 As for the poorest people, the rest of the people who were left in the city, those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the craftsmen— Nebuzaradan, the commander of the bodyguards, took some of them away into exile.
 \v 16 But Nebuzaradan, the commander of the bodyguards, left some of the poorest of the land to work the vineyards and fields.
 
 \s5
@@ -3960,7 +3958,7 @@
 \v 19 The basins and the incense burners, the bowls, pots, lampstands, pans, and basins that were made of gold, and those made of silver—the commander of the king's guard took them away as well.
 
 \s5
-\v 20 The two pillars, the large bronze basin known as "The Sea," and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the stands, things that King Solomon had made for the house of Yahweh, contained more bronze than could be weighed.
+\v 20 The two pillars, the large bronze basin known as "The Sea," and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the stands, things that Solomon had made for the house of Yahweh, contained more bronze than could be weighed.
 \v 21 The pillars were eighteen cubits high each, and a line around each one measured twelve cubits. Each was four fingers thick and hollow.
 
 \s5
@@ -3978,11 +3976,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 28 These were the people who Nebuchadnezzar exiled: In the seventh year, 3,023 Jews.
+\v 28 These were the people who Nebuchadnezzar exiled: In the seventh year, 3,023 Judeans.
 \p
 \v 29 In the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar he took 832 people from Jerusalem.
 \p
-\v 30 In the twenty-third year of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, the commander of the king's bodyguards, exiled 745 Jewish people. All the exiled people totaled 4,600.
+\v 30 In the twenty-third year of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, the commander of the king's bodyguards, exiled 745 Judean people. All the exiled people totaled 4,600.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -3991,5 +3989,5 @@
 \s5
 \v 32 He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat more honorable than that of the other kings who were with him in Babylon.
 \v 33 Awel-Marduk removed Jehoiachin's prison clothes, and Jehoiachin ate regularly at the king's table for the rest of his life,
-\v 34 and a regular food allowance was given to him by the king of Babylon every day for the rest of his life until his death.
+\v 34 and a regular food allowance was given to him every day for the rest of his life until his death.
 

25-LAM.usfm

@@ -321,7 +321,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 30 Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes him, and let him be filled to the full with insults.
+\v 30 Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes him, and let him be filled to the full with reproach.
 \q
 \v 31 For the Lord will not reject us forever,
 \q
@@ -399,7 +399,7 @@
 \q
 \v 60 You have seen all their vengeance, all their plots against me.
 \q
-\v 61 You have heard their insults, Yahweh, and all their plots against me.
+\v 61 You have heard their reproach, Yahweh, and all their plots regarding me.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 9 Those killed by the sword are better than those killed by hunger,
+\v 9 Those slain by the sword are better than those killed by hunger,
 \q who wasted away, pierced by the lack of any harvest from the field.
 \q
 \v 10 The hands of compassionate women have boiled their own children;
@@ -596,7 +596,7 @@
 \q and you will sit upon your throne from generation to generation.
 \q
 \v 20 Why do you forget us forever?
-\q Why do you abandon us for the length of your days?
+\q Why do you forsake us for the length of your days?
 \q
 \v 21 Restore us to yourself, Yahweh, and we will be restored.
 \q Renew our days as they were long ago—

26-EZK.usfm

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 7 Their legs were straight, but the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf that shone like polished bronze.
 \v 8 Yet they had human hands under their wings on all four sides. For all four, their faces and wings were like this:
-\v 9 their wings touched each other. They did not turn when they moved; each one went straight ahead.
+\v 9 their wings were touching the wings of the next creature, and they did not turn as they went; instead, each one went straight forward.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 The likeness of their faces was like the face of a man. The four of them had the face of a lion to the right side, and the four of them had the face of an ox on the left side. They four had also the face of an eagle.
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@
 \v 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures as they touched one another, and the sound of the wheels that were with them, and the sound of a great earthquake.
 
 \s5
-\v 14 The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went with bitterness in the anger of my spirit, and the strong hand of Yahweh was on me.
+\v 14 The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went with bitterness in my spirit's rage, for the hand of Yahweh was powerfully pressing on me!
 \v 15 So I went to the captives at Tel Aviv who lived along the Kebar Canal, and I stayed there among them for seven days, overwhelmed in amazement.
 
 \s5
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@
 \c 4
 \p
 \v 1 "But you, son of man, take a brick for yourself and place it before you. Then carve the city of Jerusalem on it.
-\v 2 Then lay siege against it, and build forts against it. Raise up a siege ramp against it and set camps around it. Place battering rams all around it.
+\v 2 Then lay siege against it, and build forts against it. Raise up an assault ramp against it and set camps around it. Place battering rams all around it.
 \v 3 Then take for yourself an iron pan and use it as an iron wall between yourself and the city and set your face against it, for it will be under siege, and you are to put the siege against it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel.
 
 \s5
@@ -174,8 +174,8 @@
 \v 15 So he said to me, "Look! I have given you cow manure instead of human dung so you can prepare your bread over that."
 
 \s5
-\v 16 He also said to me, "Son of man! Behold! I am breaking the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread while rationing it in anxiety and drink water while rationing it in horror.
-\v 17 Because they will lack bread and water, every man will be appalled at his brother, and they will waste away because of their iniquity."
+\v 16 He also said to me, "Son of man! Behold! I am breaking the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread while rationing it in anxiety and drink water while rationing it in trembling.
+\v 17 Because they will lack bread and water, every man will be dismayed at his brother and waste away because of their iniquity."
 
 \s5
 \c 5
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 The Lord Yahweh says this, "This is Jerusalem in the midst of the nations, where I have placed her, and where I have surrounded her with other lands.
-\v 6 But she has rebelled against my ordinances more wickedly than the nations have, and my statutes more than the lands that surround her. The people have rejected my ordinances and have not walked in my statutes."
+\v 6 But she has rebelled against my decrees more wickedly than the nations have, and my statutes more than the countries that surround her. The people have rejected my judgments and have not walked in my statutes."
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this, "Because you are more troublesome than the nations that surround you and have not walked in my statutes or acted according to my decrees, or even acted according to the decrees of the nations that surround you,"
@@ -206,11 +206,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 13 Then my wrath will be completed, and I will cause my fury toward them to rest. I will be comforted, and they will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken in my jealousy when I have completed my fury against them.
-\v 14 I will make you a ruin and an object of scorn to the nations that surround you and in the sight of everyone who passes by.
+\v 13 Then my wrath will be completed, and I will cause my fury toward them to rest. I will be appeased, and they will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken in my jealousy when I have completed my fury against them.
+\v 14 I will make you a desolation and a reproach to the nations that surround you in the sight of everyone who passes by.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 So Jerusalem will become something for other people to condemn and to mock, a warning and a horror to the nations that surround you. I will execute judgments against you in wrath and fury, and with furious rebukes—I, Yahweh have declared this!
+\v 15 So Jerusalem will become something for other people to condemn and to mock, a warning and a horror to the nations that surround you. I will execute judgments against you in wrath and fury, and with a furious rebuke—I, Yahweh have declared this!
 \v 16 I will send out harsh arrows of famine against you that will become the means with which I will destroy you. For I will increase the famine on you and break your staff of bread.
 \v 17 I will send a famine and disasters against you so you will be childless. Plague and blood will pass through you, and I will bring a sword against you—I, Yahweh, have declared this."
 
@@ -231,7 +231,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 8 But I will preserve a remnant among you, and there will be some who escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered throughout the lands.
+\v 8 But I will preserve a remnant among you, and there will be some who escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered throughout the countries.
 \v 9 Then those who escape will think of me among the nations where they will be held captive, that I was grieved by their promiscuous heart that turned away from me, and by their eyes that whored after their idols. Then they will show loathing on their face for the wickedness which they have committed with all their abominations.
 \v 10 So they will know that I am Yahweh. It was for a reason that I said I would bring this evil to them.
 
@@ -256,8 +256,8 @@
 \v 3 Now the end is upon you, for I am sending out my wrath on you, and I will judge you according to your ways;
 \q then I will bring all your abominations upon you.
 \q
-\v 4 For my eye will not pity you, and I will not spare you. Instead, I will bring your ways upon you,
-\q and your abominations will be in your midst. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.
+\v 4 For my eyes will not pity you, and I will not spare you. Instead, I will bring your ways upon you,
+\q and your abominations will be in your midst, so you will know that I am Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -313,13 +313,13 @@
 \v 18 and they will gird themselves sackcloth, and trembling will cover them;
 \q and shame will be on every face, and baldness on all of their heads.
 \q
-\v 19 They will throw their silver into the streets and their gold will be an impure thing. Their silver and their gold
+\v 19 They will throw their silver into the streets and their gold will be like refuse. Their silver and their gold
 \q will not be able to rescue them in the day of Yahweh's rage. Their lives will not be saved,
 \q and their hunger will not be satisfied, because their iniquity has become a stumbling block.
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 20 In their pride they took the beauty of his jeweled ornaments, and with them they made their abominable images and their detestable idols. Therefore, I am turning these into an unclean thing to them.
+\v 20 In their pride they took the beauty of his jeweled ornaments, and with them they made their idolatrous figures, and their detestable things. Therefore, I am turning these into an unclean thing to them.
 \q
 \v 21 Then I will give those things into the hand of strangers as plunder and to the wicked of the earth as plunder,
 \q and they will defile them.
@@ -342,7 +342,7 @@
 \v 26 Disaster upon disaster will come, and there will be rumor after rumor.
 \q Then they will seek a vision from the prophet, but the law will perish from the priest and advice from the elders.
 \q
-\v 27 The king will mourn and the prince will be clothed in horror,
+\v 27 The king will mourn and the prince will dress in despair,
 \q while the hands of the people of the land will tremble in fear. According to their own ways I will do this to them!
 \q I will judge them with their own standards until they know that I am Yahweh.'"
 
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@
 \v 11 Seventy elders of the house of Israel were there, and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan was standing in their midst. They were standing in front of the images, and each man had his censer in his hand so that the smell of the cloud of incense went up.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 He said to me, "Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark? Each one does this in the hidden chamber of his idol, for they say, 'Yahweh does not see us! Yahweh has abandoned the land.'"
+\v 12 He said to me, "Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark? Each one does this in the hidden chamber of his idol, for they say, 'Yahweh does not see us! Yahweh has forsaken the land.'"
 \v 13 Then he said to me, "Turn again and see the other great abominations that they are doing."
 
 \s5
@@ -400,8 +400,8 @@
 \v 4 Yahweh said to him, "Pass through the midst of the city—the midst of Jerusalem—and make a mark on the foreheads of those who groan and sigh about all the abominations being performed in the midst of the city."
 
 \s5
-\v 5 Then he spoke to the others within my hearing, "Pass through the city after him and kill. Do not let your eyes have compassion, and do not spare anyone.
-\v 6 Kill—completely destroy—old man, young man, virgin, little children or women. But do not approach anyone who has the mark on his head. Begin at my sanctuary!" So they began with the elders who were in front of the house.
+\v 5 Then he spoke to the others within my hearing, "Pass through the city after him and kill. Do not let your eyes have compassion, and do not spare
+\v 6 either old man, young man, virgin, little children or women. Kill all of them! But do not approach anyone who has the mark on his head. Begin at my sanctuary!" So they began with the elders who were in front of the house.
 
 \s5
 \v 7 He said to them, "Defile the house, and fill its courtyards with the dead. Proceed!" So they went out and attacked the city.
@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 He said to me, "The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of blood and the city full of perversions, since they say, 'Yahweh has forgotten the land,' and 'Yahweh does not see!'
-\v 10 But as for me, my eye will not pity them, and I will not spare them. I will bring their deeds upon their heads."
+\v 10 So then, my eye will not look with compassion, and I will not spare them. I will instead bring it all on their heads."
 \v 11 Behold! The man dressed in linen who had the scribe's equipment by his side came back. He reported and said, "I have done all that you have commanded."
 
 \s5
@@ -475,12 +475,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 8 You have feared the sword, so I am bringing the sword upon you—this is the declaration of the Lord Yahweh.
-\v 9 I will bring you out of the midst of the city, and put you into the hands of foreigners, for I will bring judgments against you.
+\v 9 I will bring you out of the midst of the city, and put you into the hands of foreigners, for I will bring judgment against you.
 \v 10 You will fall by the sword. I will judge you within the borders of Israel so you will know that I am Yahweh.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 This city will not be your cooking pot, nor will you be the meat within her midst. I will judge you within the borders of Israel.
-\v 12 Then you will know that I am Yahweh, whose statutes you have not walked in and whose decrees you have not obeyed. Instead, you have followed the decrees of the nations that surround you."
+\v 12 Then you will know that I am Yahweh, the one whose statutes you have not walked in and whose decrees you have not carried out. Instead, you have carried out the decrees of the nations that surround you."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -488,7 +488,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 14 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 15 "Son of man, your brothers! Your brothers! The men of your kindred and all the house of Israel! All of them are those of whom it is said by those living in Jerusalem, 'They are far away from Yahweh! This land was given to us as our possession.'
+\v 15 "Son of man, your brothers! Your brothers! The men of your clan and all the house of Israel! All of them are those of whom it is said by those living in Jerusalem, 'They are far away from Yahweh! This land was given to us as our possession.'
 
 \s5
 \v 16 Therefore say, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: Though I have removed them far off among the nations, and though I have scattered them among the lands, yet I have been a sanctuary for them for a little while in the lands where they have gone.'
@@ -545,10 +545,10 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 17 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 18 "Son of man, eat your bread with trembling, and drink your water with shaking and anxiety.
+\v 18 "Son of man, eat your bread with trembling, and drink your water with shaking and worry.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 Then say to the people of the land, 'The Lord Yahweh says this concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel, "They will eat their bread with trembling and drink their water with horor, since the land will be stripped of its fullness because of the violence of all those who dwell there.
+\v 19 Then say to the people of the land, 'The Lord Yahweh says this concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel, "They will eat their bread with trembling and drink their water while shaking, since the land will be despoiled of its fullness because of the violence of all those who live there.
 \v 20 So the cities that were inhabited will be desolate, and the land will become a wasteland; so you will know that I am Yahweh."'"
 
 \s5
@@ -564,7 +564,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 26 Again the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 27 "Son of man! Behold, the house of Israel has said, 'The vision that he sees is for a time many days from now, and he prophesies of far off times.'
+\v 27 "Son of man! Behold, the house of Israel has said, 'The vision that he sees is for many days from now, and he prophesies of far off times.'
 \v 28 Therefore say to them, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: My words will not be delayed any longer, but the word that I have spoken will be done—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -577,13 +577,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 5 You have not gone to the breaks in the wall around the house of Israel in order to repair it, in order to resist in battle on the day of Yahweh.
-\v 6 The people have false visions and practice false divination, those who say, "Such and such is Yahweh's declaration." Yahweh has not sent them, but they nevertheless have made people hope that their messages would come true.
-\v 7 Have you not had false visions and practice false divination, you who say, "Such and such is Yahweh's declaration" when I myself have not spoken?'
+\v 6 The people have false visions and make false predictions, those who say, "Such and such is Yahweh's declaration." Yahweh has not sent them, but they nevertheless have made people hope that their messages would come true.
+\v 7 Have you not had false visions and made false predictions, you who say, "Such and such is Yahweh's declaration" when I myself have not spoken?'
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this, 'Because you have had false visions and have told lies—therefore this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration against you:
-\v 9 My hand will be against the prophets who have lying visions and who practice false divination. They will not be in the assembly of my people, or enrolled in the record of the house of Israel; they must not go to the land of Israel. For you will know that I am the Lord Yahweh!
+\v 9 My hand will be against the prophets who have lying visions and who make false predictions. They will not be in the assembly of my people, or enrolled in the record of the house of Israel; they must not go to the land of Israel. For you will know that I am the Lord Yahweh!
 
 \s5
 \v 10 Because of this, and because they led my people astray and said, "Peace!" when there is no peace, they are building a wall that they will paint with whitewash.'
@@ -612,8 +612,8 @@
 \v 21 I will tear away your veils and rescue my people from your hand, so they will no longer be trapped in your hands. You will know that I am Yahweh.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 Because you discouraged the heart of the righteous with lies, even though I did not cause him grief, and because you strengthened the hands of the wicked so that he does not turn from his evil ways and save his life,
-\v 23 therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will rescue my people out of your hand. You will know that I am Yahweh.'"
+\v 22 Because you discourage the heart of the righteous person with lies, even though I did not desire his discouragement, and because you encourage instead the actions of the wicked person so that he will not turn from his way to save his life—
+\v 23 therefore you will no longer have false visions or continue to make predictions, for I will rescue my people out of your hand. You will know that I am Yahweh.'"
 
 \s5
 \c 14
@@ -631,7 +631,7 @@
 \v 6 Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: Repent and turn away from your idols! Turn back your faces from all your abominations.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 For every one from the house of Israel and every one of the foreigners sojourning in Israel who deserts me, who takes his idols into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his own face, and who then comes to a prophet to seek me—I, Yahweh, will answer him myself.
+\v 7 For every one from the house of Israel and every one of the foreigners staying in Israel who deserts me, who takes his idols into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his own face, and who then comes to a prophet to seek me—I, Yahweh, will answer him myself.
 \v 8 So I will set my face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, for I will cut him off from the midst of my people, and you will know that I am Yahweh.
 
 \s5
@@ -642,7 +642,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 12 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 13 "Son of man, when a land sins against me by committing faithlessness so that I reach out with my hand against it and break the staff of its bread, and send out over it a famine and cut off both men and animals from the land;
+\v 13 "Son of man, when a land sins against me by committing a sin so that I reach out with my hand against it and break the staff of its bread, and send out over it a famine and cut off both men and animals from the land;
 \v 14 then even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were in the land's midst, they could only rescue their own lives by their righteousness—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
@@ -659,10 +659,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 For the Lord Yahweh says this: I will certainly make things worse by sending my four judgments—famine, sword, wild animals, and plague—against Jerusalem to cut off both men and animals from her.
+\v 21 For the Lord Yahweh says this: I will certainly make things worse by sending my four punishments—famine, sword, wild animals, and plague—against Jerusalem to cut off both men and animals from her.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 Yet, behold! An escaped remnant will be left in her, survivors who will go out with sons and daughters. Behold! They will go out to you, and you will see their ways and actions and be comforted concerning the punishment that I have sent to Jerusalem, and about everything else that I have sent against the land.
+\v 22 Yet, behold! A remnant will be left in her, survivors who will go out with sons and daughters. Behold! They will go out to you, and you will see their ways and actions and be comforted concerning the punishment that I have sent to Jerusalem, and about everything else that I have sent against the land.
 \v 23 The survivors will comfort you when you see their ways and their actions, so you will know all these things I have done against her, that I have not done them in vain!—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration."
 
 \s5
@@ -679,13 +679,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 7 For I will set my face against them. Though they come out from the fire, yet the fire will consume them; so you will know that I am Yahweh, when I set my face against them.
-\v 8 Then I will make the land into an abandoned wasteland because they have committed faithlessness—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration."
+\v 8 Then I will make the land into an abandoned wasteland because they have committed sin—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration."
 
 \s5
 \c 16
 \p
 \v 1 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 2 "Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations,
+\v 2 "Son of man, inform Jerusalem about her abominations,
 \v 3 and declare, 'The Lord Yahweh says this to Jerusalem: Your beginning and your birth took place in the land of Canaan; your father was an Amorite, and your mother was a Hittite.
 
 \s5
@@ -716,8 +716,8 @@
 \v 16 Then you took your clothes and with them you made high places for yourself decorated in various colors, and there you acted like a prostitute. This should not have happened. Nor should such a thing exist.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 You took the beautiful jewels of the gold and silver that I gave you, and you made for yourself male figures, and you did with them as a prostitute would do.
-\v 18 You took your embroidered garments and covered them, and you set my oils and incense before them.
+\v 17 You took the fine jewels of the gold and silver that I gave you, and you made for yourself male figures, and you did with them as a prostitute would do.
+\v 18 You took your embroidered garments and covered them, and you set my oils and perfumes before them.
 \v 19 My bread I gave you—made with fine flour, oil, and honey—you set before them for a fragrant aroma, for this is what happened—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
@@ -728,10 +728,10 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 23 Woe! Woe to you!—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—therefore, in addition to all this wickedness,
-\v 24 you built yourself a mound and made yourself a high place in every public place.
+\v 24 you built yourself a mound and made yourself a lofty shrine in every public place.
 
 \s5
-\v 25 You built your high place at the head of every road and made your beauty abominable, and you spread your legs to anyone who passed by, and you multiplied your acts of prostitution.
+\v 25 You built your high place at the head of every road and made your beauty a disgrace, and you spread your legs to anyone who passed by, and you multiplied your acts of prostitution.
 \v 26 You have acted like a prostitute with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, and you committed many more acts of prostitution, provoking me to anger.
 
 \s5
@@ -741,13 +741,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 30 How weak is your heart—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—that you would do all these things, deeds of a shameless prostitute?
-\v 31 You have built your mounds at the head of every street and made your high places in every public square. Yet you were not like a prostitute because you scoffed at taking payment.
+\v 30 How sick is your heart—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—that you would do all these things, deeds of a shameless prostitute?
+\v 31 You have built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square. Yet you were not like a prostitute because you scoffed at taking payment.
 
 \s5
 \v 32 You adulterous woman, you accept strangers instead of your husband.
 \v 33 People give payment to every prostitute, but you give your wages to all your lovers and bribe them to come to you from all around for your acts of prostitution.
-\v 34 So there is a difference between you and other women in your fornication. No one offers payment for you to act like a prostitute. You are the very opposite. You gave them payment and none was given to you.
+\v 34 So there is a difference between you and other women. No one offers payment for you to act as a prostitute. You are the very opposite. You gave them payment and none was given to you.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -756,13 +756,13 @@
 \v 37 therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers that you have met, all those whom you loved and all those whom you hated, and I will gather them against you on every side. I will uncover your nakedness to them so they see all your nakedness.
 
 \s5
-\v 38 For I will punish you for adultery and the shedding of blood, and I will bring on you the bloodshed of my anger and jealousy.
+\v 38 For I will punish you for adultery and the shedding of blood, and I will bring on you the bloodshed of my anger and passion.
 \v 39 I will give you into their hands so they will throw down your vaulted chamber and break down your high places and they will strip you of your clothes and take all of your jewelry. They will leave you naked and bare.
 
 \s5
 \v 40 Then they will bring up a crowd against you and stone you with stones, and they will cut you apart with their swords.
-\v 41 They will burn your houses and will perform many judgments on you in the sight of many women, for I will put a stop to your prostitution, and you will no longer pay your lovers.
-\v 42 Then I will calm my fury against you; my jealousy will leave you, for I will be satisfied, and will no longer be angry.
+\v 41 They will burn your houses and will perform many acts of punishment on you in the sight of many women, for I will put a stop to your prostitution, and you will no longer pay your lovers.
+\v 42 Then I will calm my fury against you; my anger will leave you, for I will be satisfied, and will no longer be angry.
 
 \s5
 \v 43 Because you did not call to mind the days of your youth and have made me shake with anger because of all these things, therefore, behold! I myself will bring down on your own head the punishment for what you have done—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration. Have you not added prostitution to all your other detestable practices?
@@ -776,16 +776,16 @@
 \v 46 Your older sister was Samaria and her daughters were the ones living in the north, while your younger sister was the one living south of you, that is, Sodom and her daughters.
 
 \s5
-\v 47 You not only walked in their ways and committed their disgusting practices, but in all your ways you have acted more corruptly than they.
+\v 47 You not only walked in their ways and copied their behavior and practices, but in all your ways you have been worse than they were.
 \v 48 As I live—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—your sister Sodom and her daughters, have not done as much evil as you and your daughters have done.
 
 \s5
-\v 49 Behold! This was the iniquity of your sister Sodom that she was arrogant in her leisure, careless and unconcerned about anything. She did not strengthen the hands of the poor and needy people.
-\v 50 She was arrogant and committed disgusting practices before me, so I took them away just as you have seen.
+\v 49 Behold! This was the sin of your sister Sodom that she was arrogant in her leisure, careless and unconcerned about anything. She did not strengthen the hands of the poor and needy people.
+\v 50 She was arrogant and committed disgusting actions before me, so I took them away just as you have seen.
 
 \s5
-\v 51 Samaria did not commit even half of your sins. You have done many more disgusting things than they did, and you have made your sisters appear more righteous than you because of all the disgusting things you have done!
-\v 52 Bear your disgrace, for you have furnished justification for your sisters. Because of your sins, which you committed so abominably, you have made your sisters appear to be more righteous than you. So then, be ashamed and bear your disgrace, for you have made your sisters appear righteous.
+\v 51 Neither did Samaria commit even half of your sins; instead, you have done many more disgusting things than they did, and you have shown that your sisters were better than you because of all the disgusting things that you do!
+\v 52 Especially you, show your own shame; in this way you have shown that your sisters were better than you, because of the sins you committed in all those disgusting ways. Your sisters now seem better than you. Especially you, show your own shame, for in this way you have shown that your sisters were better than you.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -795,8 +795,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 56 Sodom your sister was not even mentioned by your mouth in the days when you were proud,
-\v 57 before your wickedness was revealed. Now you are scorned by the daughters of Edom and to all the daughters of the Philistines around her—all those around you despise you. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa Edom \fqa* , some ancient Hebrew copies and some modern translations have \fqa Aram \fqa* , that is, Syria. \f*
-\v 58 You will show your shame and your disgusting practices!—this is Yahweh's declaration!
+\v 57 before your wickedness was revealed. But now you are an object of scorn to the daughters of Edom and to all the daughters of the Philistines around her. People all about despise you. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa Edom \fqa* , some ancient Hebrew copies and some modern translations have \fqa Aram \fqa* , that is, Syria. \f*
+\v 58 You will show your shame and your disgusting actions!—this is Yahweh's declaration!
 
 \s5
 \v 59 The Lord Yahweh says this: I will deal with you as you deserve, you who have despised your oath by breaking the covenant.
@@ -838,7 +838,7 @@
 \q and it spread out its branches toward the eagle from the place it had been planted so it would be watered.
 \q
 \v 8 It had been planted in good soil beside a large body of water
-\q so it would produce branches and sprout fruit, to become a glorious vine.'
+\q so it would produce branches and sprout fruit, to become a magnificent vine.'
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -855,7 +855,7 @@
 \v 12 "Speak to the rebellious house, 'Do you not know what these things mean? Behold! The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took her king and her princes and brought them to him in Babylon.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 Then he took a royal descendant, made a covenant with him, and brought him under an oath. He took away the mighty men of the land,
+\v 13 Then he took a royal descendant, made a covenant with him, and brought him under an oath. He took away the powerful people of the land,
 \v 14 so the kingdom might become lowly and not lift itself up. By keeping his covenant the land will survive.
 
 \s5
@@ -868,12 +868,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this: As I live, was it not my oath that he despised and my covenant that he broke? So I will bring his punishment on his head!
-\v 20 I will spread my net out over him, and he will be caught in my hunting net. Then I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment on him there for his faithlessness that he committed when he betrayed me!
+\v 20 I will spread my net out over him, and he will be caught in my hunting net. Then I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment on him there for his treason that he committed when he betrayed me!
 \v 21 All of his refugees in his armies will fall by the sword, and the ones who remain will be scattered in every direction. Then you will know that I am Yahweh; I have declared this would happen."
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 22 The Lord Yahweh says this, 'So I myself will take a twig from the highest part of the cedar tree and I will plant it. I will break off a tender twig, and I myself will plant it on a high mountain.
+\v 22 The Lord Yahweh says this, 'So I myself will take away the highest part of the cedar tree, and I will plant it away from its tender branches. I will break it off, and I myself will plant it on a high mountain.
 \v 23 I will plant it on the mountains of Israel so it will bear branches and produce fruit, and it will become a majestic cedar so that every winged bird will live under it. They will nest in the shade of its branches.
 
 \s5
@@ -894,13 +894,13 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 What can be said about a man who is righteous and who carries out justice and righteousness—
-\v 6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, and he does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman during her impurity, is he a righteous man?
+\v 6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, and he does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman during her monthly period, is he a righteous man?
 
 \s5
-\v 7 What can be said about a man who does not oppress anyone, who gives back to the debtor his pledge, and who does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing—is he a righteous man?
+\v 7 What can be said about a man who does not oppress anyone, and he gives back to the debtor what was put up as security for a loan, and he does not commit theft but gives his food to the hungry and he covers the naked with clothes, is he a righteous man?
 
 \s5
-\v 8 What can be said about a man who does not loan money for usury or take interest but keeps his hand from injustice? It is said of him that he carries out justice and establishes faithfulness between people.
+\v 8 What can be said about a man who does not charge too much interest for the money he loans, and he does not take too much profit for what he sells? It is said of him that he carries out justice and establishes faithfulness between people.
 \v 9 If that man walks in my statutes and keeps my decrees to act faithfully, then the promise for this righteous man is this: He will surely live!—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
@@ -909,8 +909,8 @@
 \v 11 (though his father has not done any of these things). He eats upon the mountains and he defiles his neighbor's wife, what can be said about him?
 
 \s5
-\v 12 He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not return a pledge, and he lifts up his eyes to the idols and commits disgusting practices,
-\v 13 and he loans money for usury and takes interest, should that man live? Surely he will not live! He will certainly die and his blood will be on him because he has done all these detestable things.
+\v 12 This man oppresses the poor and needy, and he seizes and robs, and he does not return a pledge, and he lifts up his eyes to the idols and commits disgusting actions,
+\v 13 and he lends out money at too high interest and he makes too much profit on what he sells, should that man live? Surely he will not! He will certainly die and his blood will be on him because he has done all these detestable things.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -919,8 +919,8 @@
 \v 15 That son does not eat upon the mountains, and he does not lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, and he does not defile his neighbor's wife, what can be said about him?
 
 \s5
-\v 16 That son does not oppress anyone, or require a pledge, or commit robbery, but instead gives his food to the hungry and covers up the naked with clothing.
-\v 17 That son does not oppress anyone or loan money for usury or take interest, but he carries out my decrees and walks according to my statutes; that son will not die for his father's iniquity: He will surely live!
+\v 16 That son does not oppress anyone, or seize a pledge, or take stolen things, but instead gives his food to the hungry and covers up the naked with clothes.
+\v 17 That son does not oppress anyone or take interest that is too high or make too much profit for a loan, but he carries out my decrees and walks according to my statutes; that son will not die for his father's sin: He will surely live!
 
 \s5
 \v 18 His father, since he oppressed others by extortion and robbed his brother, and did what is not good among his people—behold, he will die in his iniquity.
@@ -932,14 +932,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 But if the wicked turns away from all his sins that he has done, and obeys all my statutes and performs justice and righteousness, then he will certainly live and not die.
+\v 21 But if the wicked turns away from all his sins that he has done, and keeps all my statutes and performs justice and righteousness, then he will certainly live and not die.
 \v 22 All the transgressions that he has committed will not be called to mind against him. He will live by the righteousness that he practices.
 
 \s5
 \v 23 Do I greatly rejoice over the death of the wicked—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—and not in his turning away from his way so that he may live?
 
 \s5
-\v 24 But if the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and practices abominations like all the abominations that the wicked person does, then will he live? All the righteousness that he had done will not be called to mind when he betrays me in his treachery. So he will die in the sins that he committed.
+\v 24 But if the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and practices abominations like all the abominations that the wicked person does, then will he live? All the righteousness that he had done will not be called to mind when he betrays me in his treason. So he will die in the sins that he committed.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -966,7 +966,7 @@
 \q 'Who was your mother? A lioness, she lived with a lion's son;
 \q in the midst of young lions, she nurtured her cubs.
 \q
-\v 3 She is the one who raised up one of her cubs to become a young lion, a lion who learned to tear apart his prey, and then he devoured men.
+\v 3 She is the one who raised up one of her cubs to become a young lion, a lion who learned to tear apart his victims, and then he devoured men.
 \q
 \v 4 Then the nations heard about him. He was caught in their trap, and they brought him with hooks to the land of Egypt.
 
@@ -977,7 +977,7 @@
 \v 6 This young lion roamed about in the midst of lions. He was a young lion and learned to tear his victims; he devoured men.
 \q
 \v 7 He seized their widows and ruined their cities.
-\q The land and its fullness were made desolate because of the sound of his roaring. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa He seized their widows \fqa* , some ancient Hebrew copies and many modern translations have \fqa He destroyed their fortresses \fqa* . \f*
+\q The land and its fullness were abandoned because of the sound of his roaring. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa He seized their widows \fqa* , some ancient Hebrew copies and many modern translations have \fqa He destroyed their fortresses \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1026,7 +1026,7 @@
 \v 7 I said to them, "Let each man throw away the detestable things from before his eyes and the idols of Egypt. Do not make yourselves unclean; I am Yahweh your God."
 
 \s5
-\v 8 But they rebelled against me and were unwilling to listen to me. Each man did not throw away the detestable things from before his eyes nor abandon the idols of Egypt, so I determined to pour out my fury upon them to satisfy my wrath among them in the middle of the land of Egypt.
+\v 8 But they rebelled against me and were unwilling to listen to me. Each man did not throw away the detestable things from before his eyes nor forsake the idols of Egypt, so I determined to pour out my fury upon them to satisfy my wrath among them in the middle of the land of Egypt.
 \v 9 I acted for my name's sake so it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they were staying. I made myself known to them, in their eyes, by bringing them out of the land of Egypt.
 
 \s5
@@ -1036,13 +1036,13 @@
 \v 12 I also gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between myself and them, for them to know that I am Yahweh who makes them holy.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not walk in my statutes; instead, they rejected my decrees, by which a man will live if he obeys them, and they greatly profaned my Sabbaths. So, I said I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness in order to end them.
+\v 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not walk in my statutes; instead, they rejected my decrees, by which a man will live if he obeys them. They greatly profaned my Sabbaths, so I said I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness in order to end them.
 \v 14 But I acted for my name's sake so it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out of Egypt.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 So I myself also raised my hand to swear an oath to them in the wilderness not to bring them into the land that I had been going to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey, which was the most beautiful ornament among all the lands.
 \v 16 I swore this because they had rejected my decrees and did not walk in my statutes, and they profaned my Sabbaths, since their hearts walked after their idols.
-\v 17 But my eye spared them from their destruction and I did not completely destroy them in the wilderness.
+\v 17 But my eye spared them from their destruction and I did not annihilate them in the wilderness.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1076,7 +1076,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 33 As I live—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—I will certainly reign over you with a mighty hand, a raised arm, and fury that will be poured out on you.
-\v 34 I will bring you out from the other peoples and will gather you out of the lands among whom you have been scattered. I will do this with a mighty hand and with fury poured out.
+\v 34 I will bring you out from the other peoples and will gather you out of the countries among whom you have been scattered. I will do this with a mighty hand and with fury poured out.
 \v 35 Then I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will judge you face to face.
 
 \s5
@@ -1089,8 +1089,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 40 For on my holy mountain, on the mountain peak of Israel—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—all of the house of Israel will worship me there in the land. I will be pleased to require your contributions there, and also the firstfruits of your tribute with all your holy things.
-\v 41 I will accept you like fragrant incense when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the lands where you have been scattered. I will show myself as holy among you for the nations to see.
+\v 40 For on my holy mountain, on the mountain peak of Israel—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—all of the house of Israel will worship me there in the land. I will be pleased to require your offerings there, and also the firstfruits of your tribute with all your holy things.
+\v 41 I will accept you like fragrant incense when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered. I will show myself as holy among you for the nations to see.
 
 \s5
 \v 42 Then, when I bring you to the land of Israel, to the land that I have lifted up my hand to swear to give to your fathers, you will know that I am Yahweh.
@@ -1120,7 +1120,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 6 As for you, son of man, groan as your loins break! In bitterness groan before their eyes!
-\v 7 Then it will happen that they will ask you, 'For what reason are you groaning?' Then you will say, 'Because of the news that is coming, for every heart will melt, and every hand will falter! Every spirit will grow faint, and every knee will flow like water. Behold! It is coming and it will be like this!—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.'"
+\v 7 Then it will happen that they will ask you, 'For what reason are you groaning?' Then you will say, 'Because of the news that is coming, for every heart will faint away, and every hand will falter! Every spirit will grow faint, and every knee will flow like water. Behold! It is coming and it will be like this!—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1138,10 +1138,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 12 Call for help and wail, son of man! For that sword has come against my people! It is against all the leaders of Israel.
+\v 12 Call for help and lament, son of man! For that sword has come against my people! It is against all the leaders of Israel.
 \q They are thrown against the sword with my people. Therefore, slap your thigh!
 \q
-\v 13 For there is a trial, but what if the scepter that despises does not last?—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 13 For there is a trial, but what if the scepter does not last?—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1152,7 +1152,7 @@
 \q
 \v 15 In order to melt their hearts and to multiply their fallen, I have set the sword for slaughter at all their gates. Ah! It is made like lightning, it is grasped for slaughter.
 \q
-\v 16 Strike sharply to the righthand side! Strike to the lefthand side! Go wherever your face is turned.
+\v 16 You, sword! Strike to the right! Strike to the left! Go wherever your face is turned.
 \q
 \v 17 For I will also hit my two hands together, and then I will bring my fury to rest! I, Yahweh, declare it!"
 
@@ -1160,17 +1160,17 @@
 \p
 \v 18 The word of Yahweh came to me again, saying,
 \v 19 "Now you, son of man, assign two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to come. The two roads will start in the same land, and a signpost will mark one of them as leading to a city.
-\v 20 Mark one road for the sword to come to Rabbah, the city of the Ammonites. Mark the other to lead the army to Judah and the city of Jerusalem, which is fortified.
+\v 20 Mark one road for the Babylonian army to come to Rabbah, the city of the Ammonites. Mark the other to lead the army to Judah and the city of Jerusalem, which is fortified.
 
 \s5
 \v 21 For the king of Babylon will stop at the crossroads, at the junction, in order to practice divination. He will shake some arrows and ask direction from some idols and he will examine a liver.
 \q
-\v 22 In his right hand will be a divination about Jerusalem, to set battering rams against it, to open his mouth to order the slaughter,
+\v 22 In his right hand will be an omen about Jerusalem, to set battering rams against it, to open his mouth to order the slaughter,
 \q to sound a war cry, to set battering rams against the gates,
 \q to build a ramp, and to erect siege towers.
 \q
-\v 23 It will seem to be a false divination in their eyes
-\q those who had sworn an oath to the Babylonians! But the king will accuse them of iniquity in order to besiege them!
+\v 23 It will seem to be a useless omen in the eyes
+\q of the ones in Jerusalem, those who had sworn an oath to the Babylonians! But the king will accuse them of violating their treaty in order to besiege them!
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1189,7 +1189,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 28 So you, son of man, prophesy and say, 'The Lord Yahweh says this to the people of Ammon concerning their coming disgrace: A sword, a sword is drawn! It is sharpened for the slaughter in order to devour, so it will be like lightning!
-\v 29 While prophets see empty visions for you, while they practice divination to make up lies for you, this sword will lie on the necks of the wicked who are about to be killed, whose day of punishment has come and whose time of iniquity is about to end.
+\v 29 While prophets see empty visions for you, while they perform rituals to come up with lies for you, this sword will lie on the necks of the wicked who are about to be killed, whose day of punishment has come and whose time of iniquity is about to end.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1208,7 +1208,7 @@
 \v 3 You must say, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: This is a city that pours out blood in her midst so that her time may come; a city that makes idols to make herself unclean.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 You have become guilty by the blood that you have poured out, and you have become unclean by the idols that you have made. You have drawn your days to a close, and the end of your years has come. Therefore I will make you an object of scorn to the nations and a laughingstock to all the lands.
+\v 4 You have become guilty by the blood that you have poured out, and you have become unclean by the idols that you have made. You have drawn your days to a close, and the end of your years has come. Therefore I will make you a reproach to the nations and a laughingstock to all the lands.
 \v 5 Both those who are near and those who are far away from you will mock you—you unclean city—with the reputation known everywhere as being full of confusion.
 
 \s5
@@ -1219,9 +1219,9 @@
 \v 9 Slanderous men have come within you in order to pour out blood, and they eat on the mountains. They perform wickedness in your midst.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 Within you men uncover the nakedness of their father. Within you they have violated unclean women during their impurity.
+\v 10 Within you men uncover the nakedness of their father. Within you they have violated unclean women during their menstrual period.
 \v 11 Men who commit abominations with their neighbors' wives, and men who make their own daughters-in-law shamefully unclean; men who abuse their own sisters—daughters of their own fathers—all these are done within you.
-\v 12 These men take bribes within you in order to pour out blood and you have loaned money for usury and taken interest, and you have treated your neighbors violently for profit by extortion, and you have forgotten me—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 12 These men take bribes within you in order to pour out blood and you have taken interest and gained too much profit, and you have damaged your neighbors through oppression, and you have forgotten me—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1249,8 +1249,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 26 Her priests do violence to my law, and they profane my holy things. They do not distinguish between holy things and profane things, and do not teach the difference between the unclean and the clean. They hide their eyes from my Sabbaths so that I am profaned in their midst.
-\v 27 Her princes within her are like wolves tearing apart their victims. They pour out blood and destroy life for unjust gain.
-\v 28 Her prophets have painted them over with whitewash—their seers of false visions and diviners of lies. They say "The Lord Yahweh says this" when Yahweh has not spoken.
+\v 27 Her princes within her are like wolves tearing apart their victims. They pour out blood and destroy life, to make a profit dishonestly.
+\v 28 Her prophets have painted them over with whitewash; they see false visions and predict falsehoods to them. They say "The Lord Yahweh says this" when Yahweh has not spoken.
 
 \s5
 \v 29 The people of the land have oppressed through extortion and plundered through robbery, and they mistreat the poor and needy, and oppress the foreigner without justice.
@@ -1270,7 +1270,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 But Oholah acted as a prostitute even when she was mine; she lusted for her lovers, for the Assyrians who were dominant,
-\v 6 for the governor clothed in purple, and for his officials, who were strong and handsome, all of them men riding on horses.
+\v 6 the governor who wore blue, and for his officials, who were strong and handsome, all of them men riding on horses.
 \v 7 So she gave herself as a prostitute to them, to all the best of Assyria's men, and she made herself unclean with everyone she lusted for—and with all their idols.
 
 \s5
@@ -1280,7 +1280,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 Her sister Oholibah saw this, but her lust was more passionate than her sister's, and her prostitution was worse.
+\v 11 Her sister Oholibah saw this, but she lusted even more passionately and acted like a prostitute even more than her sister.
 \v 12 She lusted for the Assyrians, the governors and the dominating officials who dressed impressively, who were men riding horses. All of them were strong, handsome men.
 \v 13 I saw that she had made herself unclean. It was the same for both sisters.
 
@@ -1290,7 +1290,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 16 As soon as her eyes saw them, she lusted for them, so she sent out messengers to them in Chaldea.
-\v 17 Then the Babylonians came to her and to her bed of lust, and they made her unclean with their fornication. By what she had done she was made unclean, so she turned herself away from them in disgust.
+\v 17 Then the Babylonians came to her and to her bed of lust, and they made her unclean with their promiscuousness. By what she had done she was made unclean, so she turned herself away from them in disgust.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1303,8 +1303,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 20 So she lusted for her lovers,
-\q whose private parts were like those of donkeys
-\q and whose reproductive emissions were like those of horses.
+\q whose private parts were like those of donkeys, and whose reproductive emissions were like those of horses.
 \q
 \v 21 This is how you committed shameful acts of your youth, when the Egyptians fondled your nipples and squeezed your young breasts.
 
@@ -1314,23 +1313,23 @@
 \q Those from whom you turned away, I will bring them against you from every side:
 \q
 \v 23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them,
-\q strong, handsome men, governors and officials, all of them are officers and men of reputation, all of them riding on horses.
+\q strong, handsome men, governors and commanders, all of them are officers and men of reputation, all of them riding on horses.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 24 They will come against you with weapons, and with chariots and wagons, and with a great crowd of people.
 \q They will set large shields, small shields, and helmets against you all around.
-\q I will give them the opportunity to punish you, and they will judge you according to their judgments.
+\q I will give them the opportunity to punish you, and they will punish you with their actions.
 \q
 \v 25 For I will set my jealous anger on you, and they will deal with you in fury. They will cut off your noses and your ears, and your survivors will fall by the sword. They will take away your sons and your daughters, and your survivors will be devoured by fire.
 
 \s5
-\v 26 They will strip you of your clothes and take away all of your beautiful jewelry.
+\v 26 They will strip you of your clothes and take away all of your jewelry.
 \v 27 So I will remove your shameful behavior from you and your acts of prostitution from the land of Egypt. You will not lift up your eyes toward them with longing, and you will think of Egypt no longer.'
 
 \s5
 \v 28 For the Lord Yahweh says this, 'Behold! I will give you into the hand of the ones you hate, back into the hand of the ones from whom you had turned away.
-\v 29 They will deal with you hatefully; they will take all the products of your labor and abandon you naked and bare. The nakedness of your fornication will be uncovered—and your wicked deeds and your fornications.
+\v 29 They will deal with you hatefully; they will take all your possessions and abandon you naked and bare, and your nakedness will be uncovered just as when you engaged in promiscuity and prostitutions.
 
 \s5
 \v 30 These things will be done to you in your acting like a prostitute, lusting after nations by which you became unclean with their idols.
@@ -1356,7 +1355,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 36 Yahweh said to me, "Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? So present to them their disgusting practices,
+\v 36 Yahweh said to me, "Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? So present to them their disgusting actions,
 \v 37 since they have committed adultery, and since there is blood on their hands. They have committed adultery with their idols, and they have even caused their sons to pass through the fire, as food for their idols.
 
 \s5
@@ -1368,11 +1367,11 @@
 \v 41 There you sat on a beautiful bed and at a table arranged before it where you placed my incense and my oil.
 
 \s5
-\v 42 So the sound of a carefree crowd was around her, including all kinds of men, even Sabeans were brought in from the wilderness, and they put bracelets on their hands and beautiful crowns on their heads.
+\v 42 So the sound of a noisy crowd was around her; including all kinds of men, even Sabeans were brought in from the wilderness, and they put bracelets on their hands and beautiful crowns on their heads.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 43 Then I said of her who was worn out by adulteries, 'Now they will fornicate with her, and she with them.'
+\v 43 Then I said of her who was worn out by adultery, 'Now they will be sexually immoral with her, and she with them.'
 \v 44 They went to her as men go to a prostitute. In this way they went to Oholah and Oholibah, immoral women.
 \v 45 But righteous men will pass judgment and punish them as adulteresses, and they will punish them with the sentence for those who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands.
 
@@ -1429,7 +1428,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 15 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 16 "Son of man! Behold, I am taking the delight of your eyes from you with a plague, but you must not mourn nor weep, and your tears must not flow.
+\v 16 "Son of man! Behold, I am taking the desire of your eyes from you with a plague, but you must not mourn nor weep, and your tears must not flow.
 \v 17 You must groan silently. Do not conduct a funeral for the dead. Tie your turban on you and place your sandals on your feet, but do not cover your facial hair or eat the bread of men who mourn for having lost their wives."
 
 \s5
@@ -1443,12 +1442,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 22 Then you will do exactly as I have done: you will not veil your facial hair, nor eat the bread of mourning men!
-\v 23 Instead, your turbans will be on your heads, and your sandals on your feet; you will not mourn nor weep, for you will rot away in your iniquities, and each man will groan for his brother.
+\v 23 Instead, your turbans will be on your heads, and your sandals on your feet; you will not mourn nor weep, for you will melt away in your iniquities, and each man will groan for his brother.
 \v 24 So Ezekiel will be a sign for you, as everything that he has done you will do when this comes. Then you will know that I am the Lord Yahweh!'
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 25 "But you, son of man, on the day that I capture their stronghold, the joy of their splendor, and the delight of their eyes and the burden of their soul, their sons and daughters,
+\v 25 "But you, son of man, on the day that I capture their temple, which is their joy, their pride, and what they see and desire—and when I take away their sons and daughters—
 \v 26 on that day, a refugee will come to you to give you the news!
 \v 27 On that day your mouth will be opened up to that refugee and you will speak—you will no longer be silent. You will be a sign for them so that they will know that I am Yahweh."
 
@@ -1465,7 +1464,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 6 For the Lord Yahweh says this: You have clapped your hands and stamped your feet, and rejoiced with all the contempt within you against the land of Israel.
-\v 7 Therefore, behold! I will strike you with my hand and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples and make you perish from among the lands! I will destroy you, and you will know that I am Yahweh.'
+\v 7 Therefore, behold! I will strike you with my hand and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples and make you perish from among the countries! I will destroy you, and you will know that I am Yahweh.'
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1484,8 +1483,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 The Lord Yahweh says this, 'Because the Philistines have acted vengefully and taken vengeance with contempt in their heart as enemies trying to destroy Judah for all time,
-\v 16 this is what the Lord Yahweh says: Behold! I will reach out with my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Kerethites and destroy the remnant who are along the seacoast.
+\v 15 The Lord Yahweh says this, 'The Philistines have taken vengeance with malice and from within themselves they tried to destroy Judah again and again.
+\v 16 So this is what the Lord Yahweh says: Behold! I will reach out with my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Kerethites and destroy the remnant who are along the seacoast.
 \v 17 For I will take great vengeance against them with furious acts of punishment, so they will know that I am Yahweh, when I take my vengeance on them.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -1504,16 +1503,16 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 7 For this is what the Lord Yahweh says: Behold, from the north I am bringing Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, against Tyre, with horses and chariots, and with horsemen and a great crowd of people.
-\v 8 He will kill your daughters in the field with the sword. He will set up a siege work and build a ramp against your walls and raise up shields against you.
+\v 7 For this is what Yahweh says: Behold, from the north I am bringing Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, against Tyre, with horses and chariots, and with horsemen and a great many people.
+\v 8 He will kill your daughters in the field. He will set up a siege work and build a ramp against your walls and raise up shields against you.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 He will place his battering rams to hit against your walls, and with his tools he will tear down your towers.
+\v 9 He will place his battering rams to hit against your walls, and his tools will tear down your towers.
 \v 10 His horses will be so many that their dust will cover you. Your walls will shake with the sound of horsemen, wagons, and chariots. When he enters your gates, he will enter as men come into a city whose walls have been broken down.
 \v 11 The hooves of his horses will trample all of your streets. He will kill your people with the sword and your mighty stone pillars will fall to the ground.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 They will plunder your riches and loot your merchandise. They will tear down your walls and destroy your delightful homes. Your stones, your timber, and the rubble they will throw into the waters.
+\v 12 They will plunder your riches and loot your merchandise. They will tear down your walls and destroy your luxurious homes. Your stones, your timber, and the rubble they will throw into the waters.
 \v 13 I will stop the noise of your songs. The sound of your harps will be heard no more.
 \v 14 I will make you a bare rock, you will become a place where nets are spread out to dry. You will never be built again, for I, Lord Yahweh have spoken—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
@@ -1556,15 +1555,15 @@
 \v 6 They made your oars from the oaks of Bashan;
 \q they made your decks out of cypress wood from Cyprus, and they overlaid them with ivory.
 \q
-\v 7 Your sails were made from colorful linen from Egypt that served as your signal flag;
+\v 7 Your sails were made from colorful linen from Egypt that served as your banner;
 \q the colors of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah are used for the awning on your boat.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 8 Those who were living in Sidon and Arvad were your rowers;
-\q the wise men of Tyre were within you; they were your pilots.
+\q the sages of Tyre were within you; they were your pilots.
 \q
-\v 9 The elders of Byblos filled your seams;
+\v 9 Highly experienced craftsmen from Byblos filled your seams;
 \q all the ships of the sea and their sailors among you were carrying your merchandise for trade.
 
 \s5
@@ -1580,22 +1579,22 @@
 \v 13 Greece, \f + \ft Some modern English translations read, \fqa Javan \fqa* . \f* Tubal, and Meshech—they traded slaves and in items made of bronze. They handled your merchandise.
 
 \s5
-\v 14 Beth Togarmah provided horses, warhorses, and mules as your merchandise.
-\v 15 The men of Rhodes traded with you on many coasts. Merchandise was in your hand; they sent back horn, ivory, and ebony as payment!
+\v 14 Beth Togarmah provided horses, stallions, and mules as your merchandise.
+\v 15 The men of Rhodes were your traders on many coasts. Merchandise was in your hand; they sent back horn, ivory, and ebony as tribute!
 
 \s5
-\v 16 Aram was a trading partner for the many products of your labor; they provided emeralds, purple, colored cloth, fine fabric, pearls, and rubies as your merchandise.
+\v 16 Aram was a dealer in your many products; they provided emeralds, purple, colored cloth, fine fabric, pearls, and rubies as your merchandise.
 \v 17 Judah and the land of Israel were trading with you. They provided wheat from Minnith, cakes, honey, oil, and balsam as your merchandise.
-\v 18 Damascus was a trading partner for the many products of your labor, of all your enormous wealth, and of the wine of Helbon and the wool of Zahar.
+\v 18 Damascus was a trader of all your products, of all your enormous wealth, and of the wine of Helbon and the wool of Zahar.
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Dan and Javan from Izal provided you with merchandise of wrought iron, cinnamon, and calamus. This became merchandise for you.
 \v 20 Dedan was your dealer in fine saddle blankets.
-\v 21 Arabia and all the chiefs of Kedar were your trading partners; they provided you with lambs, rams and goats.
+\v 21 Arabia and all the chiefs of Kedar were traders with you; they provided you with lambs, rams and goats.
 
 \s5
 \v 22 The traders of Sheba and Raamah came to sell you the best of every spice and in all kinds of precious gems; they traded gold for your merchandise.
-\v 23 Haran, Kanneh, and Eden were your trading partners, along with Sheba, Ashur, and Kilmad.
+\v 23 Haran, Kanneh, and Eden were traders with you, along with Sheba, Ashur, and Kilmad.
 
 \s5
 \v 24 These were your dealers in ornate robes of violet cloths with woven colors, and in blankets of multicolored, embroidered, and well-woven cloth in your marketplaces.
@@ -1608,7 +1607,7 @@
 \v 26 Your rowers have brought you into vast seas;
 \q the eastern wind has broken you in the middle of them.
 \q
-\v 27 Your wealth, merchandise, and trade goods; your sailors and pilots, and ship builders; your traders of merchandise and all the men of war who are in you, and all your company—they will sink into the depths of the sea on the day of your overthrow.
+\v 27 Your wealth, merchandise, and trade goods; your sailors and pilots, and ship builders; your traders of merchandise and all the men of war who are in you, and all your crew—they will sink into the depths of the sea on the day of your destruction.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1617,10 +1616,8 @@
 \v 29 All those who handle oars will come down from their ships;
 \q mariners and all the pilots on the sea will stand on the land.
 \q
-\v 30 Then they will make their voices heard over you
-\q and they will cry aloud bitterly;
-\q they will cast dust up on their heads.
-\q They will roll about in ashes.
+\v 30 Then they will make you listen to their voice and will wail bitterly;
+\q they will cast dust up on their heads. They will roll about in ashes.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1636,12 +1633,12 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 34 But when you were shattered by the seas, by deep waters,
-\q your merchandise and all your company sank!
+\q your merchandise and all your crew sank!
 \q
 \v 35 All the inhabitants of the coasts were appalled at you,
-\q and their kings bristled in horror! Their faces trembled!
+\q and their kings shuddered in horror! Their faces trembled!
 \q
-\v 36 The traders among the people hiss at you;
+\v 36 The merchants of the people hiss at you;
 \q you have become a horror, and you will be no more forever."
 
 \s5
@@ -1680,24 +1677,24 @@
 \v 17 Your heart was arrogant with your beauty; you ruined your wisdom because of your splendor. I have sent you down to the earth. I have placed you before kings so they may see you.
 
 \s5
-\v 18 Because of your many iniquities and your dishonest trade, you have defiled your holy places. So I have made fire come out from you; it will consume you. I will turn you into ashes on the earth in the sight of all who look at you.
-\v 19 All the ones who knew you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have become terrified, and you will be no more forever.'"
+\v 18 Because of your many sins and your dishonest trade, you have defiled your holy places. So I have made fire come out from you; it will consume you. I will turn you into ashes on the earth in the sight of all who look at you.
+\v 19 All the ones who knew you among the peoples will shudder at you; they will be horrified, and you will be no more forever.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 20 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
 \v 21 "Son of man, set your face against Sidon and prophesy against her.
-\v 22 Say, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: Behold! I am against you, Sidon! For I will be glorified in your midst. Then they will know that I am Yahweh when I execute judgments within her. I will be shown to be holy in her.
+\v 22 Say, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: Behold! I am against you, Sidon! For I will be glorified in your midst so your people will know that I am Yahweh when I execute justice within you. I will be shown to be holy in you.
 
 \s5
-\v 23 I will send out a plague in her and blood in her streets, and those who are fatally wounded will fall in the midst of her. When the sword comes against her from all around, then they will know that I am Yahweh.
+\v 23 I will send out a plague in you and blood in your streets, and the slain will fall in your midst. When the sword comes against you from all around, then you will know that I am Yahweh.
 \p
-\v 24 Then there will no longer be pricking briars and painful thorns for the house of Israel from all those around them who despise them, so they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh!'
+\v 24 Then there will no longer be pricking briars and painful thorns for the house of Israel from all those around her who despise her people, so they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh!'
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 25 The Lord Yahweh says this, 'When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they were scattered, and when I am set apart among them, so the nations may see, then they will make their homes in the land I will give to my servant Jacob.
-\v 26 Then they will live securely within her and build houses, plant vineyards, and live securely when I execute judgments on all the ones who now despise them from all around; so they will know that I am Yahweh their God!'"
+\v 26 Then they will live securely within her and build houses, plant vineyards, and live securely when I execute justice on all the ones who now despise them from all around; so they will know that I am Yahweh their God!'"
 
 \s5
 \c 29
@@ -1713,13 +1710,13 @@
 \v 4 For I will place hooks in your jaw, and the fish of your Nile will cling to your scales; I will lift you up from the middle of your river along with all the fish of the river that cling to your scales.
 \q
 \v 5 I will throw you down into the wilderness, you and all the fish from your river.
-\q You will fall on the open field; you will not gather together or assemble.
+\q You will fall on the open field; you will not be gathered nor lifted up.
 \q I will give you as food to the living things of the earth and to the birds of the heavens.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 6 Then all the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am Yahweh,
-\q because they have been a walking stick made of a reed to the house of Israel.
+\q because they have been a reed stalk to the house of Israel.
 \q
 \v 7 When they took hold of you in their hand, you broke and tore open their shoulder;
 \q and when they leaned on you, you were broken, and you caused their legs to be unsteady.
@@ -1741,7 +1738,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 It will be the lowliest of the kingdoms, and it will not be lifted up any more among the nations. I will diminish them so they will no longer rule over nations.
-\v 16 Egypt will no longer be a reason for confidence for the house of Israel. Instead, it will be a reminder of the iniquity that Israel committed when they turned to Egypt for help. Then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.'"
+\v 16 The Egyptians will no longer be a reason for confidence for the house of Israel. Instead, they will be a reminder of the iniquity that Israel committed when they turned to Egypt for help. Then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1749,7 +1746,7 @@
 \v 18 "Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon stationed his army to do hard work against Tyre. Every head was rubbed until it was made bald, and every shoulder was made raw. Yet he and his army received no payment from Tyre for the hard work that he carried out against it.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this, 'Behold! I am giving the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and he will capture its loot, steal its plunder, and carry off all he finds there; that will be his army's wages.
+\v 19 Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this, 'Behold! I am giving the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and he will take away its wealth, plunder its possessions, and carry off all he finds there; that will be his army's wages.
 \v 20 I have given him the land of Egypt as the wages for the work they did for me—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
@@ -1794,7 +1791,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 13 The Lord Yahweh says this: I will destroy idols, and I will bring an end to the worthless idols of Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in the land of Egypt, and I will put fear on the land of Egypt.
+\v 13 The Lord Yahweh says this: I will destroy idols, and I will bring an end to the worthless idols of Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in the land of Egypt, and I will put terror on the land of Egypt.
 \v 14 Then I will make Pathros desolate and set fire in Zoan, and I will execute acts of judgment on Thebes.
 
 \s5
@@ -1803,13 +1800,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 The young men in Heliopolis and Bubastis will fall by the sword, and their cities will go into captivity.
-\v 18 In Tahpanhes, the day will become dark when I break the yoke of Egypt there, and the pride of her strength will be finished. There will be a cloud covering her, and her daughters will walk into captivity.
+\v 18 In Tahpanhes, the day will hold back its light when I break the yoke of Egypt there, and the pride of her strength will be finished. There will be a cloud covering her, and her daughters will walk into captivity.
 \v 19 I will execute acts of judgment in Egypt, so they will know that I am Yahweh.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 20 Then it came about in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 21 "Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Behold! It has not been bound up for healing or set with a splint so that it can become strong enough to grasp a sword.
+\v 21 "Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Behold! It has not been bound up, or set to heal with a bandage, so that it will become strong enough to grasp a sword.
 
 \s5
 \v 22 Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this, 'Behold, I am against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. For I will break his arm, both the strong one and the broken one, and I will make the sword fall from his hand.
@@ -1832,7 +1829,7 @@
 \v 3 Behold! Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches, giving shade to the forest,
 \q and the tallest in height, and the branches formed its treetop.
 \q
-\v 4 Many waters made it tall; the deep waters made it huge. Rivers flowed all around the place where it was planted,
+\v 4 Many waters made it tall; the deep waters made it huge. Rivers flowed all around its area,
 \q for their channels stretched out to all the trees in the field.
 
 \s5
@@ -1913,8 +1910,8 @@
 \q and I will put darkness over your land—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 So I will terrify the heart of many peoples in lands that you do not know, when I bring about your destruction among the nations, among lands that you have not known. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa when I bring about your destruction among the nations \fqa* , some ancient translations and some modern translations have \fqa when I take you into captivity among the nations \fqa* . \f*
-\v 10 I will shock many peoples concerning you; their kings will bristle in horror concerning you when I swing my sword before them. Every moment each one will tremble because of you, on the day of your ruin.
+\v 9 So I will terrify the heart of many peoples in lands that you do not know, when I bring about your collapse among the nations, among lands that you have not known. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa when I bring about your collapse among the nations \fqa* , some ancient translations and some modern translations have \fqa when I take you into captivity among the nations \fqa* . \f*
+\v 10 I will shock many peoples concerning you; their kings will shudder in horror concerning you when I swing my sword before them. Every moment each one will tremble because of you, on the day of your downfall.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1933,7 +1930,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 15 When I make the land of Egypt a desolation, when the land is made desolate of all its fullness,
+\v 15 When I make the land of Egypt an abandoned place, when the land is made bare of all its fullness,
 \q when I attack all the inhabitants in her, they will know that I am Yahweh.
 \q
 \v 16 There will be a lament; the daughters of the nations will lament over her; they will lament over Egypt,
@@ -1966,13 +1963,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 24 Elam is there with all her multitudes. Her graves surround her; all of them were killed—
-\q those who fell by the sword, who have gone down uncircumcised to the lowest parts of the earth,
+\v 24 Elam is there with all her multitudes. Her graves surround her; all of them were killed.
+\q Those who fell by the sword, who have gone down uncircumcised to the lowest parts of the earth,
 \q who brought their terrors on the land of the living and who carry their own shame, together with the ones going down to the pit.
 \q
-\v 25 Among those who were killed, they have made a bed for her, with her multitude all around her grave. 
+\v 25 They set a bedroll for Elam and all her multitudes in the midst of the slain; her graves surround her.
 \q All of them are uncircumcised, pierced by the sword, because they had brought their terrors on the land of the living.
-\q So they carry their shame with those who go down to the pit; they are laid among those who were killed.
+\q So they carry their own shame, together with the ones going down to the pit among all those who have been killed, those who are going down to the pit. Elam is among all those who were killed.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1990,7 +1987,7 @@
 \v 29 Edom is there with her kings and all her leaders. They have been placed in their strength with those killed by the sword. With the uncircumcised they lie, with those who have gone down to the pit.
 
 \s5
-\v 30 The princes of the north are there—all of them and all the Sidonians who went down with the ones who had been pierced. They were powerful and terrorized others, but now they lie down there in shame, uncircumcised with those who were pierced by the sword. They carry their own shame, together with the ones going down to the pit.
+\v 30 The princes of the north are there—all of them and all the Sidonians who went down with the ones who had been pierced. They were powerful and made others to be afraid, but now they lie down there in shame, uncircumcised with those who were pierced by the sword. They carry their own shame, together with the ones going down to the pit.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2008,32 +2005,32 @@
 \s5
 \v 5 If someone hears the sound of the horn and pays no attention, his blood is on him; but if he pays attention, he will save his own life.
 \p
-\v 6 However, if the watchman sees the sword as it is coming, but if he does not blow the horn, with the result that the people are not warned, and if the sword comes and takes anyone's life, then that person dies in his own iniquity, but I will require his blood from the watchman.'
+\v 6 However, if the watchman sees the sword as it is coming, but if he does not blow the horn, with the result that the people are not warned, and if the sword comes and takes anyone's life, then that person dies in his own sin, but I will require his blood from the watchman.'
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 7 Now you yourself, son of man! I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; you will hear the words from my mouth and warn them on my behalf.
-\v 8 If I say to a wicked person, 'Wicked one, you will surely die!' but if you do not announce this so as to warn the wicked about his way, then he who is wicked will die in his iniquity, but I will require his blood from your hand!
-\v 9 But you, if you warn the wicked about his way, so that he might turn back from it, and if he does not turn back from his way, then he will die in his iniquity, but you yourself will have saved your own life.
+\v 8 If I say to a wicked person, 'Wicked one, you will surely die!' but if you do not announce this so as to warn the wicked about his way, then he who is wicked will die in his sin, but I will require his blood from your hand!
+\v 9 But you, if you warn the wicked about his way, so that he might turn back from it, and if he does not turn back from his way, then he will die in his sin, but you yourself will have saved your own life.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 10 So you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, 'You are saying this, "Our transgressions and our sins are on us, and we are rotting away in them! How can we live?"'
+\v 10 So you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, 'You are saying this, "Our transgressions and our sins are on us, and we are decaying in them! How can we live?"'
 \v 11 Say to them, 'As I live—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—I do not delight in the death of the wicked, for if the wicked repents from his way, then he will live! Repent! Repent from your wicked ways! For why should you die, house of Israel?'
 
 \s5
-\v 12 So now you, son of man, say to your people, 'The righteousness of a righteous person will not save him if he sins! The wickedness of a wicked person will not cause him to perish if he repents from his wickedness! For the righteous person will not be able to live because of his righteousness if he sins.
+\v 12 So now you, son of man, say to your people, 'The righteousness of a righteous person will not save him if he sins! The wickedness of a wicked person will not cause him to perish if he repents from his sin! For the righteous person will not be able to live because of his righteousness if he sins.
 \v 13 If I say to the righteous, "He will surely live!" and if he trusts in his righteousness and then commits injustice, I will not call to mind any of his righteousness. He will die for the wickedness he committed.
 
 \s5
 \v 14 So if I say to the wicked, "You will surely die," but if he then repents from his sins and does what is just and right—
-\v 15 if he restores the loan guarantee that he wickedly demanded, or if he makes restitution for what he has stolen, and if he walks in the statutes that give life and no longer commits injustice—then he will surely live. He will not die.
-\v 16 None of the sins that he has committed will be called to mind for him. He has done justice and righteousness, and so, he will surely live!
+\v 15 if he restores the loan guarantee that he wickedly demanded, or if he makes restitution for what he has stolen, and if he walks in the statutes that give life and no longer commits sin—then he will surely live. He will not die.
+\v 16 None of the sins that he has committed will be called to mind for him. He has acted justly and rightly, and so, he will surely live!
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 17 But your people say, "The way of the Lord is not fair!" but it is your ways that are not fair!
-\v 18 When the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits injustice, then he will die in it!
+\v 18 When the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits sin, then he will die in it!
 \v 19 When the wicked turns away from his wickedness and does what is just and righteous, he will live because of those things!
 \v 20 But you people say, "The way of the Lord is not fair!" I will judge each of you according to his way, house of Israel!'"
 
@@ -2049,7 +2046,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 25 Therefore say to them, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: You eat blood, and you lift up your eyes towards your idols, then you pour out people's blood. Should you really possess the land?
-\v 26 You have depended on your swords and have done abominations; each man defiles his neighbor's wife. Should you really possess the land?'
+\v 26 You have depended on your swords and have done disgusting things; each man defiles his neighbor's wife. Should you really possess the land?'
 
 \s5
 \v 27 You will say this to them, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: As I live, surely the ones in the ruins will fall by the sword, and I will give those in the fields to the living creatures as food, and those in fortresses and in caves will die of plagues.
@@ -2070,10 +2067,10 @@
 \p
 \v 1 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
 \v 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to them, 'The Lord Yahweh says this to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who are shepherding themselves. Should not shepherds guard the flock?
-\v 3 You eat the fatty portions and you clothe yourselves in wool. You slaughter the fatlings of the flock. You do not shepherd at all.
+\v 3 You eat the fatty portions and you dress in wool. You slaughter the fatlings of the flock. You do not shepherd at all.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 You have not strengthened those who are weak, nor do you heal the ones who are ill. You do not bind up the ones who are broken, and you do not restore the outcasts or seek the lost. Instead, you rule over them through strength and violence.
+\v 4 You have not strengthened those who have diseases, nor do you heal the ones who are ill. You do not bind up the ones who are broken, and you do not restore the outcasts or seek the lost. Instead, you rule over them through strength and violence.
 \v 5 Then they were scattered without a shepherd, and they became food for all the living beasts in the fields, after they were scattered.
 \v 6 My flock strays on all of the mountains and on every high hill, and it is dispersed over the entire surface of the earth. Yet no one is searching for them.
 
@@ -2121,7 +2118,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 28 They will no longer be plunder for the nations, and the wild animals on the earth will no longer devour them. For they will live securely, and no one will frighten them.
-\v 29 For I will provide them a renowned plantation; so they will not be victims of famine in the land, and they will not bear the insults of the nations.
+\v 29 For I will provide them a land known for its crops; so they will not be victims of famine in the land, and they will not bear the scorn of the nations.
 
 \s5
 \v 30 Then they will know that I, Yahweh their God, am with them. They are my people, the house of Israel—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
@@ -2166,9 +2163,9 @@
 \v 3 Therefore prophesy and say, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: Because of your desolation and because of the attacks that came on you from all sides, you have become a possession of the other nations; you have been the subject of slanderous lips and tongues, and of people's stories.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 Therefore, mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord Yahweh: The Lord Yahweh says this to the mountains and the high hills, to the streambeds and valleys, to the uninhabited desolations and the abandoned cities that have become plunder and a subject of mocking for the other nations that surround them—
-\v 5 therefore the Lord Yahweh says this: I have certainly spoken in the fire of my zeal against the other nations, against Edom and all who took my land for themselves as a possession, against all those who had both joy in their heart and contempt in their spirit, as they seized my land that they might claim its pasturelands for themselves.'
-\v 6 Therefore, prophesy to the land of Israel and say to the mountains and to the high hills, to the streambeds and to the valleys, 'the Lord Yahweh says this: Behold! In my zeal and in my anger I am declaring this because you have borne the insults of nations.
+\v 4 Therefore, mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord Yahweh: The Lord Yahweh says this to the mountains and the high hills, to the streambeds and valleys, to the uninhabited desolations and the forsaken cities that have become plunder and a subject of mocking for the other nations that surround them—
+\v 5 therefore the Lord Yahweh says this: I have certainly spoken in the fire of my fury against the other nations, against Edom and all who took my land for themselves as a possession, against all those who had both joy in their heart and disdain in their spirit, as they seized my land that they might claim its pasturelands for themselves.'
+\v 6 Therefore, prophesy to the land of Israel and say to the mountains and to the high hills, to the streambeds and to the valleys, 'the Lord Yahweh says this: Behold! In my fury and in my anger I am declaring this because you have borne the insults of nations.
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Therefore, the Lord Yahweh says this: I myself will lift up my hand to swear that the nations that surround you will certainly carry their own shame.
@@ -2180,18 +2177,18 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 10 So I will multiply upon you the number of your people, even the whole house of Israel. The cities will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt.
-\v 11 I will multiply men and animals on you mountains so that they will multiply and be fruitful. Then I will cause you to be inhabited as you previously were, and I will do you more good than in the past, for you will know that I am Yahweh.
+\v 11 I will multiply men and animals on you mountains so that they will multiply and be fruitful. Then I will cause you to be inhabited as you previously were, and I will make you prosper more than you did in the past, for you will know that I am Yahweh.
 \v 12 I will bring men, my people Israel, to walk on you. They will possess you, and you will be their inheritance, and you will no longer cause their children to die.
 
 \s5
 \v 13 The Lord Yahweh says this: Because they are saying to you, "You devour men, bereaving your nation of children,"
 \v 14 therefore you will not consume people any longer, and you will no longer make your nation mourn their deaths. This is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
-\v 15 Nor will I allow you to hear the insults of the nations any longer; you will no longer have to suffer the scorn of the peoples or cause your nation to fall—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.'"
+\v 15 Nor will I allow you to hear the insults of the nations any longer; you will no longer have to bear the shame of the peoples or cause your nation to fall—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 16 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,
-\v 17 "Son of man, when the house of Israel inhabited their land, they defiled it with their ways and their deeds. Their ways were like the uncleanness of the impurity before me.
+\v 17 "Son of man, when the house of Israel inhabited their land, they defiled it with their ways and their deeds. Their ways were like the unclean menstruation of a woman before me.
 \v 18 So I poured out my fury against them for the blood that they poured out on the land and for their pollution of it by their idols.
 
 \s5
@@ -2206,7 +2203,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 24 I will take you from the nations and gather you from every land, and I will bring you to your land.
-\v 25 Then I will sprinkle pure water on you so you will be clean; you will be purified from all of your uncleanness, and I will purify you from all of your idols.
+\v 25 Then I will sprinkle pure water on you so you will be purified from all of your impurities, and I will purify you from all of your idols.
 
 \s5
 \v 26 I will give you a new heart and a new spirit in your innermost parts, and I will take away the heart of stone from your flesh. For I will give you a heart of flesh.
@@ -2216,7 +2213,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 29 For I will save you from all of your uncleanness. I will summon the grain and multiply it. I will no longer put famine upon you.
 \v 30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field so that you will no longer bear the shame of famine among the nations.
-\v 31 Then you will think of your wicked ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will show loathing on your faces because of your own iniquities and your disgusting practicies.
+\v 31 Then you will think of your wicked ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will show loathing on your faces because of your own sins and your disgusting deeds.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2226,7 +2223,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 35 Then they will say, "This land was desolate, but it has become like the garden of Eden; the desolate cities and the uninhabited ruins that were torn down are now fortified and inhabited."
-\v 36 Then the other nations around you will know that I am Yahweh, that I built up the ruins and replanted the deserted places. I am Yahweh. I have declared it and I will do it.
+\v 36 Then the other nations around you will know that I am Yahweh, that I built up the ruins and replanted the abandoned places. I am Yahweh. I have declared it and I will do it.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2315,7 +2312,7 @@
 \v 12 I will capture booty and steal plunder, in order to bring my hand against the ruins that are newly inhabited, and against the people gathered from the nations, people who are gaining livestock and property, and who are living at the center of the earth.'
 
 \s5
-\v 13 Sheba and Dedan, and the traders of Tarshish along with all its young warriors will say to you, 'Have you come to take booty? Have you assembled your company to take away plunder, to carry off silver and gold, to take their livestock and property and to haul away much plunder?'
+\v 13 Sheba and Dedan, and the traders of Tarshish along with all its young warriors will say to you, 'Have you come to plunder? Have you assembled your armies to take away spoil, to carry off silver and gold, to take their livestock and property and to haul away much plunder?'
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2355,7 +2352,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 9 The ones living in the cities of Israel will go out and they will use weapons to kindle and make fires and burn them—small shields, large shields, bows, arrows, the clubs and spears; they will make fires with them for seven years.
-\v 10 They will not gather wood from the fields or cut down trees from the forests, since they will kindle fires with the weapons; they will take from those who wanted to take from them; they will plunder those who wanted to plunder them—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration."
+\v 10 They will not gather wood from the fields or cut down trees from the forests, since they will burn the weapons; they will take from those who wanted to take from them; they will plunder those who wanted to plunder them—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2363,7 +2360,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 For seven months the house of Israel will bury them in order to purify the land.
-\v 13 For all the people of the land will bury them; it will be a day of renown for them when I am glorified—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
+\v 13 For all the people of the land will bury them; it will be a memorable day for them when I am glorified—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
 
 \s5
 \v 14 Then they will designate men to continually go through the land, to find those who were traveling through, but who died and their bodies remained on the surface of the land, so that they may bury them, in order to cleanse the land. At the end of the seventh month they will begin their search.
@@ -2376,7 +2373,7 @@
 \v 18 You will consume the flesh of warriors and drink the blood of the princes of the earth; they will be rams, lambs, goats, and bulls, they were all fattened in Bashan.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 Then you will eat fat to your satisfaction; you will drink blood until you become drunk; this will be the sacrifice that I will slaughter for you.
+\v 19 Then you will eat fat to your satisfaction; you will drink blood until drunkenness; this will be the sacrifice that I will slaughter for you.
 \v 20 You will be satisfied at my table with horse, chariot, warrior, and every man of war—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.'
 
 \s5
@@ -2391,7 +2388,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 25 Therefore the Lord Yahweh says this: Now I will reverse the captivity of Jacob, and I will have compassion on all the house of Israel, when I act with zeal for my holy name.
-\v 26 Then they will bear their shame and all the treachery by which they betrayed me. They will forget all this when they rest in their land in safety, with no one to terrify them.
+\v 26 Then they will bear their shame and all the treason in which they betrayed me. They will forget all this when they rest in their land in safety, with no one to terrify them.
 \v 27 When I restore them from the peoples and gather them from the lands of their enemies, I will show myself to be holy in the sight of many nations.
 
 \s5
@@ -2496,7 +2493,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 48 Then the man brought me to the portico of the house and measured its doorposts—they were five cubits thick on either side. The gateway itself was fourteen cubits in width, and the walls on each side of it were three cubits in width. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa the walls on each side of it were three cubits in width \fqa* , the copies of the ancient Hebrew text read \fqa the entrance was three cubits in width \fqa* , but this seems to be a mistake, judging from the preceding words in this verse. \f*
+\v 48 Then the man brought me to the portico of the house and measured its doorposts—they were five cubits thick on either side. The entryway itself was fourteen cubits in width, and the walls on each side of it were three cubits in width. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa the walls on each side of it were three cubits in width \fqa* , the copies of the ancient Hebrew text reads \fqa the entrance was three cubits in width \fqa* , but this seems to be a mistake, judging from the preceding words in this verse. \f*
 \v 49 The length of the portico was twenty cubits, and its depth was eleven cubits. There were steps that went up to it and columns that stood on either side of it. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa steps \fqa* , some copies of the ancient Hebrew text, and some modern translations read \fqa ten steps \fqa* . \f* \f + \ft Instead of \fqa eleven cubits \fqa* , some ancient translations of the Hebrew copies and many modern translations read \fqa twelve cubits \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
@@ -2590,7 +2587,7 @@
 \v 19 He also turned and measured the west side—five hundred cubits with the measuring stick. \f + \ft The ancient Greek translation and most modern translations read \fqa five hundred cubits \fqa* ; but the ancient Hebrew copies read: \fqa five hundred measuring sticks \fqa* , which seems to be an error. \f*
 
 \s5
-\v 20 He measured it on four sides. It had a wall around it that was five hundred cubits in length, and five hundred cubits in width, to separate the holy from the profane.
+\v 20 He measured it on four sides. It had a wall around it that was five hundred cubits in length, and five hundred cubits in width, to separate the holy from that which is common.
 
 \s5
 \c 43
@@ -2606,8 +2603,8 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 The man was standing beside me, and I heard someone else speaking to me from the house.
-\v 7 He said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet, where I will live in the midst of the people of Israel forever. The house of Israel will no longer defile my holy name—they or their kings—with their faithlessness or with the corpses of their kings at their high places.
-\v 8 They will no longer profane my holy name by putting their threshold next to my threshold, and their gateposts next to my gateposts, with nothing but a wall between me and them. They defiled my holy name with their disgusting practices, so I consumed them with my anger.
+\v 7 He said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet, where I will live in the midst of the people of Israel forever. The house of Israel will no longer profane my holy name—they or their kings—with their faithlessness or with the corpses of their kings at their high places.
+\v 8 They will no longer profane my holy name by putting their threshold next to my threshold, and their gateposts next to my gateposts, with nothing but a wall between me and them. They profaned my holy name with their disgusting actions, so I consumed them with my anger.
 
 \s5
 \v 9 Now let them remove their faithlessness and the corpses of their kings from before me, and I will live in their midst forever.
@@ -2618,7 +2615,7 @@
 \v 11 For if they are ashamed of all that they have done, then reveal to them the design of the house, its details, its exits, its entrances, and all its designs, all its decrees and rules. Then write this down before their eyes so they will keep to all its design and all its rules, so as to obey them.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 This is the regulation for the house: From the peak of the hill to all the surrounding border around it, it will be most holy. Behold! This is the law for the house.
+\v 12 This is the regulation for the house: From the peak of the hill to all the surrounding border around it, it will be most holy. Behold! This is the regulation for the house.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2659,23 +2656,23 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 4 Then he brought me by way of the northern gate to the front of the temple, and I looked, and behold, the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh, and I fell to my face.
-\v 5 Then Yahweh said to me, "Son of man, set your heart and look with your eyes and listen with your ears to all that I am declaring to you, to all the statutes of the house of Yahweh and all its laws. Think about the house's entrance and the sanctuary's exits.
+\v 5 Then Yahweh said to me, "Son of man, set your heart and look with your eyes and listen with your ears to all that I am declaring to you, to all the statutes of the house of Yahweh and all its regulations. Think about the house's entrance and exits.
 
 \s5
-\v 6 Then say to the rebellious ones, the house of Israel, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: Let all of your disgusting practices be enough for you, house of Israel—
-\v 7 that you brought foreigners with uncircumcised hearts and uncircumcised flesh to be in my sanctuary, profaning my house, while you were offering me food, fat and blood—you have broken my covenant by all your disgusting practices.
+\v 6 Then say to the rebellious ones, the house of Israel, 'The Lord Yahweh says this: Let all of your disgusting actions be enough for you, house of Israel—
+\v 7 that you brought foreigners with uncircumcised hearts and uncircumcised flesh to be in my sanctuary, profaning my house, while you were offering me food, fat and blood—you have broken my covenant by all your disgusting actions.
 
 \s5
 \v 8 You have not carried out your duties regarding my holy things, but you appointed others to take up your duties, and you assigned them to care for my holy place.
 \v 9 The Lord Yahweh says this: No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, from any of those who live among the people of Israel, may enter my holy place.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 Yet the Levites went far from me—they wandered away from me, going after their idols—but they will pay for their iniquity.
+\v 10 Yet the Levites went far from me—they wandered away from me, going after their idols—but they will pay for their sin.
 \v 11 They are servants in my sanctuary, watching the gates of the house and serving in the house and they slaughter the burnt offerings and the people's sacrifices, and they will stand before the people and serve them.
 \v 12 But because they performed the sacrifices before their idols, they became stumbling blocks for sin for the house of Israel. Therefore I will lift up my hand to swear an oath against them—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—they will bear their punishment.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 They will not come near me to serve me as priests or to come near any of my holy things, to my most holy things. Instead, they will bear their shame and their disgusting practices that they have done.
+\v 13 They will not come near me to act as my priests or to approach any of my holy things, the most holy things. Instead, they will bear their reproach and their guilt for the disgusting actions that they have done.
 \v 14 But I will place them as keepers of the work in the house, for all of its duties and everything that is done in it.
 
 \s5
@@ -2684,8 +2681,8 @@
 \v 16 They will come to my sanctuary; they will approach my table to worship me and to fulfill their duties to me.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 So it will be that when they come to the gates of the inner courtyard, they must be clothed in linen clothes, for they must not come in wool inside the gates of the courtyard and its house.
-\v 18 There should be linen turbans on their heads and linen underclothes on their hips. They must not gird themselves in clothes that make them sweat.
+\v 17 So it will be that when they come to the gates of the inner courtyard, they will have to dress in linen clothes, for they must not come in wool inside the gates of the courtyard and its house.
+\v 18 There should be linen turbans on their heads and linen underclothes on their hips. They must not dress in clothes that make them sweat.
 
 \s5
 \v 19 When they go out to the outer courtyard, to the outer courtyard in order to go to the people, they must take off the clothes they wore when they served; they must take them off and lay them down in a holy room, so they do not make other people holy by contact with their special clothing.
@@ -2722,11 +2719,11 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 From this area you will measure a portion that is twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand in width; it will be the sanctuary, the most holy place.
 \v 4 It will be a holy place in the land for the priests who serve Yahweh, who come near Yahweh to serve him. It will be a place for their houses and a holy area for the holy place.
-\v 5 So it will be twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand in width, and it will be for towns that belong to the Levites who serve in the house.
+\v 5 So it will be twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand in width, and it will be for towns for the Levites who serve in the house.
 
 \s5
 \v 6 You will designate an area for the city, five thousand cubits in width and twenty-five thousand in length, that will be next to the area reserved for the holy place; this city will belong to all the house of Israel.
-\v 7 The prince's land will be on both sides of the area reserved for the holy place and the property of the city. It will be to their west and to their east. The length will correspond to the length of one of those portions, from the west to the east.
+\v 7 The prince's land will be on both sides of the area reserved for the holy place and the city. It will be to their west and to their east. The length will correspond to the length of one of those portions, from the west to the east.
 
 \s5
 \v 8 This land will be property for the prince in Israel. My princes will no longer oppress my people; instead, they will give the land to the house of Israel, for their tribes.
@@ -2734,7 +2731,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 9 The Lord Yahweh says this: It is enough for you, princes of Israel! Remove violence and strife; do justice and righteousness! Quit your evictions of my people!—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration.
-\v 10 You must have just scales, just ephahs, and just baths!
+\v 10 You must have accurate scales, accurate ephahs, and accurate baths!
 \v 11 The ephah and the bath will be the same amount, so that a bath will be a tenth of a homer; the ephah will be a tenth of a homer. Their measure will be corresponding to the homer.
 \v 12 The shekel will be twenty gerahs; sixty shekels will make a mina for you.
 
@@ -2756,7 +2753,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 In the first month on the fourteenth day of the month, there will be for you the Passover, a seven-day festival. You will eat unleavened bread.
+\v 21 In the first month on the fourteenth day of the month, there will be for you a festival, a seven-day festival. You will eat unleavened bread.
 \v 22 On that day, the prince will prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bull as a sin offering.
 
 \s5
@@ -2802,7 +2799,7 @@
 \p
 \v 16 The Lord Yahweh says this: If the prince gives a gift to one of his sons, it is his inheritance. It will also belong to his descendants. It is their property by inheritance.
 \v 17 But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, then it will be that servant's until the year of liberty, and then it will return to the prince. His inheritance will certainly be for his sons.
-\v 18 The prince will not take the people's inheritance, oppressing them by taking their own property; he must provide for his sons from his own property so that my people will not be scattered, each man from his own property.'"
+\v 18 The prince will not take the people's inheritance away from their own property; he must provide for his sons from his own property so that my people will not be scattered, each man from his own property.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2848,7 +2845,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 This will be the boundary of the land on the north side from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon, and then to Zedad. \f + \ft The copies of the ancient Hebrew text read: \fqa by way of Hethlon, and then to Zedad \fqa* , but some modern translations follow Ezekiel 48:1 at this point, and add \fqa Lebo Hamath \fqa* . \f*
+\v 15 This will be the boundary of the land on the north side from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon, and then to Zedad. \f + \ft The copies of the ancient Hebrew text reads: \fqa by way of Hethlon, and then to Zedad \fqa* , but some modern translations follow Ezekiel 48:1 at this point, and add \fqa Lebo Hamath \fqa* . \f*
 \v 16 Then the boundary will go to Berothah, to Sibraim, which is between Damascus and Hamath, and then to Hazer Hattikon, which is beside the boundary of Hauran.
 \v 17 So the boundary will go from the sea to Hazar Enan on the border with Damascus and Hamath to the north. This will be the north side.
 
@@ -2881,7 +2878,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 8 The offering of land that you will make will be along the border with Judah and extend from the east side to the west side; it will be twenty-five thousand cubits in width. Its length will correspond to one tribe's portion from the east side to the west side, and the sanctuary will be in the middle of it.
+\v 8 The offering of land that you will make will be along the border with Judah and extend from the east side to the west side; it will be twenty-five thousand cubits in width. Its length will correspond to one tribe's portion from the east side to the west side, and the temple will be in the middle of it.
 \v 9 This land that you will offer up to Yahweh will be twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand cubits in width.
 
 \s5

27-DAN.usfm

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 The king spoke to Ashpenaz, his chief official, to bring in some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility—
-\v 4 young men without blemish, attractive in appearance, having insight in all wisdom, filled with knowledge and understanding, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.
+\v 4 young men without blemish, attractive in appearance, having insight in all wisdom, filled with knowledge and understanding, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. He was to teach them the literature and language of the educated men.
 \v 5 The king counted out for them a daily portion of his delicacies and some of the wine that he drank. These young men were to be trained for three years, and after that, they would serve the king.
 
 \s5
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 This made the king angry and very furious, and he gave an order to destroy all the wise men in Babylon.
-\v 13 So the decree went out to put the wise men to death, and they sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.
+\v 13 So the decree went out that all the wise men were to be slain. Because of this decree, they searched for Daniel and his friends to kill them.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -642,8 +642,8 @@
 \s5
 \c 9
 \p
-\v 1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus \f + \ft Also known as \fqa Ahasuerus \fqa* . \f* —a descendant of the Medes, who had been made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans—
-\v 2 in the first year of Darius' reign, I, Daniel, was studying the books containing Yahweh's word, the word that had come to Jeremiah the prophet. I observed that there would be seventy years until Jerusalem's desolations would end.
+\v 1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus \f + \ft Also known as \fqa Xerxes \fqa* . \f* —a descendant of the Medes, who had been made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans—
+\v 2 in the first year of Darius's reign, I, Daniel, was studying the books containing Yahweh's word, the word that had come to Jeremiah the prophet. I observed that there would be seventy years until Jerusalem's desolations would end.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -779,7 +779,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 The king of the North will come, pour out earth for siege mounds, and capture a city with fortifications. The forces of the South will not be able to stand, not even their best soldiers. There will be no strength to stand.
-\v 16 The one who comes against him will do as he desires, and no one will stand in his way. He will stand in the Beautiful Land, and destruction will be in his hand.
+\v 16 Instead, the one who comes will act according to his desires against him; no one will stand in his way. He will stand in the Beautiful Land, and destruction will be in his hand.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 The king of the North will set his face to come with the strength of his entire kingdom, and with him will be an agreement that he will make with the king of the South. He will give him a daughter of women in marriage to ruin the kingdom of the South. But the plan will not succeed or help him.
@@ -807,7 +807,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 29 At the appointed time he will return and come against the South again. But this time it will not be as before.
-\v 30 For ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will become afraid. He will return and be furious against the holy covenant, and he will take action. He will return and show favor to those who abandon the holy covenant.
+\v 30 For ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will become afraid. He will return and be furious against the holy covenant, and he will take action. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.
 
 \s5
 \v 31 His forces will rise up and profane the fortress sanctuary. They will put an end to the regular burnt offering, and they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
@@ -824,7 +824,7 @@
 \v 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers, not even the god desired by women, nor will he regard any other god, but will exalt himself above them all.
 
 \s5
-\v 38 He will honor the god of fortresses instead of these. It is a god whom his fathers did not know that he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and other precious things.
+\v 38 He will honor the god of fortresses instead of these. It is a god whom his fathers did not acknowledge that he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and other precious things.
 \v 39 He will attack the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. To anyone who acknowledges him, he will give much honor. He will make them rulers over many people, and he will divide up the land as a reward. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa He will attack the strongest fortresses \fqa* , some modern translations have \fqa He will defend his fortress \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5

28-HOS.usfm

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 \q "Go, take for yourself a wife who is a prostitute.
 \q She will have children who are the result of her prostitution.
 \q For the land is committing great prostitution
-\q by abandoning Yahweh."
+\q by forsaking Yahweh."
 
 \s5
 \v 3 So Hosea went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
@@ -266,11 +266,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 11 Prostitution, wine, and new wine take away understanding.
+\v 11 They love sexual promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which have taken away their understanding.
 \q
 \v 12 My people consult their wooden idols,
 \q and their walking sticks give them prophecies.
-\q A spirit of prostitution has led them astray,
+\q For a mind of promiscuity has misled them,
 \q and they have acted as prostitutes instead of being faithful to their God.
 
 \s5
@@ -600,7 +600,7 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 11 For Ephraim has multiplied altars for sin offerings,
-\q but they have become altars for committing sins.
+\q but they have become altars for committing sins instead.
 \q
 \v 12 I could write down my law for them ten thousand times,
 \q but they would view it as something strange to them.
@@ -627,7 +627,7 @@
 \v 1 Do not rejoice, Israel,
 \q with joy like the other peoples.
 \q For you have been unfaithful,
-\q abandoning your God.
+\q forsaking your God.
 \q You love to pay the wages a prostitute requires
 \q on all the floors for threshing grain.
 \q
@@ -1081,7 +1081,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 4 "I will heal their apostasy;
+\v 4 "I will heal their turning away;
 \q I will love them freely,
 \q for my anger has turned away from him.
 \q

30-AMO.usfm

@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@
 \q
 \v 2 The virgin Israel has fallen;
 \q she will rise no more;
-\q she is abandoned on her land;
+\q she is forsaken on her land;
 \q there is no one to raise her up.
 
 \s5

32-JON.usfm

@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@
 \q then my prayer came to you, to your holy temple.
 \q
 \v 8 They give attention to meaningless gods
-\q while they abandon covenant faithfulness.
+\q while they forsake covenant faithfulness.
 
 \s5
 \q

33-MIC.usfm

@@ -133,9 +133,9 @@
 \s5
 \q
 \v 6 "Do not prophesy,"
-\q their prophets say.
+\q they say.
 \q "They must not prophesy these things;
-\q disgrace will not overtake us."
+\q reproaches must not come."
 \q
 \v 7 Should it really be said, house of Jacob,
 \q "Is the Spirit of Yahweh impatient?
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@
 \q and labor to give birth,
 \q daughter of Zion,
 \q like a woman in labor.
-\q For now you will go out of the city,
+\q For now you will you go out of the city,
 \q live in the field,
 \q and go to Babylon.
 \q There you will be rescued.
@@ -515,12 +515,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 16 You have observed the statutes of Omri,
-\q and all the works of the house of Ahab. 
-\q You have walked in their counsels,
-\q Therefore I will give you over to ruin
-\q and your inhabitants to derision,
-\q and you will bear the scorn of my people." \f + \ft The copies of the ancient Hebrew text have \fqa you will bear the reproach of my people \fqa* , but the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew copies reads: \fqa you will bear the scorn of the nations \fqa* and some modern translations are following that reading. \f*
+\v 16 The statutes made by Omri have been kept,
+\q and all the deeds of the house of Ahab. \q You walk by their advice.
+\q So I will make you, city, a ruin,
+\q and you inhabitants an object of hissing,
+\q and you will bear the reproach of my people." \f + \ft The copies of the ancient Hebrew text have \fqa you will bear the reproach of my people \fqa* , but the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew copies reads: \fqa you will bear the scorn of the nations \fqa* and some modern translations are following that reading. \f*
 
 \s5
 \c 7
@@ -582,7 +581,7 @@
 \q until he pleads my case
 \q and executes judgment for me.
 \q He will bring me to the light,
-\q and I will see his righteousness.
+\q and I will see him rescue me in his justice.
 
 \s5
 \q

34-NAM.usfm

@@ -137,10 +137,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 3 Horsemen charging,
-\q flashing swords and glittering spears!
-\q Piles of the dead, bodies that could not be counted—
-\q their attackers stumble over the bodies.
+\v 3 There are attacking horsemen,
+\q flashing swords, glittering spears,
+\q heaps of slain, great piles of bodies.
+\q There is no end to the bodies; their attackers stumble over them.
 \q
 \v 4 This is happening because of the lustful actions of the beautiful prostitute, the expert in witchcraft,
 \q who sells nations through her prostitution, and peoples through her acts of witchcraft.

35-HAB.usfm

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 \c 1
 \m
 \p
-\v 1 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
+\v 1 The burden that Habakkuk the prophet perceived,
 \q
 \v 2 "Yahweh, how long will I cry for help, and you will not hear?
 \q I cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you will not save.
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \m
-\p
+\s2 Yahweh replies to Habakkuk
 \q
 \v 5 "Look at the nations and observe them; be amazed and astonished!
 \q For I am surely about to do something in your days that you will not believe when it is reported to you.
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \m
-\p
+\s2 Habakkuk asks Yahweh another question
 \q
 \v 12 "Are you not from ancient times, Yahweh my God, my Holy One? We will not die.
 \q Yahweh has ordained them for judgment, and you, Rock, have established them for correction.

36-ZEP.usfm

@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 8 "I have heard the taunts of Moab and the insults of the people of Ammon
+\v 8 "I have heard the taunts of Moab and the reviling of the people of Ammon
 \q when they taunted my people and violated their borders.
 \q
 \v 9 Therefore, as I live—this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel—

38-ZEC.usfm

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 1
 \p
-\v 1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius' reign, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah son of Berekiah son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,
+\v 1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius's reign, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah son of Berekiah son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,
 \v 2 "Yahweh was exceedingly angry with your fathers!
 \v 3 Say to them, 'Yahweh of hosts says this:
 \q Turn to me!—this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts—
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius' reign, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah son of Berekiah son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,
+\v 7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius's reign, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah son of Berekiah son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,
 \v 8 "I saw in the night, and, look! A man was riding on a red horse, and he was among the myrtle trees that are in the valley; and behind him there were red, reddish-brown, and white horses."
 \v 9 I said, "What are these things, Lord?" Then the angel who talked with me said to me, "I will show you what these things are."
 
@@ -87,9 +87,9 @@
 \q for I have scattered you like the four winds of the skies!—This is Yahweh's declaration.
 \q
 \v 7 Up! Escape to Zion, you who live with the daughter of Babylon!'"
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \v 8 For after Yahweh of hosts honored me and sent me against the nations that plundered you—
 \q for whoever touches you, touches the apple of God's eye!—after Yahweh did this, he said,
 \q
@@ -138,9 +138,9 @@
 \v 9 Now look at the stone that I have set before Joshua. There are seven eyes on this single stone,
 \q and I will engrave an inscription—this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts—
 \q and I will remove the iniquity from this land in one day.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 10 In that day—this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts—each man will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and under his fig tree."
 
 \s5
@@ -357,6 +357,7 @@
 \q and beg for the favor of Yahweh!
 
 \s5
+\p
 \q
 \v 23 Yahweh of hosts says this: In those days
 \q ten men from every language and nation
@@ -485,7 +486,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who abandons the flock!
+\v 17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who forsakes the flock!
 \q May the sword come against his arm and his right eye!
 \q May his arm wither away and may his right eye become blind!"
 
@@ -590,8 +591,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 Then it will happen that all who remain in those nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, and to keep the Festival of Shelters.
-\v 17 It will happen that if anyone from all the nations of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, then Yahweh will not bring rain on them.
+\v 16 Then it will happen that all who remain in those nations that came against Jerusalem will instead go up from year to year to worship the king, Yahweh of hosts, and to keep the Festival of Shelters.
+\v 17 It will happen that if anyone from all the nations of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the king, Yahweh of hosts, then Yahweh will not bring rain on them.
 \v 18 If the nation of Egypt does not go up, then they will not receive rain. A plague from Yahweh will attack the nations that do not go up to keep the Festival of Shelters.
 
 \s5

39-MAL.usfm

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 \v 2 "If you will not listen, and if you will not lay it on your heart to give honor to my name," says Yahweh of hosts, "then I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have cursed them, because you are not laying my command on your heart.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 See, I am about to rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the dung from your festivals, and he will take you away with it. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa rebuke your descendants \fqa* , which is in the copies of the ancient Hebrew text, some ancient translations have \fqa cut off your shoulder \fqa* or \fqa throw the arm to you \fqa* . Some other modern translations have \fqa corrupt your descendants \fqa* . \f* \f + \ft Instead of \fqa he will take you away with it \fqa* , which is in the ancient copies of the Hebrew text, some ancient translations have \fqa I will take you away from beside me \fqa* , that is, \fqa from my presence \fqa* . \f*
+\v 3 See, I am about to rebuke your descendants, and I will spread dung on your faces, the dung from your festivals, and he will take you away with it. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa rebuke your descendants \fqa* , which is found in the copies of the ancient Hebrew text, but there some ancient translations of the copies of the Hebrew text (and these are followed by several modern translations), and so they read, \fqa cut off your shoulder \fqa* (or \fqa arm \fqa* ). Some other modern translations have \fqa corrupt your descendants \fqa* . \f* \f + \ft Instead of \fqa he will take you away with it \fqa* , which is in the ancient copies of the Hebrew text, some ancient translations of the copies of the Hebrew text, followed by some modern translations have \fqa I will take you away from beside me \fqa* , that is, \fqa from my presence \fqa* . \f*
 \v 4 You will know that I have sent this command to you, and that my covenant may continue to be with Levi," says Yahweh of hosts.
 
 \s5
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 8 But you have turned away from the true path. You have caused many to stumble with respect to the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi," says Yahweh of hosts.
-\v 9 "So, I have made you contemptible and lowly before all the people, because you have not kept my ways, but have instead shown partiality in matters of the law."
+\v 9 "So I also, I have made you contemptible and lowly before all the people, because you have not kept my ways, but have instead shown partiality with regard to the instruction."
 
 \s5
 \p

41-MAT.usfm

@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@
 \p
 \v 5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.
 \p
-\v 6 Jesse was the father of David the king.
-\p David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah.
+\v 6 Jesse was the father of David the king,
+\p David the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -87,9 +87,9 @@
 \q are not the least among the rulers of Judah,
 \q for from you will come one who rules,
 \q who will shepherd my people Israel.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 7 Then Herod secretly called the learned men to ask them exactly what time the star had appeared.
 \v 8 He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search carefully for the young child. When you have found him, bring me a report so that I also may come and worship him."
@@ -110,10 +110,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been mocked by the learned men, was very angry. He sent and killed all the male children that were in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old and under, according to the time that he had determined exactly from the learned men.
+\v 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been mocked by the learned men, was very angry. He sent and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old and under, according to the time that he had determined exactly from the learned men.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 
+\v 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet,
 \q
 \v 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
 \q weeping and great mourning,
@@ -139,9 +139,9 @@
 \q "The voice of one calling out in the wilderness,
 \q 'Make ready the way of the Lord,
 \q make his paths straight.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
 \v 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan River went out to him.
@@ -184,9 +184,9 @@
 \m and,
 \q 'They will carry you in their hands,
 \q so that you will not hit your foot against a stone.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You must not test the Lord your God.'"
 \p
@@ -207,6 +207,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 14 This happened to fulfill what was said by Isaiah the prophet,
 \q1
+\p
 \v 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
 \q1 toward the sea, beyond the Jordan,
 \q1 Galilee of the Gentiles!
@@ -226,7 +227,7 @@
 \v 20 Immediately they left the nets and followed him.
 
 \s5
-\v 21 As Jesus was going on from there he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and John his brother. They were in the boat with Zebedee their father mending their nets. He called them,
+\v 21 As Jesus was going on from there he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee, and John his brother. They were in the boat with Zebedee their father mending their nets. He called them,
 \v 22 and they immediately left the boat and their father and followed him.
 
 \s5
@@ -240,6 +241,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
 \v 2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
+\p
 \q
 \v 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
 \q2 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
@@ -271,7 +273,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely for my sake.
+\v 11 "Blessed are you when people reproach you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely for my sake.
 \v 12 Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For in this way people persecuted the prophets who lived before you.
 
 \s5
@@ -286,7 +288,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 17 "Do not think that I have come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have come not to destroy them, but to fulfill them.
-\v 18 For truly I say to you that until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will in any way pass away from the law, until all things have been accomplished.
+\v 18 For truly I say to you that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle will in any way pass away from the law, until all things have been accomplished.
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Therefore whoever breaks the least one of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
@@ -294,8 +296,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 "You have heard that it was said to them in ancient times, 'Do not murder,' and, 'Whoever murders will be subject to judgment.'
-\v 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment; and whoever says to his brother, 'You worthless person!' will be subject to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be subject to the fire of hell.
+\v 21 "You have heard that it was said to them in ancient times, 'Do not kill,' and, 'Whoever kills will be held accountable to the judgment.'
+\v 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be held accountable to the judgment; and whoever says to his brother, 'You worthless person!' will be in danger of the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
 
 \s5
 \v 23 Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
@@ -334,7 +336,7 @@
 \v 39 But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. Instead, whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
 
 \s5
-\v 40 If anyone wishes to bring a lawsuit against you and takes away your tunic, let that person also have your cloak.
+\v 40 If anyone wishes to sue you and takes away your tunic, let that person also have your cloak.
 \v 41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
 \v 42 Give to anyone who asks you, and do not turn away from anyone who wishes to borrow from you.
 
@@ -352,7 +354,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 6
 \p
-\v 1 "Watch out that you do not do your acts of righteousness before people to be seen by them, or else you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
+\v 1 "Take heed that you do not do your acts of righteousness before people to be seen by them, or else you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
 \v 2 So when you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before yourself as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by people. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward in full.
 
 \s5
@@ -384,17 +386,17 @@
 \q2
 \v 13 Do not bring us into temptation,
 \q2 but deliver us from the evil one.' \f + \ft The best ancient copies do not have \fqa For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen \fqa* . \f*
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 14 For if you forgive people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
 \v 15 But if you do not forgive their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 "When you fast, do not have a sad face as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to people to be fasting. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward in full.
+\v 16 "When you fast, do not have a mournful face as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to people as fasting. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward in full.
 \v 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face
-\v 18 so that you may not appear to people to be fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
+\v 18 so that it would not appear to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -506,7 +508,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. Only say the word and my servant will be healed.
-\v 9 For I also am a man under authority, and I have soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another one, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."  
+\v 9 For I also am a man who is appointed under authority, and I have soldiers under me. I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another one, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
 \p
 \v 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those who were following him, "Truly I say to you, I have not found anyone with such faith in Israel.
 
@@ -522,7 +524,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 16 When evening had come, the people brought to Jesus many who were possessed by demons. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.
-\v 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases."
+\v 17 In this way was fulfilled that which had been spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "He himself took our sickness and bore our diseases."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -618,7 +620,7 @@
 \v 22 But Jesus turned and saw her, and said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed from that hour.
 
 \s5
-\v 23 When Jesus came into the official's house, he saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion.
+\v 23 When Jesus came into the official's house, he saw the flute players and the crowd in tumult.
 \v 24 He said, "Go away, for the girl is not dead, but she is asleep." But they laughed at him in mockery.
 
 \s5
@@ -759,10 +761,10 @@
 \v 9 But what did you go out to see—a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.
 \v 10 This is he of whom it was written,
 \q 'See, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
-\v 11 Truly I say to you that among those born of women, there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.
+\v 11 I say to you truly, there has not arisen among those born of women anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.
 \v 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and men of violence take it by force.
 
 \s5
@@ -771,7 +773,7 @@
 \v 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
 
 \s5
-\v 16 To what should I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces calling out to the others,
+\v 16 To what should I compare this generation? It is like children playing in the marketplace, who sit and call to one another
 \v 17 and say, 'We played a flute for you, and you did not dance. We mourned, and you did not weep.'
 
 \s5
@@ -780,9 +782,9 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles were done, because they had not repented.
+\v 20 Then Jesus began to reproach the cities in which most of his miracles were done, because they had not repented.
 \v 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
-\v 22 But, I tell you it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you.
+\v 22 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you.
 
 \s5
 \v 23 You, Capernaum, do you think you will be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if in Sodom there had been done the miracles that were done in you, it would still have remained until today.
@@ -834,7 +836,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from there. Many people followed him, and he healed them all.
+\v 15 As Jesus perceived this, he withdrew from there. Many people followed him, and he healed them all.
 \v 16 He commanded them not to make him known to others,
 \v 17 that it might be fulfilled, what had been said through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
 
@@ -844,9 +846,9 @@
 \q my beloved one, in whom my soul is well pleased.
 \q I will put my Spirit upon him,
 \q and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \v 19 He will not strive nor cry aloud;
 \q neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
 \q
@@ -903,7 +905,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 43 When an unclean spirit has gone away from a man, it passes through waterless places and looks for rest, but does not find it.
-\v 44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' Having returned, it finds the house empty—it had been swept clean and put in order.
+\v 44 Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' Having returned, it finds that house swept out and put in order.
 \v 45 Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all come in to live there. Then the final condition of that man becomes worse than the first. It will be just like that with this evil generation."
 
 \s5
@@ -944,8 +946,8 @@
 \s5
 \v 13 This is why I talk to them in parables: Though they are seeing, they do not see; and though they are hearing, they do not hear, or understand.
 \v 14 To them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, that which says,
-\q 'Listening, you will hear, but you will never understand;
-\q seeing, you will see, but you will never know.
+\q 'While hearing you will hear, but you will in no way understand;
+\q while seeing you will see, but you will in no way perceive.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -1063,7 +1065,7 @@
 \p
 \v 3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
 \v 4 For John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her as your wife."
-\v 5 Herod would have killed him, but he feared the people, because they regarded him as a prophet.
+\v 5 Herod would have killed him off, but he feared the people, because they regarded him as a prophet.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1085,7 +1087,7 @@
 \v 14 Then Jesus came before them and saw the large crowd. He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 When the evening had come, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour has already passed. Dismiss the crowds, so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves."
+\v 15 When the evening had come, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour has already gone away. Dismiss the crowds, so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1154,9 +1156,9 @@
 \q
 \v 9 They worship me in vain
 \q because they teach as their doctrines the commandments of people.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 10 Then he called the crowd to himself and said to them, "Listen and understand—
 \v 11 Nothing that enters into the mouth defiles a person. Instead, what comes out of the mouth, this is what defiles a person."
@@ -1204,7 +1206,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 29 Jesus left that place and went near to the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up a hill and sat there.
-\v 30 Large crowds came to him. They brought with them lame, blind, mute, and crippled people, and many others who were sick. They presented them at Jesus' feet, and he healed them.
+\v 30 Large crowds came to him. They brought with them lame, blind, mute, and crippled people, and many others who were sick. They presented them at Jesus's feet, and he healed them.
 \v 31 So the crowd marveled when they saw the mute persons speak, the crippled made well, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. They glorified the God of Israel.
 
 \s5
@@ -1236,18 +1238,18 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
-\v 6 Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
+\v 6 Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
 \p
 \v 7 The disciples reasoned among themselves and said, "It is because we took no bread."
 \p
 \v 8 Jesus was aware of this and said, "You of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves and say that it is because you have taken no bread?
 
 \s5
-\v 9 Do you not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered up?
+\v 9 Do you not yet perceive or remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered up?
 \v 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up?
 
 \s5
-\v 11 How is it that you do not understand that I was not speaking to you about bread? Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
+\v 11 How is it that you do not understand that I was not speaking to you about bread? Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
 \v 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to beware of yeast in bread, but to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
 
 \s5
@@ -1350,7 +1352,7 @@
 \p
 \v 26 "From others," Peter answered.
 \p "Then the sons are free," Jesus said.
-\v 27 But so that we do not cause the tax collectors to stumble, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and draw in the fish that comes up first. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take it and give it to the tax collectors for me and you."
+\v 27 But so that we do not cause the tax collectors to sin, go to the sea, throw in a hook, and draw in the fish that comes up first. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take it and give it to the tax collectors for me and you."
 
 \s5
 \c 18
@@ -1363,7 +1365,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
 \v 5 Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name receives me.
-\v 6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a large millstone should be hung about his neck, and that he should be sunk into the depths of the sea.
+\v 6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a great millstone should be hung about his neck, and that he should be sunk into the depths of the sea.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1371,7 +1373,7 @@
 \v 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or lame than to be thrown into the eternal fire having two hands or two feet.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye than to be thrown into the fiery hell having both eyes.
+\v 9 If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye than to be thrown into the hell of fire having both eyes.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 See that you do not despise any of these little ones. For I say to you that in heaven their angels always look on the face of my Father who is in heaven.
@@ -1384,7 +1386,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you will have gained your brother.
+\v 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you will have gained your brother.
 \v 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two others along with you so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be confirmed.
 
 \s5
@@ -1449,8 +1451,7 @@
 \v 7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of divorce and then to send her away?"
 \p
 \v 8 He said to them, "For your hardness of heart, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not that way.
-\v 9 I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." \f + \ft The best ancient copies do not have \fqa and the man who marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery \fqa* . \f*
-
+\v 9 I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and the man who marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1538,7 +1539,7 @@
 \v 14 Take what belongs to you and go your way. I choose to give to these last hired laborers just the same as to you.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 Is it not lawful for me to do as I want with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am good?'
+\v 15 Is it not lawful for me to do as I want with what belongs to me? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'
 \v 16 So the last will be first, and the first last." \f + \ft The best ancient copies do not have \fqa Many are called, but few are chosen \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
@@ -1594,9 +1595,9 @@
 \q 'See, your King is coming to you,
 \q Humble and riding on a donkey—
 \q on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 6 Then the disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them.
 \v 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat upon the cloaks.
@@ -1684,7 +1685,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine growers?"
 \p
-\v 41 They said to him, "He will violently destroy those wicked people, and he will then rent out the vineyard to other vine growers, men who will give him his share of crops at the harvest time."
+\v 41 They said to him, "He will destroy those wicked men and make them wretched, and he will then rent out the vineyard to other vine growers, men who will give him his share of crops at the harvest time."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1693,9 +1694,9 @@
 \q has been made the cornerstone.
 \q This was from the Lord,
 \q and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation that produces its fruits.
 \v 44 Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces. But anyone on whom it falls will be crushed."
 
@@ -1798,9 +1799,9 @@
 \v 44 'The Lord said to my Lord,
 \q "Sit at my right hand,
 \q until I make your enemies your footstool"'?
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 45 If David then calls the Christ 'Lord,' how is he David's son?"
 \v 46 No one was able to answer him a word, and no man dared ask him any more questions from that day on.
 
@@ -1808,7 +1809,7 @@
 \c 23
 \p
 \v 1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples.
-\v 2 He said, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.
+\v 2 He said, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's seat.
 \v 3 Therefore whatever they command you to do, do these things and observe them. But do not imitate their deeds, for they say things but then do not do them.
 
 \s5
@@ -1820,7 +1821,7 @@
 \v 7 and special greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi' by people.
 
 \s5
-\v 8 But you must not be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are brothers.
+\v 8 But you must not be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all you are brothers.
 \v 9 And call no man on earth your father, for you have only one Father, and he is in heaven.
 \v 10 Neither must you be called 'teacher,' for you have only one teacher, the Christ.
 
@@ -1867,7 +1868,7 @@
 \p
 \v 29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous.
 \v 30 You say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'
-\v 31 Therefore you testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.
+\v 31 Therefore you testify against yourselves that you are sons of those who killed the prophets.
 
 \s5
 \v 32 You also fill up the measure of your fathers.
@@ -1875,7 +1876,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 34 Therefore, see, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and some you will whip in your synagogues and chase from city to city.
-\v 35 The result is that upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.
+\v 35 The result is that upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.
 \v 36 Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
 
 \s5
@@ -2012,7 +2013,7 @@
 \p
 \v 14 "For it is like when a man was about to go into another country. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
 \v 15 To one of them he gave five talents, to another he gave two, and to yet another he gave one talent. Each one received an amount according to his own ability, and that man went on his journey.
-\v 16 The one who received the five talents went at once and worked with them and gained another five talents.
+\v 16 The one who received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained another five talents.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 In the same way, the one who had received two talents gained another two.
@@ -2149,9 +2150,9 @@
 \q and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
 \m
 \v 32 But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 33 But Peter said to him, "Even if all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."
 \p
@@ -2197,7 +2198,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to seize me like a robber? Every day I sat teaching in the temple, and you did not arrest me.
-\v 56 But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples abandoned him and fled.
+\v 56 But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2220,7 +2221,7 @@
 \p
 \v 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
 \v 66 What do you think?"
-\p They answered and said, "He is deserving of death."
+\p They answered and said, "He is worthy of death."
 
 \s5
 \v 67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with their fists, while some slapped him
@@ -2310,7 +2311,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the government headquarters and they gathered the whole company of soldiers.
+\v 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the government headquarters and gathered the whole company of soldiers.
 \v 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.
 \v 29 They made a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and placed a staff in his right hand. They knelt down before him and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
 
@@ -2341,12 +2342,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 43 He trusts in God, let God rescue him now, if God consents to release him. For he even said, 'I am the Son of God.'"
-\v 44 In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also insulted him.
+\v 44 In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also reproached him.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 45 Now from the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.
-\v 46 About the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice and said, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
+\v 46 About the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice and said, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
 \p
 \v 47 When some of those who were standing there heard it, they said, "He is calling for Elijah."
 
@@ -2391,7 +2392,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 28
 \p
-\v 1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
+\v 1 Now late on the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
 \v 2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, came and rolled away the stone, and sat on it.
 
 \s5
@@ -2413,7 +2414,7 @@
 \p
 \v 11 Now while the women were going, behold, some of the guards went into the city and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.
 \v 12 When the priests had met with the elders and discussed the matter with them, they gave a large amount of money to the soldiers
-\v 13 and told them, "Say to others, 'The disciples of Jesus came by night and stole his body while we were sleeping.'
+\v 13 and told them, "Say to others, 'Jesus's disciples came by night and stole his body while we were sleeping.'
 
 \s5
 \v 14 If this report reaches the governor, we will persuade him and take any worries away from you."

42-MRK.usfm

@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@
 \v 3 The voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
 \q 'Make ready the way of the Lord;
 \q make his paths straight.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 4 John came, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
 \v 5 The whole country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
@@ -108,13 +108,13 @@
 \v 44 He said to him, "Be sure to say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
 
 \s5
-\v 45 But he went out and began to declare it freely and spread the word, so much so that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but he stayed out in remote places. Yet people were still coming to him from everywhere.
+\v 45 But he went out and began to declare it freely and spread the word about, so much so that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but he stayed out in remote places. Yet people were still coming to him from everywhere.
 
 \s5
 \c 2
 \p
-\v 1 When Jesus came back to Capernaum after a few days, it was heard that he was at home.
-\v 2 So many gathered there that there was no more space, not even at the door, and he spoke the word to them.
+\v 1 When he came back to Capernaum after a few days, it was heard that he was at home.
+\v 2 So many gathered there that there was no more space, not even at the door, and Jesus spoke the word to them.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 Then some men came to him who were bringing a paralyzed man; four people were carrying him.
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 23 On the Sabbath day Jesus went through some grainfields, and his disciples began picking heads of grain as they made their way.
+\v 23 On the Sabbath day Jesus went through some grainfields, and his disciples began to pick heads of grain.
 \v 24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing something that is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"
 
 \s5
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 23 Jesus called them to himself and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?
+\v 23 Jesus called them to him and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?
 \v 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
 \v 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
 
@@ -272,13 +272,15 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 10 When Jesus was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
+\v 10 When Jesus was alone, those who were close to him and with the twelve asked him about the parables.
 \v 11 He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to those outside everything is in parables,
 \q
 \v 12 so that when they look, yes they look, but do not see, and so that when they hear, yes they hear, but do not understand, or else they would turn and God would forgive them."
+\m
+
+\s5
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 13 He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?"
 \v 14 The sower sows the word.
@@ -342,7 +344,7 @@
 \c 5
 \p
 \v 1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes.
-\v 2 When Jesus was getting out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came up to him out of the tombs. 
+\v 2 When Jesus was getting out of the boat, immediately there came up to him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 The man lived in the tombs. No one could restrain him anymore, not even with a chain.
@@ -458,7 +460,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 14 King Herod heard this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."
+\v 14 King Herod heard this, for Jesus's name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."
 \v 15 Some others said, "He is Elijah." Still others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets in ancient times."
 
 \s5
@@ -474,7 +476,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 Then an opportunity came when Herod had his birthday and he made a dinner for his officials and for the commanders and leaders of Galilee.
+\v 21 Then a convenient day came when Herod had his birthday and he made a dinner for his officials and for the commanders and leaders of Galilee.
 \v 22 The daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced for them, and she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you."
 
 \s5
@@ -555,7 +557,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 2 They saw that some of his disciples ate bread with hands that were unclean, that is, unwashed.
-\v 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold to the tradition of the elders.
+\v 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, because they hold to the tradition of the elders.
 \v 4 When the Pharisees come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they bathe themselves, and they hold to many other things they have received, such as the washing of cups, pots, copper vessels, and the couches upon which they eat.)
 
 \s5
@@ -569,9 +571,9 @@
 \q
 \v 7 In vain they worship me,
 \q teaching the commands of men as their doctrines.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold on to the tradition of men."
 \v 9 He also said to them, "How well you reject the commandment of God so you may keep your tradition!
 \v 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of his father or mother will surely be put to death.'
@@ -588,7 +590,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Now when Jesus left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable.
-\v 18 Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not know that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him,
+\v 18 Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? Do you not perceive that whatever enters into a person from outside cannot defile him,
 \v 19 because it cannot go into his heart, but it goes into his stomach and then passes out into the latrine?" With this statement Jesus declared all foods clean.
 
 \s5
@@ -859,7 +861,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 13 Then they brought their little children to him so that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.
-\v 14 But when Jesus noticed it, he was angry and said to them, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them.
+\v 14 But when Jesus noticed it, he was indignant and said to them, "Permit the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Truly I say to you, whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will definitely not enter it."
@@ -870,7 +872,7 @@
 \v 17 When he began his journey, a man ran up to him and knelt before him and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
 \p
 \v 18 Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
-\v 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"
+\v 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -915,7 +917,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 38 But Jesus replied to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup which I will drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I will be baptized?"
+\v 38 But Jesus replied to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup which I will drink or endure the baptism with which I will be baptized?"
 \p
 \v 39 They said to him, "We are able."
 \p Jesus said to them, "The cup that I will drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you also will be baptized.
@@ -1071,12 +1073,12 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 18 Then Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him. They asked him, saying,
-\v 19 "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother dies and leaves a wife behind him, but had no child, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother.'
+\v 19 "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, 'If a man's brother dies and leaves a wife behind him, but no child, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up seed for his brother.'
 
 \s5
-\v 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife and then died, having no children.
-\v 21 Then the second took her and died, leaving no child, and the third in the same way.
-\v 22 The seven left no children. Last of all, the woman also died.
+\v 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife and then died, leaving no seed.
+\v 21 Then the second took her and died, leaving no seed, and the third in the same way.
+\v 22 The seven left no seed. Last of all, the woman also died.
 \v 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For all seven brothers had her as their wife."
 
 \s5
@@ -1109,7 +1111,7 @@
 \v 36 David himself, in the Holy Spirit, said,
 \q 'The Lord said to my Lord,
 \q "Sit at my right hand
-\q until I put your enemies under your feet."'
+\q until I make your enemies your footstool."'
 \m
 \v 37 David himself calls him 'Lord,' so how can the Christ be David's son?" The large crowd gladly listened to him.
 
@@ -1166,7 +1168,7 @@
 \v 16 and let him who is in the field not return to take his cloak.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days!
+\v 17 But woe to those with children in the womb and to those who are nursing infants in those days!
 \v 18 Pray that it might not occur in the winter.
 \v 19 For those will be days of great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation, which God created, until now, no, nor ever will be again.
 \v 20 Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those whom he chose, he cut short the days.
@@ -1268,9 +1270,9 @@
 \v 27 Jesus said to them, "All of you will fall away, for it is written,
 \q 'I will strike the shepherd
 \q and the sheep will be scattered.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 28 But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
 \p
 \v 29 Peter said to him, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
@@ -1279,7 +1281,7 @@
 \p
 \v 30 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today—yes, this very night—before the rooster crows twice you will deny me three times."
 \p
-\v 31 But Peter said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all made the same promise.
+\v 31 But Peter said, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all made the same promise.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1317,13 +1319,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 51 A young man, wearing only a linen garment that was wrapped around him, was following Jesus. When the men seized him,
+\v 51 A young man, wearing only a linen garment that was wrapped around him, was following Jesus. When the men seized him
 \v 52 he left the linen garment and ran away naked.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 53 They led Jesus to the high priest. There were gathered with him all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes.
-\v 54 Now Peter followed him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. He sat among the officers, warming himself near the fire.
+\v 54 Now Peter followed him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. He sat among the officers, who were near a fire to keep warm.
 
 \s5
 \v 55 Now the chief priests and the entire Jewish council were seeking testimony against Jesus so they might put him to death. But they did not find any.
@@ -1343,9 +1345,9 @@
 \q and you will see the Son of Man
 \q2 when he sits at the right hand of power
 \q2 and comes with the clouds of heaven."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 63 The high priest tore his garments and said, "Do we still need witnesses?
 \v 64 You have heard the blasphemy. What is your decision?" They all condemned him as one who deserved death.
@@ -1357,7 +1359,7 @@
 \v 66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came to him.
 \v 67 She saw Peter warming himself, and she looked closely at him and said, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus."
 \p
-\v 68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." Then he went out into the gateway. And the rooster crowed. \f + \ft Some ancient copies do not have, \fqa And the rooster crowed \fqa* . \f*
+\v 68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." Then he went out into the gateway. \f + \ft Some ancient copies add, \fqa Then the rooster crowed, \fqa* but the best ancient copies do not have this phrase. \f*
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1374,7 +1376,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 15
 \p
-\v 1 Early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the entire Jewish council consulted together. Then they bound Jesus and led him away. They handed him over to Pilate.
+\v 1 Early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the entire Jewish council, held a consultation. Then they bound Jesus and led him away. They handed him over to Pilate.
 \v 2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
 \p He answered him, "You say so."
 \v 3 The chief priests were accusing him of many things.
@@ -1386,8 +1388,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 6 Now at the time of the festival, Pilate usually released to them one prisoner, a prisoner they requested.
-\v 7 There was a man called Barabbas in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion.
+\v 6 Now at the time of the festival, Pilate usually released to them one prisoner, a prisoner they requested,
+\v 7 and there was a man called Barabbas in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion.
 \v 8 The crowd came to Pilate and began to ask him to do for them as he had done in the past.
 
 \s5
@@ -1408,7 +1410,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 16 The soldiers led him inside the courtyard (which is the government headquarters), and they called together the whole company of soldiers.
+\v 16 The soldiers led him inside the courtyard (which is the government headquarters), and they called together the whole cohort of soldiers.
 \v 17 They put a purple robe on Jesus, and they twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on him.
 \v 18 They began to salute him and say, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
 
@@ -1430,18 +1432,18 @@
 \v 28 \f + \ft The best ancient copies do not have Mark 15:28, \fqa The scripture was fulfilled that says, 'He was counted with the lawless ones,'
 
 \s5
-\v 29 Those who passed by insulted him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,
+\v 29 Those who passed by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,
 \v 30 save yourself and come down from the cross!"
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 31 In the same way the chief priests were mocking him with each other, along with the scribes, and said, "He saved others, but he cannot save himself.
-\v 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.
+\v 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also reproached him.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 33 At the sixth hour, darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.
-\v 34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
+\v 34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
 \v 35 Some of those standing by heard his words and said, "Look, he is calling for Elijah."
 
 \s5
@@ -1453,7 +1455,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 39 When the centurion who stood and faced Jesus saw that he had died in this way, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God."
-\v 40 There were also women who looked on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joses), \f + \ft The man called \fqa Joses \fqa* here is called \fqa Joseph \fqa* in Mark 6:3. The name \fqa Joseph \fqa* represents how the name was spelled in Hebrew, and the name \fqa Joses \fqa* represents how his name was spelled in Greek. \f* and Salome.
+\v 40 There were also women who looked on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joses) \f + \ft The man called \fqa Joses \fqa* here is called \fqa Joseph \fqa* in Mark 6:3. The name \fqa Joseph \fqa* represents how the name was spelled in Hebrew, and the name \fqa Joses \fqa* represents how his name was spelled in Greek. \f* , and Salome.
 \v 41 When he was in Galilee they followed him and served him. Many other women also came up with him to Jerusalem.
 
 \s5
@@ -1470,7 +1472,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 16
 \p
-\v 1 When the Sabbath day was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices that they might come and anoint Jesus' body.
+\v 1 When the Sabbath day was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices that they might come and anoint Jesus's body.
 \v 2 Very early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb when the sun had come up.
 
 \s5
@@ -1499,7 +1501,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 14 Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead.
+\v 14 Jesus later appeared to the eleven as they were reclining at the table, and he reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he rose from the dead.
 \v 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to the entire creation.
 \v 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved, and he who does not believe will be condemned.
 
@@ -1509,6 +1511,6 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
+\v 19 After the Lord had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
 \v 20 The disciples left and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that went with them.] \f + \ft See the note on Mark 16:9. \f*
 

43-LUK.usfm

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 In the days of Herod king of Judea there was a certain priest named Zechariah from the division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
-\v 6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.
+\v 6 They were both righteous before God, walking blameless in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.
 \v 7 But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in their days.
 
 \s5
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 48 When they saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Look, your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
-\v 49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I had to be about my Father's business? \f + \ft Some scholars translate "about my Father's business" as \fqa in my Father's house. \fqa \f*
+\v 49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I had to be about my Father's business? \f + \ft Some scholars translate "about my Father's business" as \fqa in my Father's house \fqa . \f*
 \v 50 But they did not understand what he meant by those words.
 
 \s5
@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 36 Shelah was the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
 \p
-\v 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan,
+\v 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,
 \v 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
 
 \s5
@@ -542,9 +542,10 @@
 \v 7 So they motioned to their partners in the other boat that they should come and help them. They came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
 
 \s5
-\v 8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord."
-\v 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish which they had taken.   
-\v 10 And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. 
+\v 8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus's knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord."
+\v 9 For amazement had seized him and all who were with him at the catch of fish which they had taken,
+
+\v 10 and also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
 \p Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid, because from now on you will catch men."
 \v 11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
 
@@ -577,7 +578,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 22 But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking, answered and said to them, "Why are you questioning this in your hearts?
+\v 22 But Jesus, perceiving what they were thinking, answered and said to them, "Why are you questioning this in your hearts?
 \v 23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you' or to say 'Get up and walk'?
 \v 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,"—he said to the paralyzed man—"I tell you, get up, pick up your mat and go to your house."
 
@@ -623,7 +624,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 3 Answering them, Jesus said, "Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and the men who were with him?
-\v 4 He went into the house of God and took the bread of the presence and ate some of it, and also gave some to the men who were with him to eat, even though it was only lawful for the priests to eat it."
+\v 4 He went into the house of God and took the consecrated bread and ate some of it, and also gave some to the men who were with him to eat, even though it was only lawful for the priests to eat it."
 \v 5 Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
 
 \s5
@@ -658,7 +659,7 @@
 \v 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
+\v 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and reproach you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
 \v 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because you will surely have a great reward in heaven, for their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
 
 \s5
@@ -680,8 +681,8 @@
 \s5
 \v 31 As you want people to do to you, you should do the same to them.
 \v 32 If you only love people who love you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners love those who love them.
-\v 33 If you do good only to people who do good to you, what reward is there for you? For even sinners do the same.
-\v 34 If you only lend to people from whom you hope to be repaid, what reward is there for you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back the same amount.
+\v 33 If you do good only to people who do good to you, what reward will there be for you? For even sinners do the same.
+\v 34 If you only lend to people from whom you hope to be repaid, what reward will there be for you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back the same amount.
 
 \s5
 \v 35 But love your enemies and do good to them. Lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind toward unthankful and evil people.
@@ -699,7 +700,7 @@
 \v 40 A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
 
 \s5
-\v 41 Why do you look at the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye, but you do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
+\v 41 Why do you look at the tiny piece of straw that is in your brother's eye, but you do not perceive the log that is in your own eye?
 \v 42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the piece of straw that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not even see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the piece of straw that is in your brother's eye.
 
 \s5
@@ -877,7 +878,7 @@
 \v 23 But as they sailed he fell asleep. A terrible windstorm came down on the lake, and their boat was filling with water, and they were in danger.
 
 \s5
-\v 24 Then Jesus' disciples came over to him and woke him up, saying, "Master! Master! We are about to die!"
+\v 24 Then Jesus's disciples came over to him and woke him up, saying, "Master! Master! We are about to die!"
 \p He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
 \v 25 Then he said to them, "Where is your faith?"
 \p But they were afraid and amazed, and they asked one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?"
@@ -917,7 +918,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
-\v 41 Behold, a man named Jairus, who was one of the leaders of the synagogue, came and fell down at Jesus' feet, and he begged him to come to his house
+\v 41 Behold, a man named Jairus, who was one of the leaders of the synagogue, came and fell down at Jesus's feet, and he begged him to come to his house
 \v 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve years of age, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds of people pressed together around him.
 
 \s5
@@ -1010,7 +1011,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his own glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
-\v 27 But truly I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
+\v 27 But I say to you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1237,7 +1238,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 24 When an unclean spirit has gone away from a man, it passes through waterless places and looks for rest. Finding none, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'
-\v 25 Having returned, it finds the house had been swept clean and put in order.
+\v 25 Having returned, it finds that house swept out and put in order.
 \v 26 Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all come in to live there. Then the final condition of that man becomes worse than the first."
 
 \s5
@@ -1261,7 +1262,7 @@
 \p
 \v 33 No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it in a hidden place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.
 \v 34 Your eye is the lamp of the body. When your eye is good, the whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your body is full of darkness.
-\v 35 Therefore, watch out that the light in you is not darkness.
+\v 35 Therefore, take heed that the light in you is not darkness.
 \v 36 If then your whole body is full of light, not having any member in darkness, then your whole body will be like when a lamp shines its brightness on you."
 
 \s5
@@ -1292,9 +1293,9 @@
 \v 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the works of your ancestors, for they indeed killed them and you build their tombs.
 
 \s5
-\v 49 For this reason also, God's wisdom said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles, and they will persecute and kill some of them.'
-\v 50 As a result, this generation will be charged for all the blood of the prophets shed since the foundation of the world,
-\v 51 from Abel's blood to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, this generation will be held responsible.
+\v 49 For this reason also, God's wisdom said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles, and they will persecute and kill some of them,'
+\v 50 so that all the blood of the prophets shed since the foundation of the world this will be charged against this generation,
+\v 51 from Abel's blood to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it will be charged against this generation.
 
 \s5
 \v 52 Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key of knowledge; you do not enter in yourselves, and you hinder those who are entering."
@@ -1302,7 +1303,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 53 After Jesus left there, the scribes and the Pharisees opposed him and argued with him about many things,
-\v 54 lying in wait to catch him in something he might say.
+\v 54 lying in wait for him, to catch something out of his mouth.
 
 \s5
 \c 12
@@ -1353,12 +1354,12 @@
 \v 23 For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes.
 
 \s5
-\v 24 Think about the ravens, that they do not sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn, but God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!
+\v 24 Take notice of the ravens, that they do not sow or reap. They have no storeroom or barn, but God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!
 \v 25 Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his lifespan?
 \v 26 If then you are not able to do such a very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
 
 \s5
-\v 27 Think about the lilies—how they grow. They do not labor, neither do they spin. Yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
+\v 27 Take notice of the lilies—how they grow. They do not labor, neither do they spin. Yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
 \v 28 If God so clothes the grass in the field, which exists today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
 
 \s5
@@ -1471,7 +1472,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 20 Again he said, "To what can I compare the kingdom of God?
-\v 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the flour was leavened."
+\v 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour all the flour was leavened."
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1486,7 +1487,7 @@
 \p
 \v 26 "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank in front of you and you taught in our streets.'
 \p
-\v 27 "But he will reply, 'I say to you, I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!'
+\v 27 "But he will reply, 'I say to you, I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, you who commit iniquity!'
 
 \s5
 \v 28 There will be crying and the grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in God's kingdom, but you are thrown out.
@@ -1634,7 +1635,7 @@
 \p
 \v 25 "Now his older son was out in the field. As he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.
 \v 26 He called to one of the servants and asked what these things might be.
-\v 27 The servant said to him, 'Your brother has come home and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him in good health.'
+\v 27 The servant said to him, 'Your brother has come home and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him healthy.'
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1757,7 +1758,7 @@
 \p
 \v 14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." As they went away they were cleansed.
 \v 15 When one of them saw that he was healed, he turned back, with a loud voice glorifying God.
-\v 16 He fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
+\v 16 He fell on his face at Jesus's feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Then Jesus said, "Were not the ten cleansed? Where are the nine?
@@ -1844,7 +1845,7 @@
 \v 18 A certain ruler asked him, saying, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
 \p
 \v 19 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except God alone.
-\v 20 You know the commandments—do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not testify falsely, honor your father and mother."
+\v 20 You know the commandments—do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not testify falsely, honor your father and mother."
 \p
 \v 21 The ruler said, "All these things I have obeyed from the time I was a youth."
 
@@ -1971,7 +1972,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 29 It came about that when he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, to the mountain that is called Olives, he sent two of the disciples,
+\v 29 It came about that when he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, to the hill that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,
 \v 30 saying, "Go into the next village. As you enter, you will find a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me.
 \v 31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord has need of it.'"
 
@@ -2085,7 +2086,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 27 When some of the Sadducees came to him, the ones who say that there is no resurrection,
-\v 28 they asked him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and being childless, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up children for his brother.
+\v 28 they asked him, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife, and being childless, the man should take the brother's wife, and raise up offspring for his brother.
 
 \s5
 \v 29 There were seven brothers and the first took a wife, and died childless,
@@ -2172,10 +2173,10 @@
 \s5
 \v 23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing in those days! For there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people.
 \v 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and they will be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
+\p
 
 \s5
 \p
-\p
 \v 25 "There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars, and on the earth. The nations will be in distress, anxious because of the roar of the sea and waves.
 \v 26 There will be men fainting from fear and from expectation of the things which are coming upon the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
 
@@ -2192,19 +2193,19 @@
 \s5
 \v 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
 \v 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
+\p
 
 \s5
 \p
-\p
-\v 34 "But pay attention to yourselves, so that your hearts are not burdened with excessive drinking and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day does not close on you suddenly
-\v 35 like a trap. For it will come upon everyone living on the face of the whole earth.
+\v 34 "But pay attention to yourselves, so that your hearts are not burdened with excessive drinking and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day does not close on you suddenly like a trap.
+\v 35 For it will come upon everyone living on the face of the whole earth.
 
 \s5
 \v 36 But be alert at all times, praying that you may be strong enough to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 37 So during the days he was teaching in the temple, and at night he went out and stayed on the mountain that is called Olives.
+\v 37 So during the days he was teaching in the temple, and at night he went out and stayed on what is called Olivet.
 \v 38 All of the people came early in the morning to hear him in the temple.
 
 \s5
@@ -2460,7 +2461,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 39 One of the criminals who was hanging there insulted him by saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us."
+\v 39 One of the criminals who was hanging there reviled him by saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us."
 \p
 \v 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
 \v 41 We indeed are here justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds. But this man did nothing wrong."
@@ -2469,9 +2470,9 @@
 \v 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
 \p
 \v 43 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour
 \v 45 as the sun turned dark. Then the curtain of the temple was split in two.
 
@@ -2522,9 +2523,9 @@
 \s5
 \v 11 But this message seemed like idle talk to the apostles, and they did not believe the women.
 \v 12 Yet Peter rose up and ran to the tomb, and, stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves. Peter then departed to his home, wondering what had happened.
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.
 \v 14 They discussed with each other about all the things that had happened.
 

44-JHN.usfm

@@ -86,8 +86,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 40 One of the two who heard John speak and then followed Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter.
-\v 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated "Christ").
-\v 42 He brought him to Jesus, and Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which is translated "Peter").
+\v 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which translated is: Christ).
+\v 42 He brought him to Jesus, and Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -701,7 +701,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 14 Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true. I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I came from or where I am going.
-\v 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.
+\v 15 You judge according the flesh; I judge no one.
 \v 16 Yet if I judge, my judgment is true because I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me.
 
 \s5
@@ -788,9 +788,10 @@
 \p
 \v 1 Now as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.
 \v 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, so that he was born blind?"
+
 \s5
 \v 3 Jesus answered, "Neither did this man sin, nor his parents, but so that the works of God would be revealed in him.
-\v 4 We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one will be able to work.
+\v 4 We must bring about the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one will be able to work.
 \v 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
 
 \s5
@@ -832,7 +833,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 26 Then they said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
-\v 27 He answered, "I have told you already, and you did not listen! Why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become his disciples too, do you?"
+\v 27 He answered, "I have told you already, and you did not listen! Why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become his disciples too, do you?
 
 \s5
 \v 28 They insulted him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.
@@ -1054,7 +1055,7 @@
 \c 12
 \p
 \v 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
-\v 2 So they made him a dinner there, and Martha was serving, but Lazarus was one of those who were lying down at the table with Jesus.
+\v 2 So they made him a dinner there, and Martha was serving, but Lazarus was one of those who was lying down at the table with Jesus.
 \v 3 Then Mary took a litra of perfume made of very precious pure nard, anointed the feet of Jesus with it, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
 
 \s5
@@ -1130,20 +1131,19 @@
 \v 38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled, in which he said:
 \q "Lord, who has believed our report,
 \q and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah had also said,
 \q
-\v 40 "He has blinded their eyes, 
-\q and he has hardened their heart, 
-\q otherwise they would see with their eyes 
-\q and understand with their hearts, 
-\q and turn, and I would heal them."
+\v 40 "He has blinded their eyes, and he has hardened their hearts;
+\q otherwise they would see with their eyes and understand with their hearts,
+\q and turn,
+\q and I would heal them."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw the glory of Jesus and spoke of him.
 \v 42 But despite that, many of the rulers believed in Jesus; but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess it so that they would not be banned from the synagogue.
@@ -1194,7 +1194,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is a messenger greater than he who sent him.
 \v 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
-\v 18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know those whom I have chosen—but this is so that the scripture will be fulfilled: 'He who eats my bread lifted up his heel against me.'
+\v 18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know those whom I have chosen—but this so that the scripture will be fulfilled: 'He who eats my bread lifted up his heel against me.'
 
 \s5
 \v 19 I tell you this now before it happens so that when it happens, you may believe that I AM.
@@ -1206,7 +1206,7 @@
 \v 22 The disciples looked at each other, wondering of whom he was speaking.
 
 \s5
-\v 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying down at the table against Jesus' side.
+\v 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying down at the table against Jesus's side.
 \v 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him who he is speaking about."
 \v 25 So he leaned back against the side of Jesus and said to him, "Lord, who is it?"
 
@@ -1238,13 +1238,13 @@
 \s5
 \c 14
 \p
-\v 1 "Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
+\v 1 "Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.
 \v 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you, for I am going to prepare a place for you.
 \v 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, so that where I am you will also be.
 
 \s5
 \v 4 You know the way to where I am going."
-\v 5 Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"
+\v 5 Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?"
 \v 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.
 \v 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you know him and have seen him."
 
@@ -1461,9 +1461,9 @@
 \s5
 \c 18
 \p
-\v 1 After Jesus spoke these words, he went out with his disciples to the other side of the Kidron Brook, where there was a garden into which he and his disciples entered.
+\v 1 After Jesus spoke these words, he went out with his disciples to the other side of the wadi Kidron, where there was a garden into which he and his disciples entered.
 \v 2 Now Judas, who was going to betray him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
-\v 3 Then Judas, leading a company of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
+\v 3 Then Judas, leading a group of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
 
 \s5
 \v 4 Then Jesus, who knew all the things that were happening to him, went forward and asked them, "Who are you looking for?"
@@ -1483,7 +1483,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 So a company of soldiers and the captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and tied him up.
+\v 12 So the group of soldiers and the captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and tied him up.
 \v 13 They led him first to Annas, for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
 \v 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had given the advice to the Jews that it would be better that one man die for the people.
 
@@ -1517,7 +1517,7 @@
 \p
 \v 28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the government headquarters. It was early in the morning, and they did not enter the government headquarters so that they would not be defiled but would be able to eat the Passover.
 \v 29 So Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation are you bringing against this man?"
-\v 30 They answered and said to him, "If this man was not an evildoer, we would not have given him over to you."
+\v 30 They answered and said to him, "If this man was not an evil doer, we would not have given him over to you."
 
 \s5
 \v 31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death."
@@ -1599,13 +1599,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 25 Now standing beside Jesus' cross were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
+\v 25 Now standing beside Jesus's cross were his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
 \v 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, see, your son!"
 \v 27 Then he said to the disciple, "See, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 28 After this, knowing that everything was now accomplished and so that the scriptures would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."
+\v 28 After this, knowing that everything was now completed and so that the scriptures would be carried out, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."
 \v 29 A container full of sour wine was placed there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop staff and lifted it up to his mouth.
 \v 30 When Jesus had taken the sour wine, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
 
@@ -1692,9 +1692,9 @@
 \p
 \v 26 After eight days his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came while the doors were closed, and stood among them, and said, "Peace to you."
 \v 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger and see my hands. Reach here with your hand and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believe."
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \v 28 Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God."
 \q
 \v 29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and believed."
@@ -1749,13 +1749,13 @@
 \q Peter was sorrowful because Jesus had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you."
 \q Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.
 \v 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you become old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will gird you and carry you where you will not want to go."
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \v 19 Now Jesus said this in order to indicate with what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After he had said this, he said to Peter, "Follow me."
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \v 20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had also leaned back against the side of Jesus at the dinner and who had said, "Lord, who is the one who will betray you?"
 \v 21 Peter saw him and then said to Jesus, "Lord, what will this man do?"
 

45-ACT.usfm

@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@
 \s5
 \v 4 When he was meeting together with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, about which he said, "You heard from me
 \v 5 that John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days."
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 6 When they were assembled together they asked him, "Lord, is this the time you will restore the kingdom to Israel?"
 \v 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has determined by his own authority.
 \v 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain that is called Olives, which is near to Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey.
+\v 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near to Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey.
 \v 13 When they arrived, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were staying. They were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
 \v 14 They all were devoted with one purpose to prayer, together with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
 
@@ -49,9 +49,9 @@
 \q 'Let his field be made desolate,
 \q and do not let even one person live there';
 \q 'Let someone else take his position of leadership.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 21 It is necessary, therefore, that one of the men who accompanied us all the time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
 \v 22 beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was taken up from us, become a witness with us of his resurrection."
@@ -66,9 +66,9 @@
 \c 2
 \p
 \v 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in the same place.
-\v 2 Suddenly a sound like the rush of a violent wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
+\v 2 Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
 \v 3 There appeared to them tongues like fire that were distributed, and they sat upon each one of them.
-\v 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them the ability.
+\v 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to make declarations.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -116,13 +116,13 @@
 \q before the great and remarkable day of the Lord comes.
 \q
 \v 21 It will be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 22 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited to you by God with the mighty deeds and wonders and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.
 \v 23 This man was handed over by God's predetermined plan and foreknowledge; and you, by the hand of lawless men, put him to death by nailing him to a cross.
-\v 24 But God raised him up, freeing him from the agonies of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
+\v 24 But God raised him up, freeing him from the pangs of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
 
 \s5
 \v 25 For David says about him,
@@ -139,22 +139,22 @@
 \q
 \v 28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
 \q you will make me full of gladness with your face.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 29 Brothers, it is proper for me to speak to you confidently about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.
 \v 30 Therefore, he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of the fruit of his loins on his throne.
 \v 31 He saw what was to happen in the future and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ,
 \q that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 32 This Jesus—God raised him up, of which we all are witnesses.
 \v 33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you see and hear.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 34 For David did not ascend to the heaven, but he says,
 \q 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand
 \q
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. He is the one whom you handed over and rejected before the face of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
-\v 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One, and you asked instead for a murderer to be given to you.
+\v 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One, and you asked instead for a murderer to be graciously given to you.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 You killed the Founder of life, whom God raised from the dead—and we are witnesses of this.
@@ -224,10 +224,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 19 Repent, therefore, and turn, so that your sins may be blotted out,
-\v 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send the Christ who has been appointed for you, Jesus.
+\v 20 so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and that he may send the Christ who has been appointed for you, Jesus.
 
 \s5
-\v 21 He is the One heaven must receive until the time of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke from ancient times by the mouth of his holy prophets.
+\v 21 He is the One heaven must receive until the time of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke from ancient time by the mouth of his holy prophets.
 \v 22 Moses indeed said, 'The Lord God will raise up a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to everything he tells you.
 \v 23 It will happen that every person who does not listen to that prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people.'
 
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 But after they had commanded the apostles to leave the council meeting, they talked among themselves.
-\v 16 They said, "What should we do with these men? For a remarkable sign has been done through them, and this is evident to everyone who lives in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
+\v 16 They said, "What should we do with these men? For a remarkable sign has been done through them, and this is visible to everyone who lives in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
 \v 17 But in order that it spreads no further among the people, let us warn them not to speak anymore to anyone in this name."
 \v 18 Then they called them in and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
 
@@ -293,9 +293,9 @@
 \q 'The kings of the earth set themselves together,
 \q and the rulers gathered together
 \q against the Lord, and against his Christ.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 27 Indeed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
 \v 28 They gathered together to do all that your hand and your plan had decided in advance would happen.
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?
-\v 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own, and after it was sold, was it not under your authority? Why did you put it in your heart to do this? You have not lied to men, but to God."
+\v 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own, and after it was sold, was it not under your authority? Who is it that put this activity in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God."
 \v 5 Hearing these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last, and great fear came upon all who heard it.
 \v 6 The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.
 
@@ -372,7 +372,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 26 So the captain went with the officers and brought them back, but without violence, for they feared the people, that they might be stoned.
 \v 27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest interrogated them,
-\v 28 saying, "We ordered you with a command not to teach in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and desire to bring this man's blood upon us."
+\v 28 saying, "We commanded you with a command not to teach in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and desire to bring this man's blood upon us."
 
 \s5
 \v 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.
@@ -382,8 +382,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 33 When the council members heard this, they were furious and they wanted to kill the apostles.
-\v 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the council and gave a command to take the men outside for a little while.
+\v 33 When the council members heard this, they were cut to the heart and wanted to kill the apostles.
+\v 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the council and commanded the apostles to be taken outside for a little while.
 
 \s5
 \v 35 Then he said to them, "Men of Israel, pay close attention to what you propose to do with these people.
@@ -457,7 +457,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 11 "Now a famine and great tribulation came over all Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could find no food.
+\v 11 "Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great tribulation, and our fathers could find no food.
 \v 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first trip.
 \v 13 On their second trip Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.
 
@@ -480,9 +480,9 @@
 \s5
 \v 22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and works.
 \p
-\v 23 "But when he was about forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the descendants of Israel.
+\v 23 "But when forty years were coming to completion for him, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the descendants of Israel.
 \v 24 Seeing an Israelite being mistreated, Moses defended him and avenged him who was oppressed by striking the Egyptian:
-\v 25 he thought that his brothers would understand that God, by his hand, was giving them salvation, but they did not understand. 
+\v 25 he thought that his brothers would understand that God by his hand was giving them deliverance, but they did not understand.
 
 \s5
 \v 26 On the next day he appeared to them when they were fighting, and he tried to make peace between them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why are you wronging one another?'
@@ -496,7 +496,7 @@
 \v 30 "When forty years were past, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.
 
 \s5
-\v 31 When Moses saw the fire, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look at it, the voice of the Lord came, saying,
+\v 31 When Moses saw the fire, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look at it, there came a voice of the Lord, saying,
 \v 32 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob.' Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
 
 \s5
@@ -520,8 +520,8 @@
 \s5
 \v 41 So they made a calf in those days and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced because of the work of their hands.
 \v 42 But God turned and gave them up to worship the stars in the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets,
-\q 'Did you bring me offerings and sacrifices 
-\q during the forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?
+\q 'Did you offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices
+\q for forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -529,13 +529,13 @@
 \q and the star of the god Rephan,
 \q and the images that you made to worship them:
 \q and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 44 "Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, just as God commanded when he spoke to Moses, that he should make it like the pattern that he had seen.
 \v 45 Later, our fathers, under Joshua, received the tabernacle and brought it with them when they took possession of the land. God took the land from the nations and drove them out before the face of our fathers. The tabernacle remained in the land until the time of David,
-\v 46 who found favor in the sight of God, and he asked if he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob \f + \ft The phrase: \fqa the house of Jacob, \fqa* is found in many ancient copies. Other ancient texts have the phrase: \fqa the God of Jacob \fqa* . \f*.
+\v 46 who found favor in the sight of God, and he asked if he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob.
 
 \s5
 \v 47 But it was Solomon who built the house for God.
@@ -547,9 +547,9 @@
 \q or what is the place for my rest?
 \q
 \v 50 Did my hand not make all these things?'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit; you act just as your fathers acted.
 \v 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed the prophets who appeared in advance of the coming of the Righteous One; and you have now become the betrayers and murderers of him also,
@@ -557,7 +557,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 54 Now when the council members heard these things, they were furious in their hearts and they ground their teeth at Stephen.
+\v 54 Now when the council members heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they ground their teeth at Stephen.
 \v 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up intently into heaven and saw the glory of God; and he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
 \v 56 Stephen said, "Look, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
 
@@ -649,9 +649,9 @@
 \v 33 In his humiliation justice was taken away from him.
 \q Who can give a full account of his descendants?
 \q For his life was taken from the earth."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 34 So the eunuch asked Philip, and said, "I beg you, tell me who is the prophet speaking about, himself, or someone else?"
 \v 35 Philip began to speak, and beginning with this scripture he proclaimed the gospel about Jesus to him.
@@ -743,7 +743,7 @@
 \v 37 It came about in those days that she fell sick and died; when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
 
 \s5
-\v 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, pleading with him, "Come to us without delay."
+\v 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, pleading him, "Come to us without delay."
 \v 39 Peter arose and went with them. When he had arrived, they brought him to the upper room, and all the widows stood by him weeping, showing him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made while she had been with them.
 
 \s5
@@ -755,7 +755,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 10
 \p
-\v 1 Now there was a certain man in the city of Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Company of Soldiers.
+\v 1 Now there was a certain man in the city of Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment.
 \v 2 He was a devout man, one who feared God with all his household, gave many alms to the people, and prayed to God constantly.
 
 \s5
@@ -764,9 +764,9 @@
 \p The angel said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have gone up as a memorial offering into God's presence.
 \v 5 Now send men to the city of Joppa to bring a man named Simon who is called Peter.
 \v 6 He is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside."
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, Cornelius called two of his house servants, and a devout soldier from among those who served him.
 \v 8 Cornelius told them all that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
 
@@ -799,7 +799,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 22 They said, "A centurion named Cornelius, a righteous man and one who fears God, and is well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house, so he could listen to a message from you."
+\v 22 They said, "A centurion named Cornelius, a righteous man and one who fears God, and is well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was given a message from God by a holy angel and told to send for you to come to his house, so he could listen to a message from you."
 \v 23 So Peter invited them to come in and stay with him.
 \p On the next morning he got up and went with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
 
@@ -825,8 +825,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I understand that God is not partial.
-\v 35 Instead, in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
+\v 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly, I perceive that God is not partial.
+\v 35 Instead, in every nation anyone who fears him and does righteous deeds is acceptable to him.
 
 \s5
 \v 36 You know the message that he sent to the people of Israel, when he announced the good news about peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all—
@@ -891,7 +891,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose over Stephen spread as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word only to Jews.
-\v 20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, came to Antioch and spoke also to Greeks, proclaiming to them the gospel about the Lord Jesus.
+\v 20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, came to Antioch and spoke also to Greeks, proclaiming to them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
 \v 21 The hand of the Lord was with them; a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
 
 \s5
@@ -940,7 +940,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 13 When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
-\v 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, out of joy she failed to open the gate; instead, she came running into the room; she reported that Peter was standing at the gate.
+\v 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, out of joy she failed to open the door; instead, she came running into the room; she reported that Peter was standing at the gate.
 \v 15 So they said to her, "You are insane." But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel."
 
 \s5
@@ -998,7 +998,7 @@
 \v 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people here, say it."
 
 \s5
-\v 16 So Paul stood up and motioned with his hand; he said, "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.
+\v 16 So Paul stood up and motioned with his hand; he said, "Men of Israel and you who honor God, listen.
 \v 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people when they stayed in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm he led them out of it.
 \v 18 For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. \f + \ft Some ancient copies read, \fqa For about forty years he cared for them in the wilderness \fqa* . \f*
 
@@ -1016,7 +1016,7 @@
 \v 25 As John was finishing his work, he said, 'Who do you think I am? I am not the one. But listen, one is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'
 
 \s5
-\v 26 Brothers, children of the offspring of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, it is to us that the message about this salvation has been sent.
+\v 26 Brothers, children of the offspring of Abraham, and those among you who honor God, it is to us that the message about this salvation has been sent.
 \v 27 For they who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, and they fulfilled the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath by condemning him.
 
 \s5
@@ -1028,12 +1028,12 @@
 \v 31 He was seen for many days by those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These people are now his witnesses to the people.
 
 \s5
-\v 32 So we tell you the good news: The promise that came to our fathers
-\v 33 God has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
+\v 32 So we are telling you the good news, the promise that came to our fathers
+\v 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
 \q 'You are my Son, today I have become your Father.'
 \m
 \p
-\v 34 As to his raising him from the dead, never to return to decay, he has spoken in this way:
+\v 34 That he raised him up from the dead never to return, God has spoken in this way:
 \q 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.'
 
 \s5
@@ -1047,14 +1047,14 @@
 \v 37 But he whom God raised up experienced no decay.
 
 \s5
-\v 38 So let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. The law of Moses could not make you righteous.
-\v 39 But by this man God makes righteous everyone who believes.
+\v 38 So let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you forgiveness of sins.
+\v 39 By him every one who believes is justified from all the things which the law of Moses could not justify you.
 
 \s5
 \v 40 So then be careful that the thing the prophets spoke about does not happen to you:
 \q
-\v 41 'Look, you despisers, and be astonished and then perish;  
-\q For I am doing a work in your days,  
+\v 41 'Look, you despisers, and be astonished and then perish;
+\q For I am bringing about a work in your days,
 \q a work that you would never believe, even if someone announces it to you.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -1072,9 +1072,9 @@
 \v 47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying,
 \q 'I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles,
 \q that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 48 As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
 \v 49 The word of the Lord was spread out through the whole region.
@@ -1183,9 +1183,9 @@
 \q including all the Gentiles called by my name.'
 \q
 \v 18 This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times. \f + \ft There are some copies of the ancient Greek text that have a slightly different meaning, \fqa This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from ancient times \fqa* . \f*
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 19 Therefore, I have decided that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.
 \v 20 But we will write to them that they must keep away from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, and from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.
@@ -1193,8 +1193,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leaders of the brothers, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
-\v 23 They wrote this with their hands, "From the apostles and elders, your brothers, to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings!
+\v 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were leaders of the brothers, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas,
+\v 23 writing through their hands, "From the apostles and elders, your brothers, to the Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings!
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -1237,7 +1237,7 @@
 \v 3 Paul wanted him to travel with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 As they were going along through the cities, they were passing along the decrees to obey that were decided on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.  
+\v 4 As they were going along through the cities, they were passing along the decrees decided on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem for them to obey.
 \v 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.
 
 \s5
@@ -1270,7 +1270,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 19 When her masters saw that their hope of profit was now gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities.
-\v 20 When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are causing trouble in our city. They are Jews.
+\v 20 When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are troubling our city. They are Jews.
 \v 21 They proclaim customs that are not lawful for Romans to accept or practice."
 
 \s5
@@ -1425,7 +1425,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 18 Paul, after staying there for many more days, left the brothers and sailed for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. Before he left the seaport, Cenchreae, he had his hair cut off because of a vow he had taken.
+\v 18 Paul, after staying there for many more days, left the brothers and sailed for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. Before he left the seaport, Cenchrea, he had his hair cut off because of a vow he had taken.
 \v 19 When they came to Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
 
 \s5
@@ -1453,9 +1453,9 @@
 \v 1 It came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to the city of Ephesus, and found certain disciples there.
 \v 2 Paul said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
 \p They said to him, "No, we did not even hear about the Holy Spirit."
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 3 Paul said, "Into what then were you baptized?"
 \p They said, "Into John's baptism."
 \p
@@ -1475,9 +1475,9 @@
 \s5
 \v 11 God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
 \v 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick and their illnesses left them and the evil spirits came out of them.
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 13 But there were Jewish exorcists traveling through the area. They called on the name of the Lord Jesus so they could have power over evil spirits when they said, "By the Jesus whom Paul proclaims, I command you to come out."
 \v 14 The Jewish high priest, whose name was Sceva, had seven sons who were doing this.
 
@@ -1506,9 +1506,9 @@
 \s5
 \v 26 You see and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people. He is saying that gods made by hands are not gods.
 \v 27 Not only is there danger that our trade will be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis might be regarded as worthless, and her greatness would be brought to nothing, she whom all Asia and the world worship."
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 28 When they heard this, they were filled with anger and cried out, saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians."
 \v 29 The whole city was filled with confusion, and the people rushed with one mind into the theater. They had seized Paul's travel companions, Gaius and Aristarchus, who came from Macedonia.
 
@@ -1529,7 +1529,8 @@
 \s5
 \v 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have an accusation against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.
 \v 39 But if you are seeking anything more, it should be resolved in the regular assembly.
-\v 40 For we are in danger of being accused of rioting today, and there is no cause we can give to justify this uproar."  When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. \f + \ft Some Greek copies number this last sentence as verse 41. \f*
+\v 40 For we are in danger of being accused of rioting today, and there is no cause we can give to justify this uproar."
+\v 41 When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. \f + \ft Some Greek versions include verse 41 with verse 40. \f*
 
 \s5
 \c 20
@@ -1626,7 +1627,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 10 As we stayed there for some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
+\v 10 As we stayed there for some days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet named Agabus.
 \v 11 He came to us and took Paul's belt. With it he tied his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
 
 \s5
@@ -1668,7 +1669,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 30 All the city was excited, and the people ran together and laid hold of Paul. They dragged him out of the temple, and the doors were immediately shut.
-\v 31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the chief captain of the company of soldiers, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
+\v 31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the chief captain of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
 
 \s5
 \v 32 Right away he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
@@ -1684,9 +1685,9 @@
 \v 37 As Paul was about to be brought into the fortress, he said to the chief captain, "Is it permitted for me to say something to you?"
 \p The captain said, "Do you know Greek?
 \v 38 Are you not then the Egyptian who some time ago started a rebellion and led the four thousand men of the 'Assassins' out into the wilderness?"
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 39 Paul said, "I am a Jew, from the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. I am a citizen of no unimportant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people."
 \p
 \v 40 When the captain had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with the hand to the people. When there was a deep silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language. He said,
@@ -1710,9 +1711,9 @@
 \p
 \v 8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?'
 \p He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 9 Those who were with me saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who spoke to me.
 \v 10 I said, 'What should I do, Lord?'
 \p The Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus. There you will be told everything that has been appointed for you to do.'
@@ -1836,9 +1837,9 @@
 \v 28 I wanted to know why they accused him, so I took him down to their council.
 \v 29 I learned that he was being accused about questions concerning their own law, but that there was no accusation against him that deserved death or imprisonment.
 \v 30 Then it was reported to me that there was a plot against the man, so I immediately sent him to you and instructed his accusers also to bring their charges against him in your presence. Farewell."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 31 So the soldiers obeyed their orders. They took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.
 \v 32 On the next day, most of the soldiers left the horsemen to go with him and they themselves returned to the fortress.
@@ -1875,7 +1876,7 @@
 \v 13 They cannot prove to you the accusations they are now making against me.
 
 \s5
-\v 14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things that are according to the law and that has been written in the prophets.
+\v 14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way that they call a sect, in that same way I serve the God of our fathers. I believe everything that accords with the law and what is written in the prophets.
 \v 15 I have a hope in God, which these men also have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
 \v 16 So I always strive to have a blameless conscience before God and human beings.
 
@@ -1952,7 +1953,7 @@
 \v 24 Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all you men who are here with us, you see this man; all the multitude of Jews appealed to me in Jerusalem and here also, and they shouted to me that he should no longer live.
 
 \s5
-\v 25 I found he had done nothing worthy of death; but because he appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him to Rome.
+\v 25 I perceived that he had done nothing worthy of death; but because he appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him.
 \v 26 But I do not have anything certain to write to my lord. For this reason, I have brought him to you, especially to you, King Agrippa, so that I might have something more to write about the case.
 \v 27 For it seems unreasonable for me to send a prisoner and to not also state the charges against him."
 
@@ -1971,7 +1972,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 6 Now I stand here to be judged because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers.
 \v 7 It is this promise that our twelve tribes hope to receive as they worship God earnestly night and day, and it is for this hope, king, that the Jews are accusing me.
-\v 8 Why should any of you judge it to be incredible that God raises the dead?"
+\v 8 Why is it considered by you unbelievable that God raises the dead?
 
 \s5
 \v 9 Now indeed, I myself thought that I should do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
@@ -2020,7 +2021,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 27
 \p
-\v 1 When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they committed Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Augustan company of soldiers.
+\v 1 When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they committed Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius of the Imperial Regiment.
 \v 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium which was about to sail along the coast of Asia. So we went to sea. Aristarchus from Thessalonica in Macedonia went with us.
 
 \s5
@@ -2079,7 +2080,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 33 When daylight was coming on, Paul encouraged them all to take some food. He said, "This day is the fourteenth day that you have been on constant guard and have gone without food—you have not eaten anything.
-\v 34 So I urge you to share some food, for this is necessary for you to survive. For not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." 
+\v 34 So I urge you to share some food, for this is your salvation. For not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."
 \v 35 When he had said this, he took bread and he thanked God in the sight of everyone. Then he broke the bread and began to eat.
 
 \s5
@@ -2105,11 +2106,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and placed them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand.
-\v 4 When the native people saw the animal hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "This man certainly is a murderer who has been saved from the sea; Justice does not permit him to live."
+\v 4 When the native people saw the animal hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "This man certainly is a murderer who has been saved from the sea, Justice does not permit him to live."
 
 \s5
 \v 5 But then he shook the animal into the fire and suffered no harm.
-\v 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they watched him for a long time and saw that nothing was wrong with him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
+\v 6 They were waiting for him to become inflamed with a fever or to suddenly drop dead. But after they watched him for a long time and saw that nothing was wrong with him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -2152,9 +2153,9 @@
 \s5
 \v 25 When they did not agree with one another, they left after Paul had spoken this one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers.
 \p
-\v 26 He said, 'Go to this people and say,  
-\q "Hearing you will hear, but you will never understand;  
-\q seeing, you will see, but you will never know.
+\v 26 He said, 'Go to this people and say,
+\q "By hearing you will hear, but you will not understand;
+\q and by seeing you will see, but you will not perceive.
 
 \s5
 \q
@@ -2165,9 +2166,9 @@
 \q and hear with their ears,
 \q and understand with their heart and turn again,
 \q and I would heal them."'
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 28 Therefore, you should know that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen."
 \v 29 \f + \ft Acts 28:29—Some ancient copies have verse 29: \fqa When he had said these things, the Jews went away. They were having a great dispute among themselves \fqa* . \f*

46-ROM.usfm

@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@
 \v 19 This is because that which is known about God is visible to them. For God has enlightened them.
 
 \s5
-\v 20 For ever since the creation of the world, his invisible qualities, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, having been discerned in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
+\v 20 For his invisible qualities, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen; ever since the creation of the world, they have been discerned in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
 \v 21 This is because, although they knew about God, they did not glorify him as God, nor did they give him thanks. Instead, they became foolish in their thoughts, and their senseless hearts were darkened.
 
 \s5
@@ -106,12 +106,12 @@
 \v 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things of the law, they are a law to themselves, although they do not have the law.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 By this they show that the actions required by the law are written in their hearts. Their conscience also bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them
-\v 16 on the day when God will judge the secrets of all people, according to my gospel, through Jesus Christ.
+\v 15 By this they show that the actions required by the law are written in their hearts. Their conscience also bears witness to them, and their own thoughts either accuse or defend them to themselves
+\v 16 and also to God. That will happen on the day when God will judge the secrets of all people, according to my gospel, through Jesus Christ.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 17 But if you say that you are a Jew and rest upon the law and boast in God,
+\v 17 But if you name yourself a Jew and rest upon the law and boast in God,
 \v 18 and know his will and approve of what is excellent because you have been instructed from the law;
 \v 19 and if you are convinced that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
 \v 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, and that you have in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth, then how does this affect the way you live your life?
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@
 \v 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who hate idols, do you rob temples?
 
 \s5
-\v 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by transgressing the law?
+\v 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by disobeying the law?
 \v 24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it has been written.
 
 \s5
@@ -144,15 +144,15 @@
 \v 4 May it never be. Instead, let God be found to be true, even though every man is a liar. As it has been written,
 \q "That you might be shown to be righteous in your words,
 \q and that you might prevail when you come into judgment."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 5 But if our unrighteousness shows the righteousness of God, what can we say? Can we say that God is unrighteous to bring his wrath upon us? (I am using a human argument.)
 \v 6 May it never be! For then how would God judge the world?
 
 \s5
-\v 7 But if through my lie the truth of God increases his glory, why am I still being judged as a sinner?
+\v 7 But if the truth of God through my lie multiplies his glory, why am I still being judged as a sinner?
 \v 8 Why not say, as we are slandered as saying, and as some affirm that we say, "Let us do evil, so that good may come"? Their condemnation is just.
 
 \s5
@@ -192,21 +192,21 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to the ones who are under the law, so that every mouth may be shut, and the whole world held accountable to God.
-\v 20 For no flesh will be justified by the works of the law in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
+\v 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to the ones who are under the law. This is in order that every mouth may be shut, and the whole world held accountable to God.
+\v 20 This is because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been revealed, to which the Law and the Prophets bear witness—
-\v 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
+\v 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been revealed. It was witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
+\v 22 that is, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe. For there is no distinction.
 
 \s5
-\v 23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
+\v 23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
 \v 24 and they are freely justified by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
 
 \s5
-\v 25 For God provided Christ Jesus as an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood. He offered Christ as proof of his justice, because of his disregard of previous sins
-\v 26 in his patience. This was to show his righteousness at this present time, so he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
+\v 25 For God provided Christ Jesus as a propitiation through faith in his blood. He offered Christ as proof of his justice, because of his disregard of previous sins
+\v 26 in his patience. This all happened for the demonstration of his righteousness at this present time. This was so he could prove himself just, and to show that he justifies anyone because of faith in Jesus.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -240,9 +240,9 @@
 \q and whose sins are covered.
 \q
 \v 8 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count sin."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 9 Then is this blessing pronounced only on those of the circumcision, or also on those of the uncircumcision? For we say, "Faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness."
 \v 10 How was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before!
@@ -346,7 +346,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 12 Therefore do not let sin rule in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts.
-\v 13 Do not present the members of your bodies to sin, to be tools used for unrighteousness. But present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the members of your bodies to God as tools to be used for righteousness.
+\v 13 Do not present your members to sin, to be tools used for unrighteousness. But present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as tools to be used for righteousness.
 \v 14 Do not allow sin to rule over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
 
 \s5
@@ -359,7 +359,7 @@
 \v 18 You have been made free from sin, and you have been made slaves of righteousness.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 I speak like a man because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented the members of your bodies as slaves to uncleanness and to lawlessness, resulting in more lawlessness, in the same way, now present the members of your bodies as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
+\v 19 I speak like a man because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to uncleanness and to lawlessness, resulting in more lawlessness, in the same way, now present your members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
 \v 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness.
 \v 21 At that time, what fruit then did you have of the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death.
 
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 4 Therefore, my brothers, you were also made dead to the law through the body of Christ. This is so that you could be joined to another, that is, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might produce fruit for God.
-\v 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in the members of our bodies to bear fruit for death.
+\v 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work our members to bear fruit for death.
 
 \s5
 \v 6 But now we have been released from the law. We have died to that by which we were bound. This is so that we might serve in newness of the Spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
@@ -386,11 +386,11 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 7 What will we say then? Is the law itself sin? May it never be. However, I would never have known sin, if it were not through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law said, "You must not covet."
-\v 8 But sin took the opportunity through the commandment and produced every kind of coveting in me. For apart from the law, sin was dead.
+\v 8 But sin took the opportunity through the commandment and brought about every coveting in me. For without the law, sin is dead.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 At one time I was alive without the law, but when the commandment came, sin regained life
-\v 10 and I died. The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me.
+\v 9 At one time I was alive without the law, but when the commandment came, sin regained life, and I died.
+\v 10 The commandment that was to bring life turned out to be death for me.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 For sin took the opportunity through the commandment and deceived me. Through the commandment it killed me.
@@ -416,7 +416,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 22 For I rejoice in the law of God with my inner person.
-\v 23 But I see a different law in the members of my body. It fights against that new law in my mind. It takes me captive by the law of sin that is in the members of my body.
+\v 23 But I see a different law in my members. It fights against that new law in my mind. It takes me captive by the law of sin that is in my members.
 
 \s5
 \v 24 I am a miserable man! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
@@ -497,9 +497,9 @@
 \v 36 Just as it is written,
 \q "For your benefit we are killed all day long.
 \q We were considered as sheep for the slaughter."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 37 In all these things we are more than conquerors through the one who loved us.
 \v 38 For I have been convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor governments, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
@@ -560,9 +560,9 @@
 \q
 \v 26 Then it will be that where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
 \q there they will be called 'sons of the living God.'"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel,
 \q "Though the number of the sons of Israel were as the sand of the sea,
@@ -627,16 +627,16 @@
 \v 18 But I say, "Did they not hear?" Yes, most certainly.
 \q "Their sound has gone out into all the earth,
 \q and their words to the ends of the world."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 19 Moreover, I say, "Did Israel not know?" First Moses says,
 \q "I will provoke you to jealousy by what is not a nation.
 \q By means of a nation without understanding, I will stir you up to anger."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 20 Then Isaiah was very bold when he says,
 \q "I was found by those who did not seek me.
@@ -710,9 +710,9 @@
 \q
 \v 27 and this will be my covenant with them,
 \q when I will take away their sins."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake. But as far as election is concerned, they are beloved because of the patriarchs.
 \v 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
@@ -791,7 +791,7 @@
 \v 2 Therefore he who rebels against that authority opposes the command of God; and those who oppose it will receive judgment on themselves.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 For rulers are not a terror to those who do good deeds, but to those who do evil deeds. Do you desire to have no fear of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will receive his praise.
+\v 3 For rulers are not a terror to good deeds, but to evil deeds. Do you desire to have no fear of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will receive his praise.
 \v 4 For he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for he does not carry the sword for no reason. For he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath on the one who does evil.
 \v 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of the wrath, but also because of conscience.
 
@@ -802,7 +802,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
-\v 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet," and if there is any other commandment it is summed up in this, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
+\v 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not covet," and if there is any other commandment it is summed up in this, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
 \v 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.
 
 \s5
@@ -838,9 +838,9 @@
 \v 11 For it is written,
 \q "As I live," says the Lord, "to me every knee will bend,
 \q and every tongue will confess to God."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 12 So then, each one of us will give an account of himself to God.
 \p
@@ -873,7 +873,7 @@
 \v 2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, in order to build him up.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 For even Christ did not please himself. Instead, it was just as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted you fell on me."
+\v 3 For even Christ did not please himself. Instead, it was just as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."
 \v 4 For whatever was previously written was written for our instruction in order that through patience and through encouragement of the scriptures we would have hope.
 
 \s5
@@ -887,9 +887,9 @@
 \v 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
 \q "Therefore I will give praise to you among the Gentiles
 \q and sing praise to your name."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 10 Again it says,
 \q "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."
@@ -897,9 +897,9 @@
 \v 11 And again,
 \q "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
 \q let all the peoples praise him."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 12 Again, Isaiah says,
 \q "The root of Jesse will come, the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles will have hope."
@@ -914,12 +914,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 But I am writing more boldly to you about some things in order to remind you again, because of the grace given me by God.
-\v 16 This grace was that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus sent to the Gentiles, to offer as a priest the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
+\v 16 This gift was that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus sent to the Gentiles, to offer as a priest the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 In Christ Jesus I have reason to boast of my service for God.
 \v 18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me for the obedience of the Gentiles. These are things done by word and action,
-\v 19 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. This was so that from Jerusalem, and round about as far as Illyricum, I might fully carry out the gospel of Christ.
+\v 19 by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit. This was so that from Jerusalem, and round about as far as Illyricum, I might fully carry out the gospel of Christ.
 
 \s5
 \v 20 In this way, my desire has been to proclaim the gospel, but not where Christ is known by name, in order that I might not build upon another man's foundation.
@@ -941,7 +941,7 @@
 \v 27 Yes, it was their good pleasure, and they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they owe it to the Jews to minister to them with their material things.
 
 \s5
-\v 28 Therefore, when I have completed this task and have made sure that they receive all that was collected, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.
+\v 28 Therefore, when I have completed this task and have sealed this fruit to them, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.
 \v 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
 
 \s5
@@ -956,7 +956,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 16
 \p
-\v 1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is in Cenchreae,
+\v 1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is in Cenchrea,
 \v 2 in order that you may receive her in the Lord. Do this in a manner worthy of God's holy people, and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many and to myself as well.
 
 \s5
@@ -1016,14 +1016,15 @@
 \v 24 \f + \ft The best ancient copies do not have this verse. (See: Romans 16:20). v. 24 \fqa May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
+\p
 \q
 \v 25 Now to him who is able to make you strong according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ,
 \q according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages
 \q
 \v 26 but now has been revealed and made known through the prophetic writings to all nations,
 \q by the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—
+\q
 
 \s5
-\q
 \v 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever. Amen.
 

47-1CO.usfm

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Therefore you lack no spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-\v 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
+\v 8 He will also cause you to believe firmly to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 \v 9 God is faithful, who called you into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
 \s5
@@ -49,9 +49,9 @@
 \v 19 For it is written,
 \q "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise.
 \q I will set aside the understanding of the intelligent."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this world? Has not God turned the wisdom of the world into foolishness?
 \v 21 Since the world in its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching.
@@ -84,8 +84,8 @@
 \v 2 For I decided to know nothing when I was among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.
-\v 4 And my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with the demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
+\v 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
+\v 4 And my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom. Instead, they were with the demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
 \v 5 so that your faith might not be in the wisdom of humans, but in the power of God.
 
 \s5
@@ -99,11 +99,11 @@
 \q "No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
 \q no human heart has imagined
 \q1 what God has prepared for those who love him"—
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
-\v 10 For God has revealed these things to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything out, even the deep things of God. \f + \ft Some ancient Greek copies say \fqa But God \fqa* but following our Greek source, it reads,\fqa For God \fqa* . \f*
+\v 10 But God has revealed these things to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything out, even the deep things of God.
 \v 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of the person in him? So also, no one knows the deep things of God except the Spirit of God.
 
 \s5
@@ -162,9 +162,9 @@
 \m
 \v 20 And again,
 \q "The Lord knows that the reasoning of the wise is futile."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 21 For this reason, let no one boast in men. All things are yours,
 \v 22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. All things are yours,
 \v 23 and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 But for me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. For I do not even judge myself.
-\v 4 I am not aware of any charge being made against me, but that does not justify me. The one who judges me is the Lord.
+\v 4 I am not aware of any charge being made against me, but that does not mean I am declared innocent. The one who judges me is the Lord.
 
 \s5
 \v 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment about anything before the time, before the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his praise from God.
@@ -198,8 +198,8 @@
 \v 11 Up to this present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are beaten, and we are homeless.
 
 \s5
-\v 12 We labor hard, working with our own hands. When we are slandered, we bless. When we are persecuted, we endure.
-\v 13 When we are slandered, we speak with kindness. We have become as the refuse of the world and the filthiest of all things, even till now.
+\v 12 We labor hard, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless. When we are persecuted, we endure.
+\v 13 When we are slandered, we speak with kindness. We have become as the refuse of the world and the filthiest of all things.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 For even though I am absent in body, I am present in spirit. I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as though I were there.
 \v 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,
-\v 5 deliver this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
+\v 5 commit this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
 
 \s5
 \v 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole loaf?
@@ -242,27 +242,27 @@
 \v 12 For how am I involved with judging those who are outside the church? Instead, are you not to judge those who are inside the church?
 \v 13 But God judges those who are on the outside.
 \q "Remove the evil person from among you."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \c 6
 \p
-\v 1 When one of you has a dispute against another, does he dare to bring a lawsuit before the unrighteous rather than before God's holy people?
+\v 1 When one of you has a dispute against another, does he dare to go to law before the unrighteous rather than before God's holy people?
 \v 2 Do you not know that God's holy people will judge the world? If then you will judge the world, are you not able to settle matters of little importance?
 \v 3 Do you not know that we will judge the angels? How much more, then, can we judge matters of this life?
 
 \s5
 \v 4 If then you have to make judgments that pertain to daily life, why do you lay such cases as these before those who have no standing in the church?
 \v 5 I say this to your shame. Is there no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between brothers?
-\v 6 But one brother brings a lawsuit against another brother—and this before unbelievers!
+\v 6 But one brother goes to law against another brother—and this before unbelievers!
 
 \s5
 \v 7 The fact that you have lawsuits with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer the wrong? Why not rather allow yourselves to be cheated?
 \v 8 But you yourselves do wrong and you cheat, and you do this to your own brothers!
 
 \s5
-\v 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to homosexual acts, nor men who perform homosexual acts, 
-\v 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
+\v 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, those who practice homosexuality,
+\v 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers—none of them will inherit the kingdom of God.
 \v 11 That is what some of you were like. But you have been cleansed, you have been sanctified, you have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
 
 \s5
@@ -328,7 +328,7 @@
 \v 21 Were you a slave when God called you? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can become free, take advantage of it.
 \v 22 For someone who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freeman. In the same way, the one who was free when he was called to believe is Christ's slave.
 \v 23 You have been bought with a price, so do not become slaves of men.
-\v 24 Brothers, in whatever situation he was in when he was called, let each one remain with God in that.
+\v 24 Brothers, in whatever situation he was in when he was called, let each one remain with God.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -372,9 +372,9 @@
 \v 4 Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol in this world is nothing and that there is no God but one.
 \v 5 For even if there were so-called gods, either in heaven or on earth (just as there are many "gods" and many "lords"),
 \v 6 yet for us there is only one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we live, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist, and through whom we exist.
+\p
 
 \s5
-\p
 \v 7 However, this knowledge is not in everyone. Instead, some previously practiced idol worship, and they eat this food as if it were something sacrificed to an idol. Their conscience is thereby defiled because it is weak.
 
 \s5
@@ -396,8 +396,8 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 This is my defense to those who examine me:
 \v 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink?
-\v 5 Do we not have the right to take along a wife who is a believer, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
-\v 6 Or do only I and Barnabas not have the right to not work at a trade?
+\v 5 Do we not have the right to take along with us a sister wife, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
+\v 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no authority to not labor?
 
 \s5
 \v 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and does not drink milk from it?
@@ -532,7 +532,7 @@
 \p
 \v 17 But in the following instructions, I do not praise you. For when you come together, it is not for the better but for the worse.
 \v 18 For in the first place, I hear that when you come together in the church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.
-\v 19 For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.
+\v 19 For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become visible among you.
 
 \s5
 \v 20 For when you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat.
@@ -839,15 +839,15 @@
 \p
 \v 55 "Death, where is your victory?
 \q Death, where is your sting?"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
 \v 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
 
 \s5
-\v 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always abound in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
+\v 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always abound in the work of the Lord, because you know that your toil in the Lord is not in vain.
 
 \s5
 \c 16
@@ -856,7 +856,7 @@
 \v 2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up as he may prosper. Do this so that there will be no collections when I come.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 When I arrive, to whomever you approve, I will give letters of introduction to them and will send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
+\v 3 When I arrive, to whoever you approve, I will give letters of introduction to them and will send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
 \v 4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
 
 \s5
@@ -898,5 +898,5 @@
 \v 21 I, Paul, write this with my own hand.
 \v 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, may he be accursed. Our Lord, come!
 \v 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
-\v 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. \f + \ft A few important and ancient Greek copies and some ancient translations have \fqa Amen \fqa* at the end of verse 24. But many important ancient Greek copies, as well as many ancient translations, do not have \fqa Amen \fqa* at the end. \f*
+\v 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. \f + \ft A few important and ancient Greek copies and some ancient translations have \fqa Amen \fqa* at the end of verse 24. But many important ancient Greek copies, as well as many ancient translations, do not have \fqa Amen \fqa* at the end. \f
 

48-2CO.usfm

@@ -29,17 +29,17 @@
 \v 10 He rescued us from such a deadly peril, and he will rescue us. On him we have set our hope that he will rescue us.
 
 \s5
-\v 11 He will do this as you also help us by your prayer. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor given to us through the prayers of many.
+\v 11 He will do this as you also help us by your prayer. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the prayers of many.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 Our boast is this: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with integrity and godly sincerity, not relying on fleshly wisdom but on the grace of God.
+\v 12 Our reason for boasting is this: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with integrity and godly sincerity, not relying on fleshly wisdom but on the grace of God.
 \v 13 We write to you nothing that you cannot read and understand, and I hope that you will fully understand
 \v 14 as you have understood us in part, that you can boast of us on the day of our Lord Jesus, just as we will boast of you.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 15 Because I was confident about this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might receive a second favor.
+\v 15 Because I was confident about this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might receive a second gracious gift.
 \v 16 I was planning to visit you on my way to Macedonia. Then I wanted to visit you again on my trip from Macedonia, and then for you to send me on my way to Judea.
 
 \s5
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 23 But I call God as witness to my soul that the reason I did not come to Corinth was so that I might spare you.
-\v 24 This is not because we want to be lords over your faith. Instead, we are fellow laborers with you for your joy, as you stand firm in your faith.
+\v 24 This is not because we want to be lords over your faith. Instead, we are fellow laborers with you for your joy, as you stand in your faith.
 
 \s5
 \c 2
@@ -106,11 +106,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 4 And this is the confidence that we have through Christ before God.
-\v 5 We are not competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us. Rather, our competence is from God.
+\v 5 We are not competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us. Instead, our competence is from God.
 \v 6 It is God who made us able to be servants of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 Now the ministry of death—engraved in letters on stones—came in such glory that the sons of Israel could not look directly at Moses' face. This is because of the glory of his face, a glory that was fading.
+\v 7 Now the ministry of death—engraved in letters on stones—came in such glory that the sons of Israel could not look directly at Moses's face. This is because of the glory of his face, a glory that was fading.
 \v 8 How much more glorious will the ministry of the Spirit be?
 
 \s5
@@ -136,25 +136,25 @@
 \c 4
 \p
 \v 1 Therefore, because we have this ministry, and just as we have received mercy, we do not become discouraged.
-\v 2 Instead, we have rejected secret and shameful ways. We do not walk in craftiness, and we do not mishandle the word of God, but by presenting the truth, we recommend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
+\v 2 Instead, we have rejected secret and shameful ways. We do not walk in craftiness, and we do not mishandle the word of God. By presenting the truth, we recommend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.
 \v 4 In their case, the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds. As a result, they are not able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
+\v 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus's sake.
 \v 6 For God is the one who said, "Light will shine out of darkness." He has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christ.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so that it is clear that the exceedingly great power belongs to God and not to us.
 \v 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not overwhelmed. We are perplexed but not filled with despair.
-\v 9 We are persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed;
+\v 9 We are persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed;
 \v 10 always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
 
 \s5
-\v 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.
+\v 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus's sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.
 \v 12 So death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
 
 \s5
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people. What we are is clearly seen by God, and I hope that it is also clear to your conscience.
-\v 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you may have an answer for those who boast about appearances but not about what is in the heart.
+\v 12 We are not trying to persuade you again to view us as sincere. Instead, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you may have an answer for those who boast about appearances but not about what is in the heart.
 
 \s5
 \v 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; and if we are in our right minds, it is for your sake.
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@
 \v 15 He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
 
 \s5
-\v 16 For this reason, from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh, even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh. But now we no longer regard him that way.
+\v 16 For this reason, from now on we do not recognize anyone according to the flesh, even though we once knew Christ according to the flesh. But now we no longer know.
 \v 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. See, they have become new.
 
 \s5
@@ -222,15 +222,15 @@
 \v 3 We do not place a stumbling block in front of anyone, for we do not wish our ministry to be discredited.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 Instead, in every way we commend ourselves as God's servants in much endurance, in affliction, in distress, in hardship,
-\v 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in hard labor, in sleepless nights, in hunger,
-\v 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love,
-\v 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God. We have the armor of righteousness for the right hand and for the left.
+\v 4 Instead, we prove ourselves by all our actions, that we are God's servants. We are his servants in much endurance, affliction, distress, hardship,
+\v 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, in hard labor, in sleepless nights, in hunger,
+\v 6 in purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love.
+\v 7 We are his servants in the word of truth, in the power of God. We have the armor of righteousness for the right hand and for the left.
 
 \s5
 \v 8 We work in glory and dishonor, in slander and praise, as deceivers and yet truthful.
-\v 9 We work as if we were unknown, yet we are well known, as if we were dying, yet—see!—we are still living, as if we were being punished for our actions, yet we are not killed.
-\v 10 We work as sorrowful, yet we are always rejoicing, as poor, yet we make many rich, as having nothing, yet we possess all things.
+\v 9 We work as if we were unknown and we are still well known. We work as dying and—see!—we are still living. We work as being punished for our actions but not as condemned to death.
+\v 10 We work as sorrowful, but we are always rejoicing. We work as poor, but we are making many rich. We work as having nothing and yet as possessing all things.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -245,9 +245,9 @@
 \q "I will dwell among them and walk among them.
 \q I will be their God,
 \q1 and they will be my people."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 17 Therefore,
 \q "Come out from among them,
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 5 When we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way by conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside.
+\v 5 When we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way by conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside.
 \v 6 But God, who comforts the lowly, comforted us by the arrival of Titus.
 \v 7 It was not only by his arrival that God comforted us. It was also by the comfort that Titus had received from you. He told us of your great affection, your sorrow, and your zeal for me. So I rejoiced even more.
 
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 13 It is by this that we are encouraged.
-\p In addition to our own comfort, we also rejoiced even more because of Titus' joy, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you.
+\p In addition to our own comfort, we also rejoiced even more because of Titus's joy, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you.
 \v 14 For if I boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame. On the contrary, just as everything we said to you was true, our boasting about you to Titus proved to be true.
 
 \s5
@@ -307,10 +307,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 6 So we urged Titus, who had already begun this task, to complete among you this act of grace.
-\v 7 But you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us. So also make sure that you excel in this act of grace. \f + \ft There is evidence that corrections were made to verse 7 by later copyists who were referring to other ancient texts. Most modern translations follow those corrections, and they now read, \fqa and in your love for us \fqa* . But there are some important and ancient Greek copies that read, \fqa and in our love for you \fqa* . \f*
+\v 7 But you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us. So also make sure that you excel in this act of grace. \f + \ft There is evidence that corrections were made to verse 7 by later copyists who were referring to other ancient texts. Most modern versions follow those corrections, and they now read, \fqa and in your love for us \fqa* . But there are some important and ancient Greek copies that read, \fqa and in our love for you \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
-\v 8 I say this not as a command but to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it to the eagerness of other people.
+\v 8 I say this not as a command. Instead, I say this in order to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it to the eagerness of other people.
 \v 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich.
 
 \s5
@@ -319,16 +319,16 @@
 \v 12 For if you are eager to do this deed, it is a good and acceptable thing. It must be based on what a person has, not on what he does not have.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 For this is not to cause relief for others and tribulation for you, but for fairness.
+\v 13 For this is not as relief for others and tribulation for you. Instead, there should be fairness.
 \v 14 Your abundance at the present time will supply what they need. This is also so that their abundance may supply your need, and so that there may be fairness.
 \v 15 It is as it is written:
 \q "The one with much did not have anything left over,
 \q1 and the one who had little did not have any lack."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
-\v 16 But thanks be to God, who put into Titus' heart the same earnest care that I have for you.
+\v 16 But thanks be to God, who put into Titus's heart the same earnest care that I have for you.
 \v 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but he was also very earnest about it. He came to you of his own free will.
 
 \s5
@@ -365,9 +365,9 @@
 \v 9 It is as it is written:
 \q "He has distributed his riches and given them to the poor.
 \q1 His righteousness lasts forever."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 10 He who supplies seed to the farmer who sows and bread for food will also supply and multiply your seed for sowing. He will increase the harvest of your righteousness.
 \v 11 You will be enriched in every way so you can be generous. This will bring about thanksgiving to God through us.
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 For even though we walk in the flesh, we do not make war according to the flesh.
-\v 4 For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly. Rather, they have divine power to destroy strongholds. They bring misleading arguments to nothing.
+\v 4 For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly. Instead, they have divine power to destroy strongholds. They bring to nothing misleading arguments.
 
 \s5
 \v 5 We also destroy every high thing that rises up against the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive into obedience to Christ.
@@ -405,18 +405,18 @@
 \v 12 We are not so bold as to group ourselves or compare ourselves with those who praise themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with each other, they have no insight.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 We, however, will not boast beyond limits. Instead, we will do so only within the limits of what God has assigned to us, limits that reach even as far as you.
-\v 14 For we are not overextending ourselves as though we did not reach you. We were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
+\v 13 We, however, will not boast beyond limits. Instead, we will do so only within the limits of what God has assigned to us, limits that reach as far as you.
+\v 14 For we did not overextend ourselves when we reached you. We were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 We have not boasted beyond limits about the labors of others. Rather, our hope is that as your faith continues to grow, our work among you will greatly expand,
-\v 16 so that we may preach the gospel even in regions beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area.
+\v 15 We have not boasted beyond limits about the labors of others. Instead, our hope is that as your faith continues to grow, our work among you will greatly expand.
+\v 16 We hope for this, so that we may preach the gospel even in regions beyond you. We will not boast about the work being done in another's area.
 
 \s5
 \q
 \v 17 "But let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
 \m
-\v 18 For it is not the one who recommends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord recommends.
+\v 18 For it is not the one who recommends himself who is approved. Instead, it is the one whom the Lord recommends.
 
 \s5
 \c 11
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body, or out of the body, I do not know, God knows—
-\v 4 was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words that people are not permitted to speak.
+\v 4 was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words that it is unlawful for people to speak.
 \v 5 On behalf of such a person I will boast. But on behalf of myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.
 
 \s5
@@ -521,7 +521,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 19 Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we speak in Christ, and all for your strengthening, beloved.
+\v 19 Do you think all of this time we have been defending ourselves to you? In the sight of God, beloved, we have in Christ been saying everything for your strengthening.
 
 \s5
 \v 20 For I fear that when I come I may not find you as I wish. I fear that you might not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
@@ -534,7 +534,7 @@
 \v 2 I have already said to those who sinned before and to all the rest when I was there the second time, and I say it again: When I come again, I will not spare them.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 I tell you this because you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you. Rather, he is powerful in you.
+\v 3 I tell you this because you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you. Instead, he is powerful in you.
 \v 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but he is alive by God's power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him by the power of God among you.
 
 \s5
@@ -542,7 +542,7 @@
 \v 6 And I hope that you will recognize that we have not failed the test.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 Now we pray to God that you may not do any wrong. I do not pray this so that we may appear to have passed the test. Rather, I pray that you may do what is proper, although we may seem to have failed the test.
+\v 7 Now we pray to God that you may not do any wrong. I do not pray that we may appear to have passed the test. Instead, I pray that you may do what is proper, although we may seem to have failed the test.
 \v 8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
 
 \s5
@@ -552,9 +552,11 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Work for restoration, be encouraged, think alike, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
-\v 12 Greet each other with a holy kiss. All God's holy people greet you. \f + \ft Some copies number this sentence as verse 13. \f*
+\v 12 Greet each other with a holy kiss.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. \f + \ft Some translations number this sentence as verse 14. \f*
+\v 13 All God's holy people greet you. \f + \ft Some translations combine verse 13 with verse 12 and number verse 14 as verse 13. \f*
+\p
+\v 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
 

49-GAL.usfm

@@ -85,15 +85,15 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners;
-\v 16 yet we know that no person is justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus. So we also have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law. For by the works of the law no flesh will be justified.
+\v 16 yet we know that no person is justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus. We also have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law. For by the works of the law no flesh will be justified.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? Absolutely not!
 \v 18 For if I rebuild those things I once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor.
-\v 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. \f + \ft Some translations include this sentence with verse 20. \f*
+\v 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God.
 
 \s5
-\v 20 It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
+\v 20 I have been crucified with Christ. \f + \ft Some translations include this sentence with verse 19. \f* It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
 \v 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing!
 
 \s5
@@ -104,8 +104,8 @@
 \v 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now going to be perfected by the flesh?
 
 \s5
-\v 4 Have you suffered so many things for nothing—if indeed it was for nothing?
-\v 5 Does he who gives the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith?
+\v 4 Have you suffered so many things for nothing—if indeed it was in vain?
+\v 5 Does he who gives the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by the works of the law, or by hearing with faith?
 
 \s5
 \v 6 Just as Abraham "believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness,"
@@ -132,12 +132,12 @@
 \v 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, then it no longer comes by promise. But God freely gave it to Abraham by a promise.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the descendant of Abraham would come to whom the promise had been made. The law was ordained through angels by the hand of an intermediary.
-\v 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one person. But God is one.
+\v 19 What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the descendant of Abraham would come to whom the promise had been made. The law was ordained through angels by the hands of a mediator.
+\v 20 Now a mediator implies more than one person, but God is one.
 
 \s5
 \v 21 So is the law against the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.
-\v 22 But the scripture imprisoned everything under sin so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
+\v 22 But the scripture imprisoned everything under sin. God did this so that the promise to save us by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -159,11 +159,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 3 So also, when we were children, we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world.
-\v 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law
-\v 5 so that he might redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
+\v 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.
+\v 5 He did this to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
 
 \s5
-\v 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who cries out, "Abba, Father."
+\v 6 And because you are sons, God has sent into our hearts the Spirit of his Son, who cries out, "Abba, Father."
 \v 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then you are also an heir through God.
 
 \s5
@@ -173,13 +173,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 10 You observe days and new moons and seasons and years!
-\v 11 I am afraid for you that somehow my labor with you may have been for nothing.
+\v 11 I am afraid for you that somehow my labor with you may have been in vain.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 12 I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I also have become like you. You did me no wrong.
-\v 13 But you know that it was because of a disease of the flesh that I proclaimed the gospel to you the first time,
-\v 14 and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
+\v 13 But you know that it was because of a disease of the flesh that I proclaimed the gospel to you the first time.
+\v 14 Though my flesh put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Where then is your blessing now? For I testify to you that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me.
@@ -210,9 +210,10 @@
 \q cry out and shout for joy, you who are not suffering the pains of childbirth;
 \q because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous
 \q than those of the woman who has a husband."
+\m
+\p
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 28 But you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
 \v 29 At that time the one who was born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit. It is the same now.

50-EPH.usfm

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 \v 10 with a view to a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things together, all things in heaven and on earth, under one head, even Christ.
 
 \s5
-\v 11 In Christ we were given an inheritance, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything according to the purpose of his will.
+\v 11 In Christ we were appointed by lot, predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything according to the purpose of his will.
 \v 12 God appointed us as heirs so that we, who are the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of his glory.
 
 \s5
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 \v 21 He seated Christ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named. Christ will rule, not only in this age, but also in the age to come.
 
 \s5
-\v 22 God subjected all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as head over all things.
+\v 22 God put all things in subjection under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as head over all things.
 \v 23 The church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
 
 \s5
@@ -81,8 +81,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away from God have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
-\v 14 For he himself is our peace, because he made us both one. By his flesh he broke down the dividing wall of hostility.
-\v 15 He set aside the law with its commands and ordinances so that he might create in himself one new man out of two, so making peace.
+\v 14 For he is our peace. He made the two one. He destroyed the barrier, the wall of hostility that divided us
+\v 15 by his flesh. He abolished the law of commandments and ordinances so that he might create one new man in himself, and so making peace.
 \v 16 Christ reconciles both peoples into one body to God through the cross, putting to death the hostility.
 
 \s5
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
 \v 18 For through Jesus we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 So then, now you Gentiles are no longer foreigners and strangers. Rather you are fellow citizens with God's holy people and members of the household of God.
+\v 19 So then, now you Gentiles are no longer foreigners and strangers. Instead you are fellow citizens with God's holy people and members of the household of God.
 \v 20 You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone.
 \v 21 In him the whole building fits together and grows as a holy temple in the Lord.
 \v 22 It is in him that you also are being built together as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.
@@ -98,17 +98,16 @@
 \s5
 \c 3
 \p
-\v 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—
+\v 1 Because of this I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles.
 \v 2 I assume that you have heard of the stewardship of the grace of God that was given to me for you.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
-\v 4 When you read about this, you will be able to understand my insight into this mystery about Christ.
-\v 5 In other generations this mystery was not made known to the sons of men. But now it has been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets.
+\v 3 I am writing according to the revelation made known to me. This is the hidden truth about which I briefly wrote to you.
+\v 4 When you read about this, you will be able to understand my insight into this hidden truth about Christ.
+\v 5 In other generations this truth was not made known to the sons of men. But now it has been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets.
 
 \s5
 \v 6 This hidden truth is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and they share the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
-\p
 \v 7 For I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given to me through the working of his power.
 
 \s5
@@ -130,7 +129,7 @@
 \v 16 I pray that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power through his Spirit, who is in your inner person.
 
 \s5
-\v 17 I pray that Christ may live in your hearts through faith and that you may be rooted and founded in his love,
+\v 17 I pray that Christ may live in your hearts through faith, with your roots and foundation in his love,
 \v 18 in order that you might be able to understand, along with all God's holy people, what is the width, the length, the height, and the depth,
 \v 19 and to know the love of Christ, which goes beyond knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
 
@@ -157,17 +156,17 @@
 \q "When he ascended on high,
 \q he led the captives into captivity,
 \q and he gave gifts to the people."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 9 What is the meaning of "he ascended," except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth?
 \v 10 He who descended is the same person who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.
 
 \s5
-\v 11 Christ gave some to be apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers
-\v 12 to equip God's holy people for the work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ,
-\v 13 until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, so that we become mature and reach the measure of the fullness of Christ.
+\v 11 Christ gave some to be apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers.
+\v 12 He gave these offices to equip God's holy people for the work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ.
+\v 13 He continues to build up his body until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, and that we become mature and so reach the measure of the fullness of Christ.
 
 \s5
 \v 14 Christ builds us up so that we should no longer be children who are tossed back and forth by the waves, carried away by every wind of doctrine and by the trickery of people in their deceitful schemes.

51-PHP.usfm

@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 \v 3 I thank my God every time I remember you,
 \v 4 always, in every prayer of mine for all of you, making my prayer with joy
 \v 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
-\v 6 I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
+\v 6 I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
 
 \s5
 \v 7 It is proper for me to feel this way about all of you because I have you in my heart. You all have been my partners in grace both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel.
@@ -80,23 +80,22 @@
 \q did not consider his equality with God
 \q as something to hold on to.
 \q
-\v 7 Rather, he emptied himself,
-\q taking the form of a servant,
+\v 7 Instead, he emptied himself
+\q by taking the form of a servant,
 \q and he was born in the likeness of men.
-\q And being found in the form of a man,
 \q
-\v 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death,
+\v 8 He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death,
 \q even death on a cross!
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 9 Therefore also God highly exalted him
-\q and gave him the name that is above every name,
+\v 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him.
+\q He freely gave him the name that is above every name.
 \q
-\v 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
-\q in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
+\v 10 He did this so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend,
+\q the knees of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
 \q
-\v 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
+\v 11 He did this so that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
 \q to the glory of God the Father.
 
 \s5
@@ -131,8 +130,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 28 So it is all the more eagerly that I am sending him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I can have less sorrow.
-\v 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with all joy. Honor people like him.
-\v 30 For it was for the work of Christ that he came near death. He risked his life so that he could bring to completion what was lacking in your service to me.
+\v 29 Welcome Epaphroditus in the Lord with all joy. Honor people like him.
+\v 30 For it was for the work of Christ that he came near death. He risked his life to serve me and bring to completion what what you were unable to complete in your service to me.
 
 \s5
 \c 3
@@ -162,7 +161,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 15 All of us who are mature, let us think this way; and if you think differently about anything, God will also reveal that to you.
-\v 16 Nevertheless, let us live up to what we have already attained. 
+\v 16 In any case, with a view to what we have attained, let us keep living according to the same standard.
 
 \s5
 \p

52-COL.usfm

@@ -16,12 +16,12 @@
 \v 3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we always pray for you.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all God's holy people,
-\v 5 because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, which you heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 
-\v 6 which has come to you. In the same way this gospel is bearing fruit and is growing in all the world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.
+\v 4 We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all God's holy people.
+\v 5 You have this love because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You heard about this hope before in the word of truth, the gospel,
+\v 6 which has come to you. This gospel is bearing fruit and is growing in all the world. It has been doing this in you also from the day you heard it and learned about the grace of God in truth.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 This is the gospel as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa on your behalf \fqa* . \f*
+\v 7 This is the gospel as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa on our behalf \fqa* . \f*
 \v 8 Epaphras has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
 
 \s5
@@ -44,13 +44,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so he has first place among all things.
-\v 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son,
-\v 20 and through the Son to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
+\v 19 For God was pleased that all his fullness should live in him,
+\v 20 and to reconcile through the Son all things to himself. God made peace through the blood of his cross. God reconciled all things to himself, whether the things on the earth or the things in heaven.
 
 \s5
 \v 21 At one time you also were alienated and hostile in mind and in evil deeds.
-\v 22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, blameless, and above accusation before him,
-\v 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm, not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which was proclaimed to every person created under heaven. This is the gospel of which I, Paul, became a servant.  
+\v 22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death. He did this in order to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach before him,
+\v 23 if you continue in the faith, established and firm, not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This is the gospel that was proclaimed to every person created under heaven. This is the gospel of which I, Paul, became a servant.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@
 \v 27 It is to them that God wanted to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
 
 \s5
-\v 28 We proclaim him, warning every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person mature in Christ.
+\v 28 We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present every person mature in Christ.
 \v 29 For this I labor and strive according to his energy that is at work in me in power.
 
 \s5
@@ -127,12 +127,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old man with its practices,
-\v 10 and you have put on the new man that is being made new in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it,
-\v 11 where there is no Greek or Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all, and is in all.
+\v 10 and you have put on the new man that is being made new in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.
+\v 11 This is where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all, and is in all.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
+\v 12 Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
 \v 13 Bear with one another. Be gracious to each other. If someone has a complaint against someone else, forgive in the same way that the Lord has forgiven you.
 \v 14 Above all these things, have love, which is the bond of perfection.
 
@@ -157,12 +157,12 @@
 \s5
 \c 4
 \p
-\v 1 Masters, give to slaves what is right and fair, knowing you also have a Master in heaven.
+\v 1 Masters, give to slaves what is right and fair, knowing you also have a master in heaven.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, staying alert in it in thanksgiving,
-\v 3 praying together for us also, that God would open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also I have been in chains.
+\v 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer. Stay alert in it in thanksgiving.
+\v 3 Pray together for us also, that God would open a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ. Because of this, I am chained up.
 \v 4 Pray that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.
 
 \s5
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 7 As for all the things concerning me, Tychicus will make them known to you. He is a beloved brother, a faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord.
+\v 7 As for the things concerning me, Tychicus will make them known to you. He is a beloved brother, a faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord.
 \v 8 I have sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us, and so that he may encourage your hearts. \f + \ft There are some important and ancient Greek copies, along with some ancient translations of the Greek that read, \fqa I sent him to you for this, that he might know the matters about you, and that he may encourage your hearts \fqa* . \f*
 \v 9 I have sent him together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that has happened here.
 

53-1TH.usfm

@@ -21,13 +21,13 @@
 \v 5 because our gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance. In the same way, you also know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
 
 \s5
-\v 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord when you received the word in much tribulation with joy from the Holy Spirit.
+\v 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received the word in much tribulation with joy from the Holy Spirit.
 \v 7 As a result, you became an example to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
 
 \s5
 \v 8 For from you the word of the Lord has rung out, and not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it.
 \v 9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from the idols to serve the living and true God,
-\v 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
+\v 10 and that you are waiting for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
 
 \s5
 \c 2
@@ -41,17 +41,17 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext to cover up greed—God is our witness.
-\v 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 
+\v 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, either from you or from others. We could have claimed privileges as apostles of Christ.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 We could have claimed privileges as apostles of Christ. \f + \ft Many copies include this sentence in verse 6. \f* Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa Instead, we were like babies among you, as when a mother comforts her own children \fqa* . \f*
+\v 7 Instead, we were as gentle among you as a mother comforting her own children. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa Instead, we were like babies among you, as when a mother comforts her own children \fqa* . \f*
 \v 8 In this way we had affection for you. We were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives. For you had become very dear to us.
 \v 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil. Night and day we were working so that we might not be a burden to any of you as we preached to you the gospel of God.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy, righteous, and blameless was our behavior toward you who believe.
 \v 11 In the same way you know how we were with each one of you, as a father with his own children,
-\v 12 exhorting you and comforting you and urging you to walk in a manner that is worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
+\v 12 exhorting you and comforting you and solemnly charging you to walk in a manner that is worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 17 But we, brothers, were separated from you for a short time, in person not in heart. We were especially eager, with great desire, to see your faces.
+\v 17 But we, brothers, were separated from you for a short hour, in person not in heart. We were especially eager, with great desire, to see your faces.
 \v 18 For we wished to come to you—indeed I, Paul, once and again—but Satan stopped us.
 \v 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of pride in front of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?
 \v 20 For you are our glory and joy.
@@ -144,14 +144,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 8 But since we belong to the day, we must stay sober and put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation for our helmet.
-\v 9 For God did not appoint us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
-\v 10 who died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
+\v 9 For God did not appoint us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
+\v 10 It is he who died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
 \v 11 Therefore comfort one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 We earnestly appeal to you, brothers, to acknowledge those who labor among you and who rule over you in the Lord and who instruct you,
-\v 13 and to esteem them highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
+\v 12 We earnestly appeal to you, brothers, to acknowledge those who labor among you and who rule over you in the Lord and who instruct you.
+\v 13 We also ask you to esteem them highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
 \v 14 We exhort you, brothers: Warn those who are lazy, encourage the discouraged, help the weak, and be patient toward all.
 
 \s5
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@
 \v 25 Brothers, pray also for us.
 \p
 \v 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
-\v 27 I command you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
+\v 27 I solemnly charge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
 \p
 \v 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
 

54-2TH.usfm

@@ -21,25 +21,25 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 6 For indeed, it is righteous for God to return affliction to those who afflict you,
-\v 7 and relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
-\v 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
+\v 7 and relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
+\v 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey to the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.
+\v 9 They will be suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.
 \v 10 He will do this when he comes on that day to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at by all those who believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
 
 \s5
-\v 11 Because of this we also pray continually for you, that our God may consider you worthy of your calling and with his power he may fulfill every good purpose and every work of faith.
+\v 11 Because of this we also pray continually for you, that our God may consider you worthy of your calling and with his power he may fulfill every good pleasure and every work of faith.
 \v 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
 \s5
 \c 2
 \p
 \v 1 Now about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to be with him, we earnestly appeal to you, brothers,
-\v 2 that you not be easily disturbed or troubled, either by a spirit or by a message, or by a letter that seems to be coming from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has already come. 
+\v 2 that you not be easily shaken from your thoughts or troubled, either by a spirit or by a message, or by a letter that seems to be coming from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has already come.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not come until after the falling away comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa and the man of sin is revealed \fqa* . \f*
+\v 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not come until after the falling away comes, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa and the man of sin is revealed \fqa* . \f*
 \v 4 This is he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped. As a result, he sits in the temple of God and exhibits himself as God.
 
 \s5
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring him to nothing by the revelation of his coming.
 \v 9 The coming of the lawless one will be due to the work of Satan with all power, signs, and false wonders,
-\v 10 and with every kind of evil that deceives those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
+\v 10 and with every kind of evil that deceives those who are perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth and so be saved.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 For this reason God is sending them a powerful delusion so that they will believe a lie
@@ -80,14 +80,14 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you avoid every brother who is idle and does not live according to the traditions you received from us.
-\v 7 For you yourselves know it is proper for you to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you. 
+\v 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you avoid every brother who walks irresponsibly and does not live according to the traditions you received from us.
+\v 7 For you yourselves know it is proper for you to imitate us, because we were not disorderly when we were with you.
 \v 8 We did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but we worked night and day in labor and toil, so we might not be a burden to any of you.
 \v 9 We did this not because we have no authority, but we did this in order to be an example to you, so that you may imitate us.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 For when we were with you, we commanded you, "The one who is unwilling to labor must not eat."
-\v 11 For we hear that some among you are idle, not busy at labor, but busybodies.
+\v 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at labor, but busybodies.
 \v 12 Now such ones we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they should labor with quietness and eat their own bread.
 
 \s5

55-1TI.usfm

@@ -16,17 +16,17 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 3 As I urged you to do when I was leaving for Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain people not to teach a different doctrine.
-\v 4 Neither should they pay attention to stories and endless genealogies. These promote arguments rather than the plan of God, which is by faith.
+\v 4 Neither should they pay attention to stories and endless genealogies. These cause arguments rather than the stewardship of God, which is by faith.
 
 \s5
 \v 5 Now the goal of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith.
-\v 6 Some people have gone astray from these things and have turned to worthless talk.
+\v 6 Some people have gone astray from these things and have turned to foolish talk.
 \v 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or what they so confidently affirm.
 \v 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully.
 
 \s5
 \v 9 We know this, that law is not set in place for a righteous man, but for lawless and rebellious people, for ungodly people and sinners, and for those who are unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers,
-\v 10 for sexually immoral people, for those who practice homosexuality, for those who kidnap people for slaves, for liars, for false witnesses, and for whatever else is opposed to truthful teaching.
+\v 10 for sexually immoral people, for those who practice homosexuality, for those who kidnap people for slaves, for liars, for false witnesses, and for whatever else is opposed to healthy teaching.
 \v 11 This instruction is according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
 
 \s5
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 \p
 \v 18 I am placing this command before you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that you might fight the good fight,
 \v 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have shipwrecked their faith.
-\v 20 Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered over to Satan so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
+\v 20 Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have committed to Satan so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
 
 \s5
 \c 2
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@
 \c 3
 \p
 \v 1 This saying is trustworthy: If someone desires to be an overseer, he desires a good work.
-\v 2 Therefore the overseer must have a good reputation. He must be a husband of one wife. He must be moderate, sensible, orderly, and hospitable. He must be able to teach.
+\v 2 Therefore the overseer must be without reproach. He must be a husband of one wife. He must be moderate, sensible, orderly, and hospitable. He must be able to teach.
 \v 3 He must not be addicted to wine, not a brawler, but instead, gentle, peaceful. He must not be a lover of money.
 
 \s5
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@
 \c 4
 \p
 \v 1 Now the Spirit clearly says that in later times some people will leave the faith and pay attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons
-\v 2 by the hypocrisy of liars, their own consciences having been seared.
+\v 2 in lying hypocrisy, their own consciences having been seared.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 They will forbid people to marry and require them to abstain from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
@@ -135,8 +135,8 @@
 \v 10 For it is for this that we labor and struggle. For we hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, but especially of believers.
 
 \s5
-\v 11 Instruct the people and teach these things.
-\v 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.
+\v 11 Solemnly charge and teach these things.
+\v 12 Let no one despise your youth. Instead, for those who believe, be an example in speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.
 \v 13 Until I come, attend to the reading, to the exhortation, and to the teaching.
 
 \s5
@@ -155,16 +155,16 @@
 \v 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show honor in their own household. Let them repay their parents, because this is pleasing to God.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 But she who is a real widow, who is left all alone, has set her hope in God and continues in offering earnest appeals and prayers night and day,
-\v 6 but the woman who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
+\v 5 But she who is a real widow, who is left all alone, has set her hope in God and continues in offering earnest appeals and prayers night and day.
+\v 6 However, the woman who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 Instruct them in these things as well, so that they may be blameless.
+\v 7 Solemnly charge these things as well, so that they may be blameless.
 \v 8 But if someone does not provide for his own relatives, especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
 
 \s5
 \v 9 Let a woman be enrolled as a widow who is not younger than sixty years old, a wife of one husband.
-\v 10 She must have a reputation for doing good deeds, whether it is that she has cared for children, or has been hospitable to strangers, or has washed the feet of God's holy people, or has relieved the afflicted, or has been devoted to every good work.
+\v 10 She have a reputation for doing good deeds, whether it is that she has cared for children, or has been hospitable to strangers, or has washed the feet of God's holy people, or has relieved the afflicted, or has been devoted to every good work.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 But as for younger widows, refuse to enroll them in the list. For when they give in to bodily desires against Christ, they want to marry.
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@
 \v 13 At the same time, they also learn to be lazy and they go around from house to house. They not only become lazy, but they also talk nonsense and are busybodies, saying things they should not say.
 
 \s5
-\v 14 I therefore want younger women to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, and to give no opportunity for the enemy to slander us.
+\v 14 I therefore want younger women to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, and to give no opportunity for the enemy to reproach us.
 \v 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.
 \v 16 If any believing woman has widows, let her help them, so that the church will not be burdened, so that it might help the real widows.
 
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the truthful words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
+\v 3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and not agree with the healthy words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
 \v 4 he is proud and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and arguments about words that result in envy, strife, insults, evil suspicions,
 \v 5 and constant conflict between people who have morally corrupt minds. They have lost the truth and they think that godliness is a way to get more money. \f + \ft Some old copies add the exhortation, \fqa Stay away from such things. \fqa* But the best ancient copies do not. \f*
 
@@ -221,8 +221,8 @@
 \v 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the everlasting life to which you were called, and about which you gave the good confession before many witnesses.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 I give these orders to you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate and made the good confession,
-\v 14 to keep the command without spot or blame until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
+\v 13 I give these orders to you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
+\v 14 to keep the command without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 God will reveal Christ's appearing at the right time—God, the blessed and only Sovereign, the King who reigns and the Lord who rules.
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 17 Instruct the rich in this world not to be proud and not to hope in riches, which are uncertain. Instead, they should hope in God. He offers to us all the true riches to enjoy.
+\v 17 Solemnly charge the rich in this world not to be proud and not to hope in riches, which are uncertain. Instead, they should hope in God. He offers to us all the true riches to enjoy.
 \v 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and willing to share.
 \v 19 In that way they will store up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come, so that they will take hold of real life.
 

56-2TI.usfm

@@ -24,14 +24,14 @@
 \v 7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.
 
 \s5
-\v 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me, Paul, his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
-\v 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling. He did this, not according to our works, but according to his own plan and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before times ever began.
-\v 10 But now God's salvation has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who put an end to death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
+\v 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me, Paul, his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.
+\v 9 It is God who saved us and called us with a holy calling. He did this, not according to our works, but according to his own plan and grace. He gave us these things in Christ Jesus before times ever began.
+\v 10 But now God's salvation has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. It is Christ who put an end to death and brought life and incorruptibility to light through the gospel.
 \v 11 Because of this, I was appointed a herald, an apostle, and a teacher. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies add, \fqa to the Gentiles \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
 \v 12 For this cause I also suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed. I am convinced that he is able to keep that which I have entrusted to him until that day.
-\v 13 Keep the example of the truthful words that you heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
+\v 13 Keep the example of the healthy words that you heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
 \v 14 The good thing that God committed to you, guard it through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us.
 
 \s5
@@ -70,11 +70,11 @@
 \q
 \v 13 if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,
 \q for he cannot deny himself."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
-\v 14 Keep reminding them of these things. Command them before God not to quarrel about words; it is of no value and only ruins those who listen. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa Warn them before the Lord \fqa* . \f*
+\v 14 Keep reminding them of these things. Solemnly charge them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value and only ruins those who listen. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa Warn them before the Lord \fqa* . \f*
 \v 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a laborer who has no reason to be ashamed, who accurately teaches the word of truth.
 
 \s5
@@ -92,8 +92,8 @@
 \v 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questions. You know that they give birth to quarrels.
 
 \s5
-\v 24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel. Instead he must be gentle toward all, able to teach, and patient,
-\v 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God may give them repentance for the knowledge of the truth.
+\v 24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel. Instead he must be gentle toward all, able to teach, and patient.
+\v 25 He must in meekness teach those who oppose him. God may perhaps give them repentance for the knowledge of the truth.
 \v 26 They may become sober again and leave the devil's trap, after they have been captured by him for his will.
 
 \s5
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@
 \v 7 These women are always learning, but they are never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 
 \s5
-\v 8 In the same way that Jannes and Jambres stood against Moses, these false teachers also stand against the truth. They are men corrupt in mind, and with regard to the faith they are rejected.
+\v 8 In the same way that Jannes and Jambres stood against Moses, these false teachers also stand against the truth. They are men corrupt in mind, and with regard to the faith they are disqualified.
 \v 9 But they will not advance very far. For their foolishness will be obvious to all, just like that of those men.
 
 \s5
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@
 \v 2 Preach the word; be ready when it is convenient and when it is not. Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 For the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching. Instead, they will heap up for themselves teachers according to their own desires, who say what their itching ears want to hear.
+\v 3 For the time will come when people will not endure healthy teaching. Instead, they will heap up for themselves teachers according to their own desires, who say what their itching ears want to hear.
 \v 4 They will turn their hearing away from the truth, and they will turn aside to myths.
 \v 5 But you, be sober-minded in all things. Suffer hardship; do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.
 

57-TIT.usfm

@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@
 \v 7 It is necessary for the overseer, as a manager of the household of God, to be blameless. He must not be arrogant, not be easily angered, not addicted to wine, not a brawler, and not a greedy man.
 
 \s5
-\v 8 Instead, he should be hospitable, loving goodness, sensible, upright, holy, and self-controlled.
-\v 9 He should hold tightly to the trustworthy message that was taught, so that he may be able to encourage others with truthful teaching and correct those who oppose him.
+\v 8 Instead, he should be hospitable and a friend of what is good. He must be sensible, righteous, holy, and self-controlled.
+\v 9 He should hold tightly to the trustworthy message that was taught, so that he may be able to encourage others with healthy teaching and correct those who oppose him.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -34,18 +34,18 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 One of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
-\v 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, correct them severely, so that they may be truthful in the faith,
+\v 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, correct them severely, so that they may be healthy in the faith,
 \v 14 not paying any attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 To those who are pure, all things are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and their consciences have been corrupted.
+\v 15 To those who are pure, all things are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and their consciences have been defiled.
 \v 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, and worthless for any good work.
 
 \s5
 \c 2
 \p
-\v 1 But you, speak what fits with truthful instruction.
-\v 2 Teach older men to be temperate, dignified, sensible, and sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance.
+\v 1 But you, speak what fits with healthy instruction.
+\v 2 Teach older men to be temperate, dignified, sensible, healthy in faith, in love, and in perseverance.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 In the same way, teach older women to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or being slaves to much wine, but to be teachers of what is good,
@@ -55,10 +55,10 @@
 \s5
 \v 6 In the same way, encourage the younger men to use good sense.
 \v 7 In all ways present yourself as an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, dignity,
-\v 8 and a truthful message that is above criticism, so that anyone who opposes you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
+\v 8 and a healthy message that is above criticism, so that anyone who opposes you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, to please them and not argue with them,
+\v 9 Teach slaves to obey their masters in everything, to please them and not argue with them,
 \v 10 to not steal from them, but instead to demonstrate all good faith, so that in every way they may bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior.
 
 \s5
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@
 \c 3
 \p
 \v 1 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
-\v 2 to insult no one, to not be eager to fight, and to be gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
+\v 2 to revile no one, to not be eager to fight, and to be gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
 
 \s5
 \v 3 For once we ourselves were thoughtless and disobedient. We were led astray and enslaved by various desires and pleasures. We lived in evil and envy. We were detestable and hated one another.

58-PHM.usfm

@@ -41,12 +41,12 @@
 \v 17 So if you have me as a partner, receive him as me.
 \v 18 If he has wronged you or owes you anything, charge that to me.
 \v 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I myself will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your own self!
-\v 20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
+\v 20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 21 Confident about your obedience, I am writing to you. I know that you will do even more than I ask.
-\v 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be returned to you.
+\v 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
 
 \s5
 \p

59-HEB.usfm

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 \p
 \v 8 But to the Son he says,
 \q "Your throne, God, is forever and ever.
-\q The scepter of justice is the scepter of your kingdom.
+\q The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
 \q
 \v 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.
 \q Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 5 For it was not to the angels that God subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.
-\v 6 But someone has somewhere testified, saying,
+\v 6 Instead, someone has somewhere testified, saying,
 \q "What is man, that you are mindful of him?
 \q Or a son of man, that you care for him?
 
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 16 For surely it is not the angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants.
-\v 17 So it was necessary for him to become like his brothers in all ways, so that he could be a merciful and faithful high priest in relation to the things of God, and so that he could make atonement for the sins of the people.
+\v 17 So it was necessary for him to become like his brothers in all ways, so that he would be a merciful and faithful high priest in relation to the things of God, and so that he would make propitiation for the people's sins.
 \v 18 Because Jesus himself has suffered and was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
 
 \s5
@@ -133,9 +133,10 @@
 
 \s5
 \q
-\v 9 This was when your ancestors rebelled by testing me, after they had seen my deeds
+\v 9 This was when your ancestors rebelled by testing me,
+\q and when, during forty years, they saw my deeds.
 \q
-\v 10 for forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation.
+\v 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation.
 \q I said, 'They have always gone astray in their hearts.
 \q They have not known my ways.'
 \q
@@ -144,8 +145,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 Be careful, brothers, that none of you has an evil heart of unbelief, a heart that turns away from the living God.
-\v 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "today," so that no one among you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
+\v 12 Be careful, brothers, so that among you there will not be anyone with an evil heart of unbelief, a heart that turns away from the living God.
+\v 13 Instead, encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "today," so that no one among you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
 
 \s5
 \v 14 For we have become partners of Christ if we firmly hold to our confidence in him from the beginning to the end.
@@ -193,12 +194,12 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. It pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
-\v 13 No thing that has been created is hidden before God, but everything is bare and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.
+\v 13 No thing that has been created is hidden before God. Instead, everything is bare and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account.
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us firmly hold to our confession.
-\v 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. Rather, we have someone who has in all ways been tempted as we are, except that he is without sin.
+\v 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. Instead, we have someone who has in all ways been tempted as we are, except that he is without sin.
 \v 16 Let us then go with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
 
 \s5
@@ -209,7 +210,7 @@
 \v 3 Because of this, he also is required to offer sacrifices for his own sins, just as he does for the people's sins.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 No one takes this honor for himself. Rather, he is called by God, just as Aaron was.
+\v 4 It is not for himself that anyone takes this honor. Instead, he is called by God, just as Aaron was.
 \v 5 In the same way, neither did Christ glorify himself by making himself high priest. Instead, the one speaking to him said,
 \q "You are my Son;
 \q today I have become your Father."
@@ -264,7 +265,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 13 For when God made his promise to Abraham, he swore by himself, since he could not swear by anyone greater.
-\v 14 He said, "I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants."
+\v 14 He said, "I will certainly bless you and grow your numbers."
 \v 15 In this way, Abraham obtained what was promised after he had patiently waited.
 
 \s5
@@ -281,7 +282,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 It was this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.
 \v 2 It was to him that Abraham gave a tenth of everything. First, the translation of his name means, "king of righteousness"; then he is also "king of Salem," that is, "king of peace."
-\v 3 He is without father, without mother, without ancestors, with neither beginning of days nor end of life. And resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
+\v 3 He is without father, without mother, without ancestors, with neither beginning of days nor end of life. Instead, he resembles the Son of God, because he remains a priest forever.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -305,8 +306,8 @@
 \v 14 Now clearly it is from Judah that our Lord was born, a tribe that Moses never mentioned concerning priests.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 What we say is even clearer when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek.
-\v 16 This one became a priest, not based on a law of physical requirement, but by the power of an everlasting life.
+\v 15 What we say is clearer yet if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek.
+\v 16 It was not based on a law of fleshly requirement that he became a priest, but instead was based on the power of an everlasting life.
 \v 17 For scripture witnesses about him:
 \q "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
 
@@ -317,7 +318,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,
-\v 21 but he became a priest with an oath by the one who said to him,
+\v 21 but he became a priest through the oath-taking of the one who said to him,
 \q "The Lord has sworn and he will not change his mind:
 \q 'You are a priest forever.'"
 
@@ -393,10 +394,10 @@
 \c 9
 \p
 \v 1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary.
-\v 2 For a tabernacle was prepared. The first room, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the presence, was called the holy place.
+\v 2 For a tabernacle was prepared. The first, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the presence, was called the holy place.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 Behind the second curtain was another room in the tabernacle, called the most holy place.
+\v 3 Behind the second curtain was another tabernacle, called the most holy place.
 \v 4 It had a golden altar for incense. It also had the ark of the covenant, which was completely overlaid with gold. Inside it was a golden jar that held the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
 \v 5 Above the ark of the covenant, glorious cherubim overshadowed the atonement lid, which we cannot now talk about in detail.
 
@@ -417,7 +418,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer's ashes on those who have been defiled sanctifies them for the cleansing of their flesh,
 \v 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
-\v 15 For this reason, he is the mediator of a new covenant. This is so that, since a death has taken place to redeem those under the first covenant from their transgressions, those who are called will receive the promise of an eternal inheritance.
+\v 15 For this reason, he is the mediator of a new covenant. This is so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of those under the first covenant from their transgressions, those who are called will receive the promise of an eternal inheritance.
 
 \s5
 \v 16 For where there is a will, the death of the person who made it must be proven.
@@ -435,11 +436,11 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in heaven should be cleansed with these animal sacrifices. However, the heavenly things themselves had to be cleansed with much better sacrifices.
-\v 24 For Christ did not enter into the most holy place made with hands, which is only a copy of the true one. Rather he entered into heaven itself, to appear now in God's presence for us.
+\v 24 For Christ did not enter into the most holy place made with hands, which is only a copy of the true one. Instead he entered into heaven itself, to appear now in God's presence for us.
 
 \s5
 \v 25 He did not go there in order to offer himself many times, as does the high priest, who enters the most holy place year by year with the blood of another.
-\v 26 If that had been the case, then he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
+\v 26 If that had been the case, then he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has become visible at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
 
 \s5
 \v 27 Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that comes judgment,
@@ -464,7 +465,7 @@
 \q
 \v 7 Then I said, 'See, here I am—
 \q2 as it is written about me in the scroll—
-\q to do your will, God.'"
+\q to do, God, your will.'"
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -503,7 +504,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 23 Let us also hold firmly to the hope we confess, for he who promised is faithful.
 \v 24 Let us think carefully about how to motivate one another to love and good deeds.
-\v 25 Let us not abandon meeting together, as some have done. Instead, encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day coming closer.
+\v 25 Let us not forsake meeting together, as some have done. Instead, encourage one another more and more, and all the more as you see the day coming closer.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -521,7 +522,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 32 But remember the former days, after you were enlightened, how you endured a great struggle in suffering.
-\v 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution, and other times you shared with those who were so treated.
+\v 33 You were exposed to public ridicule by reproaches and persecution, and you were sharing with those who went through such suffering.
 \v 34 For you had compassion on those who were prisoners, and you accepted with joy the seizure of your possessions. You knew that you yourselves had a better and everlasting possession. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa For you had compassion on me in my chains \fqa* . \f*
 
 \s5
@@ -541,7 +542,7 @@
 \s5
 \c 11
 \p
-\v 1 Now faith is being sure of the things hoped for and certain of things that are not seen.
+\v 1 Now faith is being fully assured of the things hoped for and certain of things that are not seen.
 \v 2 For because of this the ancestors were approved for their faith.
 \v 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by God's command, so that what is visible was not made out of things that were visible.
 
@@ -561,11 +562,11 @@
 \v 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
 
 \s5
-\v 11 It was by faith, even though Sarah herself was barren, that she received ability to conceive. This happened even though she was too old, since she considered as faithful the one who had given the promise.
+\v 11 By faith—and Sarah herself was barren—he received ability to conceive a descendant beyond the time of maturity, since he considered as faithful the one who had given the promise. \f + \ft There is some question about whether it was Abraham's faith or Sarah's faith that was in view. \fqa By faith Sarah, though she was old, received the power to have a child, even though she was too old to bear a child, since she considered the one who gave the promise to be faithful \fqa* . \f*
 \v 12 Therefore, from this one man—and he was almost dead—were born descendants as many as the stars in the sky and as countless as sand by the seashore.
 
 \s5
-\v 13 It was in faith that all these died without receiving the promises. Rather, they saw and greeted them from far off, and they acknowledged that they were foreigners and exiles on earth.
+\v 13 It was in faith that all these died without receiving the promises. Instead, after seeing and greeting them from far off, they acknowledged that they were foreigners and exiles on earth.
 \v 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
 
 \s5
@@ -586,7 +587,7 @@
 \v 23 It was by faith that Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child. They were not afraid of the king's command.
 \v 24 It was by faith that Moses, after he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.
 \v 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a while.
-\v 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as greater value than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
+\v 26 He reasoned that the reproach of Christ was greater riches than Egypt's treasures. For he was fixing his eyes on his reward.
 
 \s5
 \v 27 It was by faith that Moses left Egypt. He did not fear the king's anger, for he endured as if he were seeing the one who is invisible.
@@ -604,7 +605,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might experience a better resurrection.
-\v 36 Others experienced mocking and whippings, and even chains and imprisonment.
+\v 36 Others received the experience of mocking and whippings, and even chains and imprisonment.
 \v 37 They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were killed with the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins. They were destitute, oppressed, mistreated. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa They were stoned. They were sawn in two. They were put to the test. They were killed with the sword \fqa* . \f*
 \v 38 The world was not worthy of them. They were always wandering about in the deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
 
@@ -647,7 +648,7 @@
 \p
 \v 14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.
 \v 15 Be careful so that no one lacks God's grace, and that no root of bitterness grows up to cause trouble, so that many do not become defiled by it,
-\v 16 and that there is no one who is sexually immoral or profane, such as Esau, who for one meal sold his own birthright.
+\v 16 nor anyone who is sexually immoral or profane, such as Esau, who for one meal sold his own birthright.
 \v 17 For you know that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, because he found no opportunity for repentance, even though he sought it with tears.
 
 \s5
@@ -658,9 +659,9 @@
 \v 21 So fearful was this sight that Moses said, "I am terrified and am trembling."
 
 \s5
-\v 22 Rather, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to tens of thousands of angels in joyful assembly.
+\v 22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to tens of thousands of angels in joyful assembly.
 \v 23 You have come to the congregation of the firstborn, who have been registered in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous ones who have been made perfect.
-\v 24 And you have come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel's blood.
+\v 24 You have come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel's blood.
 
 \s5
 \v 25 See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we turn away from the one who is warning from heaven.
@@ -682,7 +683,7 @@
 \v 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept pure, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.
 
 \s5
-\v 5 Let your conduct be free from the love of money. Be content with the things you have, for God himself has said, "I will never leave you, nor will I abandon you."
+\v 5 Let your conduct be free from the love of money. Be content with the things you have, for God himself has said, "I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you."
 \p
 \v 6 Let us be content so that we may have courage to say,
 \q "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
@@ -700,8 +701,8 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
-\v 13 Let us therefore go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he endured.
-\v 14 For we do not have a permanent city here. Rather, we are looking for the one that is to come.
+\v 13 Let us therefore go to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.
+\v 14 For we do not have any permanent city here. Instead, we are looking for one that is to come.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Through him, then, let us always offer up sacrifices of praise to God, praise that is the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
@@ -711,7 +712,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 18 Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a good conscience and that we desire to live rightly in all things.
-\v 19 I encourage you even more to do this, so that I will be returned to you sooner.
+\v 19 I encourage you even more to do this, so that I will be restored to you sooner.
 
 \s5
 \p

60-JAS.usfm

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 \v 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 Let the lowly brother boast of his high position,
+\v 9 Let the brother of low condition boast of his high position,
 \v 10 but the rich man of his low position, because he will pass away as a wild flower in the grass.
 \v 11 For the sun rises with burning heat and dries up the grass. The flower falls off, and its beauty perishes. In the same way, the rich man will fade away in the middle of his journey.
 
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@
 \v 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and ambition in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth.
 
 \s5
-\v 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. Rather, it is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
+\v 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. Instead, it is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
 \v 16 For where there are jealousy and ambition, there is confusion and every evil practice.
 \v 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
 \v 18 The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peace.
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@
 \c 4
 \p
 \v 1 Where do quarrels and disputes among you come from? Do they not come from your desires that fight among your members?
-\v 2 You desire, and you do not have. You murder and covet, and you are not able to obtain. You fight and quarrel. You do not possess because you do not ask.
+\v 2 You desire, and you do not have. You kill and covet, and you are not able to obtain. You fight and quarrel. You do not possess because you do not ask.
 \v 3 You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, in order that you may use it for your desires.
 
 \s5
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 4 Look, the wages you kept back from the laborers who mowed your fields is crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
 \v 5 You have lived in luxury on the earth and indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts for a day of slaughter.
-\v 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not oppose you.
+\v 6 You have condemned and killed the righteous person. He does not oppose you.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -193,13 +193,13 @@
 \v 8 You, too, be patient. Strengthen your hearts because the Lord's coming is near.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 Do not complain, brothers, against one another, so that you will not be condemned. See, the judge is standing at the door.
+\v 9 Do not complain, brothers, against one another, so that you will be not condemned. See, the judge is standing at the door.
 \v 10 Take an example, brothers, from the suffering and patience of the prophets, those who spoke in the name of the Lord.
 \v 11 See, we regard those who endured as blessed. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you know the purpose of the Lord, how he is very compassionate and merciful.
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by the earth, or by any other oath. Rather, let your "Yes" mean "Yes" and your "No" mean "No," so you do not fall under judgment.
+\v 12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by the earth, or by any other oath. Instead, let your "Yes" mean "Yes" and your "No" mean "No," so you do not fall under judgment.
 
 \s5
 \p

61-1PE.usfm

@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 8 You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now, but you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.
 \v 9 You are now receiving for yourselves the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
-\v 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to come to you, searched diligently and examined carefully,
+\v 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to come to you, searched diligently and inquired carefully,
 
 \s5
 \v 11 inquiring into what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he testified beforehand about the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
@@ -39,11 +39,11 @@
 \s5
 \v 15 But as the one who called you is holy, you, too, be holy in your whole behavior.
 \v 16 For it is written, "Be holy, because I am holy."
-\v 17 So if you call "Father" the one who judges impartially and according to each person's work, conduct yourselves in fear during your time here as foreigners.
+\v 17 So if you call "Father" the one who judges impartially and according to each person's work, conduct the time of your sojourn in fear.
 
 \s5
-\v 18 You know that it was not with perishable silver or gold that you have been redeemed from the futile behavior that you inherited from your ancestors,
-\v 19 but by the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
+\v 18 You know that it was not with perishable silver or gold that you have been redeemed from the futile behavior that you learned from your fathers.
+\v 19 Instead, you have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, who was like a lamb without blemish or spot.
 
 \s5
 \v 20 Christ was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but now he has been revealed to you in these last times.
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 13 Be subject to every human authority for the Lord's sake. Obey both the king as supreme
+\v 13 Be subject to every human creation for the Lord's sake. Obey both the king as supreme,
 \v 14 and also the governors, who are sent for the punishment of evildoers and to praise those who do good.
 \v 15 For this is God's will, that in doing good you silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
 \v 16 As free people, do not use your freedom as a covering for wickedness, but be like servants of God.
@@ -122,10 +122,10 @@
 \q1 neither was any deceit found in his mouth."
 \m
 \p
-\v 23 When he was insulted, he gave no insult in return. When he suffered, he did not threaten back, but he gave himself over to the one who judges justly.
+\v 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile back. When he suffered, he did not threaten back, but he committed himself to the one who judges justly.
 
 \s5
-\v 24 He himself carried our sins in his body on the tree so that we would die to sin and live for righteousness. By his bruises you have been healed.
+\v 24 He himself carried our sins in his body on the tree so that we would stay away from sin and live for righteousness. By his bruises you have been healed.
 \v 25 All of you had been straying like lost sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.
 
 \s5
@@ -135,8 +135,8 @@
 \v 2 having been eyewitnesses of your respectful, pure behavior.
 
 \s5
-\v 3 Do not let your adornment be outward—the braiding of hair, and putting on of gold ornaments, or the clothing you wear.
-\v 4 Instead, let your adornment be the inner person of the heart with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious before God.
+\v 3 Let it be done not with outward ornaments such as braided hair, jewels of gold, or fashionable clothing.
+\v 4 Instead, let it be done with the inner person of the heart, and the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious before God.
 
 \s5
 \v 5 For this is how holy women long ago who hoped in God adorned themselves, by submitting to their husbands.
@@ -165,11 +165,11 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 13 Who is the one who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?
-\v 14 But even if you suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats. Do not be troubled.
+\v 14 But if you suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear. Do not be troubled.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 Instead, set apart the Lord Christ in your hearts as holy. Always be ready to give an account to anyone who asks about the hope you have—
-\v 16 however, with meekness and respect. Have a good conscience so that in whatever you are spoken of as evil the people who slander your good life in Christ may be put to shame.
+\v 16 however, with meekness and respect. Have a good conscience so that in whatever you are spoken of as evil the people who revile your good life in Christ may be put to shame.
 \v 17 It is better, if it should be God's will, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
 
 \s5
@@ -205,13 +205,13 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 12 Beloved, do not regard as strange the testing in the fire that has come upon you, as if something strange were happening to you.
+\v 12 Beloved, do not regard as strange the testing in the fire that has happened to you, as if something strange were happening to you.
 \v 13 Instead, however much you experience the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
-\v 14 If you are insulted for Christ's name, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
+\v 14 If you are reproached for Christ's name, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God is resting on you.
 
 \s5
 \v 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.
-\v 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; instead, let him glorify God with that name.
+\v 16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; instead, let him glorify God with that name.
 
 \s5
 \v 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who disobey God's gospel?
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@
 \p
 \v 1 I am exhorting the elders among you, I, who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and am also one who will share in the glory that will be revealed:
 \v 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God would have you serve—not for shameful profit but eagerly.
-\v 3 Do not act as lords over those allotted to you. Instead, be examples to the flock.
+\v 3 Do not act as a lord over those allotted to you. Instead, be an example to the flock.
 \v 4 Then when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive an unfading crown of glory.
 
 \s5
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@
 \v 9 Stand against him. Be strong in your faith. You know that your brotherhood in the world is enduring the same sufferings.
 
 \s5
-\v 10 After you suffer for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will perfect you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you.
+\v 10 After you suffer for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will perfect you, confirm you, strengthen you, and make you stable.
 \v 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
 
 \s5

62-2PE.usfm

@@ -55,14 +55,14 @@
 \v 3 In their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation has been coming for a long time, and their destruction is not asleep.
 
 \s5
-\v 4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but delivered them into hell to be kept in chains of darkness until the judgment, \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa to be kept in pits of darkness until the judgment \fqa* , \f*
-\v 5 and if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, along with seven others when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly.
-\v 6 and if he reduced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes and condemned them to destruction as an example of what is to happen to the ungodly,
+\v 4 For God did not spare the angels who sinned. Instead he committed them to Tartarus to be kept in chains of lower darkness until the judgment. \f + \ft Some important and ancient Greek copies read, \fqa to be kept in pits of lower darkness until the judgment \fqa* . \f*
+\v 5 Also, he did not spare the ancient world. Instead, he preserved Noah, who was a herald of righteousness, along with seven others when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly.
+\v 6 God also reduced the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes and condemned them to destruction as an example of what is to happen to the ungodly.
 
 \s5
-\v 7 but delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the sensual behavior of lawless people—
-\v 8 for that righteous man, who was living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds—
-\v 9 if the Lord did these things, then he knows how to rescue godly men out of trials and how to hold unrighteous men in custody so they can be punished on the day of judgment.
+\v 7 And he delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the sensual behavior of lawless people—
+\v 8 that righteous man, who was living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul because of their lawless deeds.
+\v 9 The Lord knows how to rescue godly men out of trials and how to hold unrighteous men in custody so they can be punished on the day of judgment.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 This is especially true for those who walk after the corrupt desires of the flesh and who despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they do not tremble when they blaspheme the glorious ones.
@@ -70,11 +70,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 12 But these people are like unreasoning animals, born for capture and destruction. They do not know what they insult. In destruction they also will be destroyed,
-\v 13 suffering harm as a reward for doing harm. They think that luxury during the day is a pleasure. They are stains and blemishes. They enjoy their deceitful actions while they are feasting with you. \f + \ft Some ancient copies of the Greek text read, \fqa They enjoy their actions while they are feasting with you in love feasts \fqa* . \f*
+\v 13 suffering harm as a reward for doing harm. They think that luxury during the day is a pleasure. They are stains and blemishes. They enjoy their deceitful actions while they are feasting with you. \f + \ft Instead of \fqa They enjoy their deceitful actions while they are feasting with you. \fqa* Other modern translations have something like, \fqa They enjoy their actions while they are feasting with you in love feasts \fqa* . \f*
 \v 14 They have eyes full of adultery; they are never satisfied with sin. They entice unstable souls into wrongdoing, and they have their hearts trained in greed. They are cursed children!
 
 \s5
-\v 15 They have abandoned the straight way and have gone astray, following the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to receive payment for unrighteousness. \f + \ft Many modern translations read \fqa Balaam son of Beor \fqa* in order to be consistent with the Old Testament spelling of the name. Some modern translations choose to follow the spelling of the Greek text, which reads, \fqa Balaam, son of Bosor \fqa* . \f*
+\v 15 They have forsaken the straight way and have gone astray, following the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to receive payment for unrighteousness. \f + \ft Many modern translations read \fqa Balaam son of Beor \fqa* in order to be consistent with the Old Testament spelling of the name. Some modern translations choose to follow the spelling of the Greek text, which reads, \fqa Balaam, son of Bosor \fqa* . \f*
 \v 16 But he obtained a rebuke for his own transgression—a mute donkey speaking in a human voice stopped the prophet's insanity.
 
 \s5
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 8 It should not escape your notice, beloved, that one day with the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.
-\v 9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some consider slowness to be. Rather, he is patient toward you. He does not desire for any of you to perish, but for everyone to come to repentance.
+\v 9 The Lord does not move slowly concerning his promises, as some consider slowness to be. Instead, he is patient toward you. He does not desire for any of you to perish, but for everyone to make room for repentance.
 
 \s5
 \v 10 However, the day of the Lord will come as a thief: The heavens will pass away with a loud noise. The elements will be burned with fire, and the earth and the deeds in it will be laid bare. \f + \ft It is uncertain which Greek word is intended for the last word of verse 10, either \fqa laid bare \fqa* or \fqa burned up \fqa* are the choices. There is uncertainty about which word should be chosen. The second choice would be, \fqa The elements will be burned with fire, and the earth and the deeds in it will be burned up \fqa* . \f*
@@ -123,5 +123,5 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 17 Therefore, beloved, since you know about these things beforehand, guard yourselves so that you are not led astray by the deceit of lawless people and you lose your own faithfulness.
-\v 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the glory be to him both now and to the day of eternity. Amen!
+\v 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the glory be to him both now and until the day of eternity. Amen!
 

63-1JN.usfm

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 \c 2
 \p
 \v 1 Children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the one who is righteous.
-\v 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
+\v 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
 \v 3 We know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
 
 \s5
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 9 Because of this the love of God was revealed among us, that God has sent his only Son into the world so that we would live because of him.
-\v 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and that he sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
+\v 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and that he sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
 
 \s5
 \v 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also should love one another.

66-JUD.usfm

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 \s5
 \p
 \v 3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I had to write to you to exhort you to struggle earnestly for the faith that was entrusted once for all to God's holy people.
-\v 4 For certain men have slipped in secretly among you. These men were marked out for condemnation. They are ungodly men who have changed the grace of our God into sensuality, and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
+\v 4 For certain men have slipped in secretly among you. These are men who were marked out for condemnation. They are ungodly men who have changed the grace of our God into sensuality, and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
 
 \s5
 \p
@@ -25,11 +25,11 @@
 
 \s5
 \v 7 So also Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them gave themselves over to sexual immorality and perverse sexual acts. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
-\v 8 Yet in the same way, these dreamers also defile their bodies. They reject authority and they slander the glorious ones.
+\v 8 Yet in the same way, these dreamers also defile their bodies. They reject authority, and they revile the glorious ones.
 
 \s5
-\v 9 But even Michael the archangel, when he was arguing with the devil and disputing with him about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous judgment against him, but he said, "May the Lord rebuke you!"
-\v 10 But these people insult whatever they do not understand; and what they do understand naturally, like unreasoning animals, these are the very things that destroy them.
+\v 9 But even Michael the archangel, when he was arguing with the devil and disputing with him about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a reviling judgment against him. Instead he said, "May the Lord rebuke you!"
+\v 10 But these people revile whatever they do not understand; and what they do understand naturally, like unreasoning animals, these are the very things that destroy them.
 \v 11 Woe to them! For they have walked in the way of Cain and have plunged into Balaam's error for profit. They have perished in Korah's rebellion.
 
 \s5
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 \s5
 \v 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them, saying, "Look! The Lord is coming with thousands and thousands of his holy ones.
 \v 15 He is coming to execute judgment on everyone. He is coming to convict all the ungodly of all the works they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the bitter words that ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
-\v 16 These are grumblers, complainers, following their evil desires. Their mouths speak loud boasts, flattering others for profit.
+\v 16 These are grumblers, complainers, following their evil desires. Their mouths speak loud boasts, and for their own profit, they flatter others.
 
 \s5
 \p

67-REV.usfm

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@
 \s5
 \c 1
 \p
-\v 1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
-\v 2 who testified about the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, all the things that he saw.
+\v 1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.
+\v 2 John testified about the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, all the things that he saw.
 \v 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud this prophecy and those who listen to the words of this prophecy and who obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
 
 \s5
@@ -109,10 +109,10 @@
 \s5
 \v 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, to everyone who does not hold this teaching and does not know what some call the deep things of Satan—to you I say, 'I do not put any other burden on you.'
 \v 25 In any case, you must hold on tightly until I come.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
-\v 26 The one who conquers and does my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.
+\v 26 The one who conquers and keeps my deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.
 \m
 \q
 \v 27 'He will rule them with an iron rod,
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@
 \q 'The words of the one who is holy and true—
 \q2 he holds the key of David,
 \q2 he opens and no one shuts,
-\q2 he shuts and no one can open.
+\q3 he shuts and no one can open.
 \p
 \v 8 "'I know your deeds. Look, I have put before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.
 
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@
 \v 18 Listen to my advice: Buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and brilliant white garments so you may clothe yourself and not show the shame of your nakedness, and salve to anoint your eyes so you will see.
 
 \s5
-\v 19 I rebuke and discipline everyone whom I love. Therefore, be earnest and repent.
+\v 19 I rebuke and punish everyone whom I love. Therefore, be earnest and repent.
 \v 20 Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his home and will eat with him, and he with me.
 
 \s5
@@ -193,9 +193,9 @@
 \v 8 The four living creatures each had six wings, full of eyes on top and underneath. Night and day they do not stop saying,
 \q "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
 \q who was, and who is, and who is to come."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever,
 \v 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne, saying,
@@ -232,9 +232,9 @@
 \q
 \v 10 You made them a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
 \q2 and they will reign on the earth."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 11 Then I looked and heard the sound of many angels who encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. Their total number was ten thousands of ten thousands and thousands of thousands.
 \v 12 They said in a loud voice,
@@ -318,16 +318,16 @@
 \v 9 After these things I looked, and there was a huge multitude that no one could count—from every nation, tribe, people, and language—standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands,
 \v 10 and they were crying out with a loud voice:
 \pi "Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne. They worshiped God,
 \v 12 saying,
 \pi "Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen!"
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 13 Then one of the elders asked me, "Who are these, clothed with white robes, and where did they come from?"
 \v 14 I said to him, "Sir, you know," and he said to me, "These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
@@ -482,9 +482,9 @@
 \v 15 Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices spoke in heaven and said,
 \q "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
 \q and he will reign forever and ever."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 16 Then the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones in the presence of God, fell upon their faces and worshiped God.
 \v 17 They said,
@@ -674,7 +674,7 @@
 
 \s5
 \p
-\v 5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of witness was open in heaven.
+\v 5 After these things I looked, and the temple having the tabernacle of witness was open in heaven.
 \v 6 Out of the temple came the seven angels holding the seven plagues. They were clothed with pure, bright linen and had golden sashes around their chests.
 
 \s5
@@ -750,12 +750,12 @@
 \s5
 \v 3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit to a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names. The beast had seven heads and ten horns.
 \v 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet and was adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She was holding in her hand a golden cup full of detestable things and the impurities of her sexual immorality.
-\v 5 On her forehead was written a name, a mystery: "Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the detestable things of the earth."
+\v 5 On her forehead was written a name having a hidden meaning: "Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the detestable things of the earth."
 
 \s5
 \p
 \v 6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's holy people and with the blood of the martyrs for Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.
-\v 7 But the angel said to me, "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that is carrying her, the beast that has the seven heads and the ten horns.
+\v 7 But the angel said to me, "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the hidden meaning of the woman and of the beast that is carrying her, the beast that has the seven heads and the ten horns.
 
 \s5
 \v 8 The beast you saw existed, does not exist now, and is about to come up from the bottomless pit. Then he will go on to destruction. Those who live on the earth, those whose names have not been written in the Book of Life since the foundation of the world—they will be astounded when they see the beast, because he once was, and now is not, and yet will come.
@@ -832,13 +832,13 @@
 \q "Woe, woe to the great city,
 \q2 Babylon, the powerful city!
 \q For in a single hour your punishment has come."
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \p
 \v 11 The merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her since no one buys their merchandise anymore—
 \v 12 merchandise of gold, silver, precious stone, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, bronze, iron, marble,
-\v 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots and bodies and souls of people.
+\v 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots and bodies, and human souls.
 
 \s5
 \v 14 The fruit that you desired with all your might is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be found again.
@@ -848,14 +848,16 @@
 \m
 \v 16 They will say,
 \q "Woe, woe to the great city
-\q2 that was dressed in fine linen, in purple, and in scarlet,
-\q2 and was adorned with gold, precious jewels, and pearls!
-\q
+\q2 that was dressed in fine linen,
+\q3 in purple, and in scarlet,
+\q2 and was adorned with gold,
+\q3 precious jewels, and pearls!
+\q2
 \v 17 In a single hour all that wealth has been laid waste."
 \m Every ship's captain, every seafaring man, sailors, and all who make their living from the sea stood off at a distance.
+\m
 
 \s5
-\m
 \v 18 They cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning. They said, "What city is like the great city?"
 \v 19 They threw dust on their heads, and cried out, weeping and mourning,
 \q "Woe, woe to the great city
@@ -898,7 +900,7 @@
 \c 19
 \p
 \v 1 After these things I heard what sounded like a loud voice of a large number of people in heaven calling out,
-\q "Hallelujah!
+\q "Praise Yahweh.
 \q Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God.
 \q2
 \v 2 His judgments are true and just,
@@ -906,17 +908,18 @@
 \q2 who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality.
 \q He has avenged the blood of his servants
 \q2 from her hand."
+\m
 
 \s5
 \m
 \p
 \v 3 They spoke a second time:
-\q "Hallelujah!
+\q "Praise Yahweh!
 \q The smoke rises from her forever and ever."
 \m
 \p
 \v 4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. They were saying,
-\q "Amen. Hallelujah!"
+\q "Amen. Praise Yahweh!"
 
 \s5
 \m
@@ -931,7 +934,7 @@
 \m
 \p
 \v 6 Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a great number of people, like the roar of many waters, and like mighty crashes of thunder, saying,
-\q "Hallelujah!
+\q "Praise Yahweh!
 \q For the Lord reigns, our God, the Almighty.
 
 \s5
@@ -1114,5 +1117,5 @@
 \p
 \v 20 The one who testifies to these things says, "Yes! I am coming soon." Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
 \p
-\v 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. \f + \ft Some ancient copies of the Greek text or ancient translations of the Greek text add the phrase: \fqa be with you holy people \fqa* or \fqa be with all you holy people \fqa* or \fqa be with all of his holy people \fqa* . \f*
+\v 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. \f + ft Some ancient copies of the Greek text or ancient translations of the Greek text add the phrase: \fqa be with you holy people \fqa* or \fqa be with all you holy people \fqa* or \fqa be with all of his holy people \fqa* . \f*
 

media.yaml

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@@ -58,11 +43,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -72,11 +52,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -114,11 +79,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -128,11 +88,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -142,11 +97,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -156,11 +106,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -170,11 +115,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -184,11 +124,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -198,11 +133,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -212,11 +142,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -226,11 +151,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -240,11 +160,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -254,11 +169,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -492,11 +322,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -506,11 +331,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -520,11 +340,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -534,11 +349,6 @@ projects:
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@@ -548,11 +358,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -562,11 +367,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -576,11 +376,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -590,11 +385,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -604,11 +394,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -618,11 +403,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -632,11 +412,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -646,11 +421,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -660,11 +430,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -674,11 +439,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -688,11 +448,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -702,11 +457,6 @@ projects:
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        url: 'https://cdn.door43.org/en/ulb/v{latest}/pdf/en_ulb_51-PHP_v{latest}.pdf'
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   -
     identifier: 'col'
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@@ -716,11 +466,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -730,11 +475,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -744,11 +484,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -758,11 +493,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -772,11 +502,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -786,11 +511,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -800,11 +520,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -814,11 +529,6 @@ projects:
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   -
     identifier: 'jas'
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@@ -828,11 +538,6 @@ projects:
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   -
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@@ -842,11 +547,6 @@ projects:
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   -
     identifier: '2pe'
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@@ -856,11 +556,6 @@ projects:
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   -
     identifier: '1jn'
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@@ -870,11 +565,6 @@ projects:
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        url: 'https://cdn.door43.org/en/ulb/v{latest}/pdf/en_ulb_63-1JN_v{latest}.pdf'
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   -
     identifier: '2jn'
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@@ -884,11 +574,6 @@ projects:
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        url: 'https://cdn.door43.org/en/ulb/v{latest}/pdf/en_ulb_64-2JN_v{latest}.pdf'
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   -
     identifier: '3jn'
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@@ -898,11 +583,6 @@ projects:
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        url: 'https://cdn.door43.org/en/ulb/v{latest}/pdf/en_ulb_65-3JN_v{latest}.pdf'
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   -
     identifier: 'jud'
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@@ -912,11 +592,6 @@ projects:
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   -
     identifier: 'rev'
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@@ -926,8 +601,3 @@ projects:
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        contributor: []
        url: 'https://cdn.door43.org/en/ulb/v{latest}/pdf/en_ulb_67-REV_v{latest}.pdf'
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