WEBNETListen to the readings for Jan 6 from the NET Bible (Video)
or the World English Bible
This page is now calculating which verses have comments and referenced comments. Please be patient.
You will not be able to view any Comments in the Verse sections below until this notice disappears
Notes that are not verse specific
The genealogy here in Gen 11 is fascinating. Notice the change in life expectancy after the flood. People before the flood were living approx 1000 years (see ch. 5) Now they are living approx 500 years until Peleg, where it halves again. This second halving takes place at the Tower of Babel incident (see ch. 10:25 for the evidence). An interesting result of this can only be seen in a diagram:
This simple (and fairly approximate) timeline shows that Shem enjoyed seeing the birth (and death except in the case of Eber) of the next nine generations - and in fact, although it is not in this chapter, he was alive for the birth of Isaac and almost certainly the death of Abraham, though he may not have physically seen them. One other thought - looking from Abrams point of view. Look how much family he left behind in Ur of the Chaldees. What an act of faith. Heb 11:8
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
12:4-5 - Abram believed that the blessing of the Almighty would make up for all he could lose or leave behind, supply all his wants, and answer and exceed all his desires; and he knew that nothing but misery would follow disobedience. Such believers, being justified by faith in Christ, have peace with God. We can too if we follow in this way. Phil.3:10-14
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
WILD CARDS
In playing chess a whole strategic plan can be ruined by one completely unexpected but well thought out move by your opponent. We might have thought out our strategy and considered all the countermoves our opponent may make, but there is always the move we were not expecting.
The same happened at Babel. God wanted the earth populated but men thought they knew better and began to build a city and a tower which became known as Babel. It was then that God threw in the "Wild Card". It was the move that had not even crossed their minds. God created a diversity of languages and because people couldnt understand each other, they split up and began to do what God had planned for them to do in the first place - populate the earth.
The same can happen in our own daily lives. We may consider all the possible future outcomes for a decision, only to discover that God has thrown in a "wild card" which throws us into absolute confusion and turmoil. But in all the confusion we can be sure that God is working out his plan and that everything is going to work out for the best. Trust him. He knows what he is doing.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
a) 12:7,8 The first altars to God in the Promised Land were built by Abraham
b) God didnt say, "Stay where you are, Abraham, and I will make you a great nation." God had
chosen His land, and His people had to go to it
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to David
The word babel, in today's English, means a confused noise. Its homonym babble means to chatter indistinctly or foolishly.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to Michael
In Gen 11:31 it says that Terah took Abram and Lot and Sarai to Haran. It does not mention Nahor and his family, yet we know that they too made there way to Haran. IN Gen 27 we read when Jacob is being sent away by Isaac.
Gen_27:43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;. It would seem likely that all of Terah's family made the journey and settled there only Abram left to go into Canaan.
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Alex
Gen. 12:4-7 Abraham first received the covenant promises when he was in Mesopotamia (Acts 7:2). He then travelled to Haran where he lived until his father was dead and then continued his journey to the promised land (Acts 7:4).
Haran is located to the North of the River Euphrates. Following the command of the LORD he left Haran, (Gen 12:4). To get to Canaan it was necessary for Abraham to cross the Euphrates. So the act of passing through water was necessary for his salvation.
The significance of this principle is recorded in Josh 24:2-3. “I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood”. Therefore we, like Abraham must pass through water (our baptism) before by God’s grace we can enter the land.
Peter Moore [Erith, UK] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Peter
The Apostolic Bible Polyglot is very useful for OT study. It is the Septuagint with English interlinear with the Greek text . Plus Strong's Greek numbers!
In Genesis 11: 6 the name of the city is #G4799, Σύγχυσις, which is anglicised to sygchysis.
The Blue Letter Bible also has the LXX reading at the bottom of each verse if you expand it:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/gen/11/6/t_conc_11009
In Acts 19:29 that same word for confusion appears with the riot in Ephesus.
Ellen Reid [St Arnaud, Australia, Isolation] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Ellen
12:13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake
Abram had just received the promises (Genesis 12:1-4) which ensured his survival. Yet here Abram is practicing deception to save his life. God dealt patiently with Abram even though Abram's faith occasionally let him down.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. And the whole earth <776> was of one <259> language <8193>, and of one <259> speech <1697>.
2. And it came to pass, as they journeyed <5265>(8800) from the east <6924>, that they found <4672>(8799) a plain <1237> in the land <776> of Shinar <8152>; and they dwelt <3427>(8799) there.
3. And they said <559>(8799) one <376> to another <7453>, Go to <3051>(8798), let us make <3835>(8799) brick <3843>, and burn <8313>(8799) them throughly <8316>. And they had brick <3843> for stone <68>, and slime <2564> had <1961>(8804) they for morter <2563>.
4. And they said <559>(8799), Go to <3051>(8798), let us build <1129>(8799) us a city <5892> and a tower <4026>, whose top <7218> may reach unto heaven <8064>; and let us make <6213>(8799) us a name <8034>, lest we be scattered abroad <6327>(8799) upon the face <6440> of the whole earth <776>.
5. And the LORD <3068> came down <3381>(8799) to see <7200>(8800) the city <5892> and the tower <4026>, which the children <1121> of men <120> builded <1129>(8804).
6. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799), Behold, the people <5971> is one <259>, and they have all one <259> language <8193>; and this they begin <2490>(8687) to do <6213>(8800): and now nothing <3808> <3605> will be restrained <1219>(8735) from them, which they have imagined <2161>(8799) to do <6213>(8800).
7. Go to <3051>(8798), let us go down <3381>(8799), and there confound <1101>(8799) their language <8193>, that <834> they may not understand <8085>(8799) one <376> another's <7453> speech <8193>.
8. So the LORD <3068> scattered them abroad <6327>(8686) from thence <8033> upon the face <6440> of all the earth <776>: and they left off <2308>(8799) to build <1129>(8800) the city <5892>.
9. Therefore is the name of it <8034> called <7121>(8804) Babel <894>; because the LORD <3068> did there confound <1101>(8804) the language <8193> of all the earth <776>: and from thence did <6327> <0> the LORD <3068> scatter them abroad <6327>(8689) upon the face <6440> of all the earth <776>.
10. These are the generations <8435> of Shem <8035>: Shem <8035> was an hundred <3967> years <8141> old <1121>, and begat <3205>(8686) Arphaxad <775> two years <8141> after <310> the flood <3999>:
11. And Shem <8035> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Arphaxad <775> five <2568> hundred <3967> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
12. And Arphaxad <775> lived <2425>(8804) five <2568> and thirty <7970> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Salah <7974>:
13. And Arphaxad <775> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Salah <7974> four <702> hundred <3967> <8141> and three <7969> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
14. And Salah <7974> lived <2425>(8804) thirty <7970> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Eber <5677>:
15. And Salah <7974> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Eber <5677> four <702> hundred <3967> <8141> and three <7969> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
16. And Eber <5677> lived <2421>(8799) four <702> and thirty <7970> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Peleg <6389>:
17. And Eber <5677> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Peleg <6389> four <702> hundred <3967> <8141> and thirty <7970> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
18. And Peleg <6389> lived <2421>(8799) thirty <7970> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Reu <7466>:
19. And Peleg <6389> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Reu <7466> two hundred <3967> <8141> and nine <8672> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
20. And Reu <7466> lived <2421>(8799) two <8147> and thirty <7970> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Serug <8286>:
21. And Reu <7466> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Serug <8286> two hundred <3967> <8141> and seven <7651> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
22. And Serug <8286> lived <2421>(8799) thirty <7970> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Nahor <5152>:
23. And Serug <8286> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Nahor <5152> two hundred <3967> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
24. And Nahor <5152> lived <2421>(8799) nine <8672> and twenty <6242> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Terah <8646>:
25. And Nahor <5152> lived <2421>(8799) after <310> he begat <3205>(8687) Terah <8646> an hundred <3967> <8141> and nineteen <6240> <8672> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) sons <1121> and daughters <1323>.
26. And Terah <8646> lived <2421>(8799) seventy <7657> years <8141>, and begat <3205>(8686) Abram <87>, Nahor <5152>, and Haran <2039>.
27. Now these are the generations <8435> of Terah <8646>: Terah <8646> begat <3205>(8689) Abram <87>, Nahor <5152>, and Haran <2039>; and Haran <2039> begat <3205>(8689) Lot <3876>.
28. And Haran <2039> died <4191>(8799) before <6440> his father <1> Terah <8646> in the land <776> of his nativity <4138>, in Ur <218> of the Chaldees <3778>.
29. And Abram <87> and Nahor <5152> took <3947>(8799) them wives <802>: the name <8034> of Abram's <87> wife <802> was Sarai <8297>; and the name <8034> of Nahor's <5152> wife <802>, Milcah <4435>, the daughter <1323> of Haran <2039>, the father <1> of Milcah <4435>, and the father <1> of Iscah <3252>.
30. But Sarai <8297> was barren <6135>; she had no child <2056>.
31. And Terah <8646> took <3947>(8799) Abram <87> his son <1121>, and Lot <3876> the son <1121> of Haran <2039> his son's <1121> son <1121>, and Sarai <8297> his daughter in law <3618>, his son <1121> Abram's <87> wife <802>; and they went forth <3318>(8799) with them from Ur <218> of the Chaldees <3778>, to go <3212>(8800) into the land <776> of Canaan <3667>; and they came <935>(8799) unto Haran <2771>, and dwelt <3427>(8799) there.
32. And the days <3117> of Terah <8646> were two hundred <3967> <8141> and five <2568> years <8141>: and Terah <8646> died <4191>(8799) in Haran <2771>.
1. Now the LORD <3068> had said <559>(8799) unto Abram <87>, Get thee out <3212>(8798) of thy country <776>, and from thy kindred <4138>, and from thy father's <1> house <1004>, unto a land <776> that I will shew <7200>(8686) thee:
2. And I will make of thee <6213>(8799) a great <1419> nation <1471>, and I will bless <1288>(8762) thee, and make <1431> <0> thy name <8034> great <1431>(8762); and thou shalt be a blessing <1293>:
3. And I will bless <1288>(8762) them that bless <1288>(8764) thee, and curse <779>(8799) him that curseth <7043>(8764) thee: and in thee shall all families <4940> of the earth <127> be blessed <1288>(8738).
4. So Abram <87> departed <3212>(8799), as the LORD <3068> had spoken <1696>(8765) unto him; and Lot <3876> went <3212>(8799) with him: and Abram <87> was seventy <7657> <8141> and five <2568> years <8141> old <1121> when he departed <3318>(8800) out of Haran <2771>.
5. And Abram <87> took <3947>(8799) Sarai <8297> his wife <802>, and Lot <3876> his brother's <251> son <1121>, and all their substance <7399> that they had gathered <7408>(8804), and the souls <5315> that they had gotten <6213>(8804) in Haran <2771>; and they went forth <3318>(8799) to go <3212>(8800) into the land <776> of Canaan <3667>; and into the land <776> of Canaan <3667> they came <935>(8799).
6. And Abram <87> passed through <5674>(8799) the land <776> unto the place <4725> of Sichem <7927>, unto the plain <436> of Moreh <4176>. And the Canaanite <3669> was then <227> in the land <776>.
7. And the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) unto Abram <87>, and said <559>(8799), Unto thy seed <2233> will I give <5414>(8799) this <2063> land <776>: and there builded <1129>(8799) he an altar <4196> unto the LORD <3068>, who appeared <7200>(8737) unto him.
8. And he removed <6275>(8686) from thence unto a mountain <2022> on the east <6924> of Bethel <1008>, and pitched <5186>(8799) his tent <168>, having Bethel <1008> on the west <3220>, and Hai <5857> on the east <6924>: and there he builded <1129>(8799) an altar <4196> unto the LORD <3068>, and called <7121>(8799) upon the name <8034> of the LORD <3068>.
9. And Abram <87> journeyed <5265>(8799), going on <1980>(8800) still <5265>(8800) toward the south <5045>.
10. And there was a famine <7458> in the land <776>: and Abram <87> went down <3381>(8799) into Egypt <4714> to sojourn <1481>(8800) there; for the famine <7458> was grievous <3515> in the land <776>.
11. And it came to pass, when <834> he was come near <7126>(8689) to enter <935>(8800) into Egypt <4714>, that he said <559>(8799) unto Sarai <8297> his wife <802>, Behold <2009> now <4994>, I know <3045>(8804) that thou art a fair <3303> woman <802> to look upon <4758>:
12. Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians <4713> shall see <7200>(8799) thee, that they shall say <559>(8804), This is his wife <802>: and they will kill <2026>(8804) me, but they will save thee alive <2421>(8762).
13. Say <559>(8798), I pray thee <4994>, thou art my sister <269>: that <4616> it may be well <3190>(8799) with me for thy sake; and my soul <5315> shall live <2421>(8804) because of thee <1558>.
14. And it came to pass, that, when Abram <87> was come <935>(8800) into Egypt <4714>, the Egyptians <4713> beheld <7200>(8799) the woman <802> that she was very <3966> fair <3303>.
15. The princes <8269> also of Pharaoh <6547> saw <7200>(8799) her, and commended <1984>(8762) her before <413> Pharaoh <6547>: and the woman <802> was taken <3947>(8714) into Pharaoh's <6547> house <1004>.
16. And he entreated <3190> <0> Abram <87> well <3190>(8689) for her sake: and he had sheep <6629>, and oxen <1241>, and he asses <2543>, and menservants <5650>, and maidservants <8198>, and she asses <860>, and camels <1581>.
17. And the LORD <3068> plagued <5060>(8762) Pharaoh <6547> and his house <1004> with great <1419> plagues <5061> because of <1697> Sarai <8297> Abram's <87> wife <802>.
18. And Pharaoh <6547> called <7121>(8799) Abram <87>, and said <559>(8799), What is this that thou hast done <6213>(8804) unto me? why didst thou not tell <5046>(8689) me that she was thy wife <802>?
19. Why saidst thou <559>(8804), She is my sister <269>? so I might have taken <3947>(8799) her to me to wife <802>: now therefore behold thy wife <802>, take <3947>(8798) her, and go thy way <3212>(8798).
20. And Pharaoh <6547> commanded <6680>(8762) his men <582> concerning him: and they sent him away <7971>(8762), and his wife <802>, and all that he had.
Notes that are not verse specific
14 - This Psalm is recorded twice (Psa.53) It must therefore be of special significance. It is almost word for word, with just one or two phrases changed just before the final verse. This final verse gives us great hope in the promises of God, where the rest of the Psalm shows us the folly of going other ways.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
Psalm 16 - ABSOLUTE TRUST - EGGS AND BASKETS
They say that putting all your eggs into one basket is not a good thing to do - drop the basket and all your eggs get broken. This may be the case when it come to things of this world - money, possessions, friendships, employment and so on, because none of them are reliable and any could break on us without warning. But it is a different story when it comes to god. As far as God is concerned, he wants us to put all our eggs into his basket because we can be sure that he will never let the basket drop. We can trust God absolutely.
This Psalm is a picture of the implicit trust that the Psalmist had in God. God was his refuge, his safe place to hide in times of trouble where nothing and no-one could harm him. God was the best thing in the Psalmists life. He says, "apart from you I have no good thing." If thats not putting all your eggs into one basket, I dont know what is! The LORD is his councillor and instructor. He is his example, his friend and his support. He has made God his security and his joy. He has absolute trust and confidence in God - much like a very young child places the same confidence and trust in their father. He is the same God today as he was then. Put your eggs in his basket and place your absolute trust in him.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
Psalm 14 A description of the morally foolish man and the extent of ungodliness in the earth. Rom 3:10-12. Psalm 15 A description of the character and actions of those who will invited to dwell in God's house. Psalm 16 An expression of joy and delight for God's present and future blessings...... particularly the resurrection Acts 2:25-31
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
Psalm 14
The words of his Psalm are echoed in Psalm 53. What differences can you find between the two? What might the reason be for repeating these words?
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rob
14:1 The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'
The heart is the seat of the real man - where his genuinely held values, desires, aspirations, beliefs and musings reside. (For example: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Luke 12:34). So the fool may outwardly masquerade as a member of the believing community (probably for gain) but his true self, hidden from other people (albeit imperfectly) is one of atheism.
By contrast, the genuine believer "speaks truth in his heart" (Psalm 15:2). That is, the true believer is true to God even when other people are not around. He is genuinely a believer whether there is an audience or none.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. To the chief Musician <5329>(8764), A Psalm of David <1732>. The fool <5036> hath said <559>(8804) in his heart <3820>, There is no God <430>. They are corrupt <7843>(8689), they have done abominable <8581>(8689) works <5949>, there is none that doeth <6213>(8802) good <2896>.
2. The LORD <3068> looked down <8259>(8689) from heaven <8064> upon the children <1121> of men <120>, to see <7200>(8800) if there <3426> were any that did understand <7919>(8688), and seek <1875>(8802) God <430>.
3. They are all gone aside <5493>(8804), they are all together <3162> become filthy <444>(8738): there is none that doeth <6213>(8802) good <2896>, no, not one <259>.
4. Have all the workers <6466>(8802) of iniquity <205> no knowledge <3045>(8804)? who eat up <398>(8802) my people <5971> as they eat <398>(8804) bread <3899>, and call <7121>(8804) not upon the LORD <3068>.
5. There were they in great <6343> fear <6342>(8804): for God <430> is in the generation <1755> of the righteous <6662>.
6. Ye have shamed <954>(8686) the counsel <6098> of the poor <6041>, because the LORD <3068> is his refuge <4268>.
7. Oh that <5414>(8799) the salvation <3444> of Israel <3478> were come out of Zion <6726>! when the LORD <3068> bringeth back <7725>(8800) the captivity <7622> of his people <5971>, Jacob <3290> shall rejoice <1523>(8799), and Israel <3478> shall be glad <8055>(8799).
1. A Psalm <4210> of David <1732>. LORD <3068>, who shall abide <1481>(8799) in thy tabernacle <168>? who shall dwell <7931>(8799) in thy holy <6944> hill <2022>?
2. He that walketh <1980>(8802) uprightly <8549>, and worketh <6466>(8802) righteousness <6664>, and speaketh <1696>(8802) the truth <571> in his heart <3824>.
3. He that backbiteth <7270>(8804) not with his tongue <3956>, nor doeth <6213>(8804) evil <7451> to his neighbour <7453>, nor taketh up <5375>(8804) a reproach <2781> against his neighbour <7138>.
4. In whose eyes <5869> a vile person <3988>(8737) is contemned <959>(8737); but he honoureth <3513>(8762) them that fear <3373> the LORD <3068>. He that sweareth <7650>(8738) to his own hurt <7489>(8687), and changeth <4171>(8686) not.
5. He that putteth not out <5414>(8804) his money <3701> to usury <5392>, nor taketh <3947>(8804) reward <7810> against the innocent <5355>. He that doeth <6213>(8802) these things shall never <5769> be moved <4131>(8735).
1. Michtam <4387> of David <1732>. Preserve <8104>(8798) me, O God <410>: for in thee do I put my trust <2620>(8804).
2. O my soul, thou hast said <559>(8804) unto the LORD <3068>, Thou art my Lord <136>: my goodness <2896> extendeth not to thee;
3. But to the saints <6918> that <1992> are in the earth <776>, and to the excellent <117>, in whom is all my delight <2656>.
4. Their sorrows <6094> shall be multiplied <7235>(8799) that hasten <4116>(8804) after another <312> god: their drink offerings <5262> of blood <1818> will I not offer <5258>(8686), nor <1077> take up <5375>(8799) their names <8034> into my lips <8193>.
5. The LORD <3068> is the portion <4490> of mine inheritance <2506> and of my cup <3563>: thou maintainest <8551>(8802) my lot <1486>.
6. The lines <2256> are fallen <5307>(8804) unto me in pleasant <5273> places; yea, I have a goodly <8231>(8804) heritage <5159>.
7. I will bless <1288>(8762) the LORD <3068>, who hath given me counsel <3289>(8804): my reins <3629> also instruct <3256>(8765) me in the night seasons <3915>.
8. I have set <7737>(8765) the LORD <3068> always <8548> before me: because he is at my right hand <3225>, I shall not be moved <4131>(8735).
9. Therefore my heart <3820> is glad <8055>(8804), and my glory <3519> rejoiceth <1523>(8799): my flesh <1320> also shall rest <7931>(8799) in hope <983>.
10. For thou wilt not leave <5800>(8799) my soul <5315> in hell <7585>; neither wilt thou suffer <5414>(8799) thine Holy One <2623> to see <7200>(8800) corruption <7845>.
11. Thou wilt shew <3045>(8686) me the path <734> of life <2416>: in thy presence <6440> is fulness <7648> of joy <8057>; at thy right hand <3225> there are pleasures <5273> for evermore <5331>.
Notes that are not verse specific
CALMING STORMS
Jesus is Lord! What other man could ever have stood up in a boat in the middle of a raging storm, rebuked the wind and the waves and had the result of a total and complete calm? Jesus had the powers of nature at his command and he could control them at will. What awesome power it must be that can control the clouds and the wind!
But the wind and the rain are not the only type of storms that come into our lives. Sometimes our schedules and the events that go on around us get out of control and we find ourselves stressed and wondering where it will all end and if we will ever get out of it. Sometimes we feel pressured by people, or sickness, and other trials press down on us. Other times we find that all we relied on or took comfort in is taken and moved. But Jesus is still Lord! He is still able to calm storms and especially able to calm our storms - whatever type they may be. All we need to do is to cry, "Lord, save us." May he calm your storms too.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
27 Man can do a lot of things, he can repair a large number of things, such as an automobile, a leak in the plumbing system. A mother can heal a major hurt with a kiss. A surgeon can remove diseased parts of the body. Many family problems are solved by professional counsellors. But, the weather, man can only complain about it. Here we see that Jesus not only commands the sea and the winds, they obey him.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
A GOOD TEACHER
What makes a good teacher? Reading through the gospel of Matthew in chapters 5 - 7, we find an intensive focus on the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Three whole chapters are dedicated to a word-for-word record of Jesus' teaching. People loved to listen to him and by the time he had finished crowds of people had thronged around him to hear what he had to say.
But in Mathew 8 the record switches to a very different tack. Everywhere Jesus went he met people and healed them or met their needs in various different ways. This is what makes Jesus the brilliant teacher that he was. He spoke about giving, praying, having compassion, forgiving, relying on God, and then he went out, and in a very public way, lived the lessons that he taught. He was a teacher who not only said, "Do what I say," but one we could watch and do what he did.
If we want to be teachers like Jesus, we need to do the same. Lessons are great but learning and teaching by example are even better. Teaching by example has a far more lasting effect. So let's make sure we, like Jesus, practice what we preach.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Robert
8:31 And the demons begged him, saying, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs"
Assume that demons are real, intelligent, but evil, supernatural creatures that inhabit people to destroy their faith and mental faculties. Why would these demons see any value in being hosted by a herd of pigs (not humans), especially that the madness caused by the demons will result in the destruction of their hosts? They would then be free to go and find some hapless humans to afflict, somewhere else. So why don't they just allow themselves to be set free to inhabit humans, without this irrelevant detour with the pigs? Their request to Jesus makes no sense, even to themselves.
But if the words of the demons were really the mixed up ramblings of madmen, then it all makes sense.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2024 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. When <1161> he <846> was come down <2597>(5631) from <575> the mountain <3735>, great <4183> multitudes <3793> followed <190>(5656) him <846>.
2. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), there came <2064>(5631) a leper <3015> and worshipped <4352>(5707) him <846>, saying <3004>(5723), Lord <2962>, if <1437> thou wilt <2309>(5725), thou canst <1410>(5736) make <2511> <0> me <3165> clean <2511>(5658).
3. And <2532> Jesus <2424> put forth <1614>(5660) his hand <5495>, and touched <680>(5662) him <846>, saying <3004>(5723), I will <2309>(5719); be thou clean <2511>(5682). And <2532> immediately <2112> his <846> leprosy <3014> was cleansed <2511>(5681).
4. And <2532> Jesus <2424> saith <3004>(5719) unto him <846>, See <3708>(5720) thou tell <2036>(5632) no man <3367>; but <235> go thy way <5217>(5720), shew <1166>(5657) thyself <4572> to the priest <2409>, and <2532> offer <4374>(5628) the gift <1435> that Moses <3475> commanded <4367>(5656), for <1519> a testimony <3142> unto them <846>.
5. And <1161> when <1525> <0> Jesus <2424> was entered <1525>(5631) into <1519> Capernaum <2584>, there came <4334>(5627) unto him <846> a centurion <1543>, beseeching <3870>(5723) him <846>,
6. And <2532> saying <3004>(5723), Lord <2962>, my <3450> servant <3816> lieth <906>(5769) at <1722> home <3614> sick of the palsy <3885>, grievously <1171> tormented <928>(5746).
7. And <2532> Jesus <2424> saith <3004>(5719) unto him <846>, I <1473> will come <2064>(5631) and heal <2323>(5692) him <846>.
8. The centurion <1543> answered <611>(5679) and <2532> said <5346>(5713), Lord <2962>, I am <1510>(5748) not <3756> worthy <2425> that <2443> thou shouldest come <1525>(5632) under <5259> my <3450> roof <4721>: but <235> speak <2036>(5628) the word <3056> only <3440>, and <2532> my <3450> servant <3816> shall be healed <2390>(5701).
9. For <1063> <2532> I <1473> am <1510>(5748) a man <444> under <5259> authority <1849>, having <2192>(5723) soldiers <4757> under <5259> me <1683>: and <2532> I say <3004>(5719) to this <5129> man, Go <4198>(5676), and <2532> he goeth <4198>(5736); and <2532> to another <243>, Come <2064>(5736), and <2532> he cometh <2064>(5736); and <2532> to my <3450> servant <1401>, Do <4160>(5657) this <5124>, and <2532> he doeth <4160>(5719) it.
10. When <1161> Jesus <2424> heard <191>(5660) it, he marvelled <2296>(5656), and <2532> said <2036>(5627) to them that followed <190>(5723), Verily <281> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, I have <2147> <0> not <3761> <0> found <2147>(5627) so great <5118> faith <4102>, no, not <3761> in <1722> Israel <2474>.
11. And <1161> I say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213>, That <3754> many <4183> shall come <2240>(5692) from <575> the east <395> and <2532> west <1424>, and <2532> shall sit down <347>(5701) with <3326> Abraham <11>, and <2532> Isaac <2464>, and <2532> Jacob <2384>, in <1722> the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>.
12. But <1161> the children <5207> of the kingdom <932> shall be cast out <1544>(5701) into <1519> outer <1857> darkness <4655>: there <1563> shall be <2071>(5704) weeping <2805> and <2532> gnashing <1030> of teeth <3599>.
13. And <2532> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto the centurion <1543>, Go thy way <5217>(5720); and <2532> as <5613> thou hast believed <4100>(5656), so be it done <1096>(5676) unto thee <4671>. And <2532> his <846> servant <3816> was healed <2390>(5681) in <1722> the selfsame <1565> hour <5610>.
14. And <2532> when Jesus <2424> was come <2064>(5631) into <1519> Peter's <4074> house <3614>, he saw <1492>(5627) his <846> wife's mother <3994> laid <906>(5772), and <2532> sick of a fever <4445>(5723).
15. And <2532> he touched <680>(5662) her <846> hand <5495>, and <2532> the fever <4446> left <863>(5656) her <846>: and <2532> she arose <1453>(5681), and <2532> ministered <1247>(5707) unto them <846>.
16. When <1161> the even <3798> was come <1096>(5637), they brought <4374>(5656) unto him <846> many <4183> that were possessed with devils <1139>(5740): and <2532> he cast out <1544>(5627) the spirits <4151> with his word <3056>, and <2532> healed <2323>(5656) all <3956> that were <2192>(5723) sick <2560>:
17. That it might <3704> be fulfilled <4137>(5686) which was spoken <4483>(5685) by <1223> Esaias <2268> the prophet <4396>, saying <3004>(5723), Himself <846> took <2983>(5627) our <2257> infirmities <769>, and <2532> bare <941>(5656) our sicknesses <3554>.
18. Now <1161> when Jesus <2424> saw <1492>(5631) great <4183> multitudes <3793> about <4012> him <848>, he gave commandment <2753>(5656) to depart <565>(5629) unto <1519> the other side <4008>.
19. And <2532> a certain <1520> scribe <1122> came <4334>(5631), and said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Master <1320>, I will follow <190>(5692) thee <4671> whithersoever <1437> <3699> thou goest <565>(5741).
20. And <2532> Jesus <2424> saith <3004>(5719) unto him <846>, The foxes <258> have <2192>(5719) holes <5454>, and <2532> the birds <4071> of the air <3772> have nests <2682>; but <1161> the Son <5207> of man <444> hath <2192>(5719) not <3756> where <4226> to lay <2827>(5725) his head <2776>.
21. And <1161> another <2087> of his <846> disciples <3101> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Lord <2962>, suffer <2010>(5657) me <3427> first <4412> to go <565>(5629) and <2532> bury <2290>(5658) my <3450> father <3962>.
22. But <1161> Jesus <2424> said <2036>(5627) unto him <846>, Follow <190>(5720) me <3427>; and <2532> let <863>(5628) the dead <3498> bury <2290>(5658) their <1438> dead <3498>.
23. And <2532> when he was entered <1684>(5631) into <1519> a ship <4143>, his <846> disciples <3101> followed <190>(5656) him <846>.
24. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), there arose <1096>(5633) a great <3173> tempest <4578> in <1722> the sea <2281>, insomuch that <5620> the ship <4143> was covered <2572>(5745) with <5259> the waves <2949>: but <1161> he <846> was asleep <2518>(5707).
25. And <2532> his <846> disciples <3101> came <4334>(5631) to him, and awoke <1453>(5656) him <846>, saying <3004>(5723), Lord <2962>, save <4982>(5657) us <2248>: we perish <622>(5731).
26. And <2532> he saith <3004>(5719) unto them <846>, Why <5101> are ye <2075>(5748) fearful <1169>, O ye of little faith <3640>? Then <5119> he arose <1453>(5685), and rebuked <2008>(5656) the winds <417> and <2532> the sea <2281>; and <2532> there was <1096>(5633) a great <3173> calm <1055>.
27. But <1161> the men <444> marvelled <2296>(5656), saying <3004>(5723), What manner of man <4217> is <2076>(5748) this <3778>, that <3754> even <2532> the winds <417> and <2532> the sea <2281> obey <5219>(5719) him <846>!
28. And <2532> when he <846> was come <2064>(5631) to <1519> the other side <4008> into <1519> the country <5561> of the Gergesenes <1086>, there met <5221>(5656) him <846> two <1417> possessed with devils <1139>(5740), coming <1831>(5740) out of <1537> the tombs <3419>, exceeding <3029> fierce <5467>, so that <5620> no <3361> man <5100> might <2480>(5721) pass <3928>(5629) by <1223> that <1565> way <3598>.
29. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), they cried out <2896>(5656), saying <3004>(5723), What <5101> have we <2254> to do with <2532> thee <4671>, Jesus <2424>, thou Son <5207> of God <2316>? art thou come <2064>(5627) hither <5602> to torment <928>(5658) us <2248> before <4253> the time <2540>?
30. And <1161> there was <2258>(5713) a good way off <3112> from <575> them <846> an herd <34> of many <4183> swine <5519> feeding <1006>(5746).
31. So <1161> the devils <1142> besought <3870>(5707) him <846>, saying <3004>(5723), If <1487> thou cast <1544> <0> us <2248> out <1544>(5719), suffer <2010>(5657) us <2254> to go away <565>(5629) into <1519> the herd <34> of swine <5519>.
32. And <2532> he said <2036>(5627) unto them <846>, Go <5217>(5720). And <1161> when they were come out <1831>(5631), they went <565>(5627) into <1519> the herd <34> of swine <5519>: and <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), the whole <3956> herd <34> of swine <5519> ran violently <3729>(5656) down <2596> a steep place <2911> into <1519> the sea <2281>, and <2532> perished <599>(5627) in <1722> the waters <5204>.
33. And <1161> they that kept <1006>(5723) them fled <5343>(5627), and <2532> went their ways <565>(5631) into <1519> the city <4172>, and told <518>(5656) every thing <3956>, and <2532> what was befallen to the possessed of the devils <1139>(5740).
34. And <2532>, behold <2400>(5628), the whole <3956> city <4172> came out <1831>(5627) to <1519> meet <4877> Jesus <2424>: and <2532> when they saw <1492>(5631) him <846>, they besought <3870>(5656) him that <3704> he would depart <3327>(5632) out of <575> their coasts <3725>.