# verses

text:
Yet I am calling you alongside to aid and encourage (or: Now I am performing as a paraclete for) you, brothers (= fellow believers; = my family). Progressively uphold the word of the encouraging calling-alongside for aid and exhortation (or: the message which pertains to and has its origin in the Paraclete), for I also send it to you through a brief letter.


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Know (or: Take note and be personally aware) <n>[that]</n> our brother Timothy, has been released, with whom, if he may more quickly be going (or: coming), I will see you.


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Greet and embrace all the folks taking the lead among you, and all the set-apart folks (the holy ones; the saints). Those from Italy (or: The Italians <n>[here]</n>) are constantly embracing and greeting you folks (or: Those <n>[here]</n> are now sending you greetings from Italy).


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Grace and joyous favor <n>[are]</n> with all of you! <n>[written circa A.D. 67 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Jacob (or: James) a slave belonging to God and to <n>[the]</n> Lord, Jesus Christ (or: a slave pertaining to God, even in fact, really, to <n>[the]</n> Lord and Owner <n>[or, perhaps: = Yahweh]</n>, Jesus Christ), to the twelve tribes (or: sprouts and branches which sprang forth) who are to be constantly rejoicing within the scattering (or: which are within the midst of the dispersion <n>[= the planting]</n>, "To constant joy and gladness!").


text:
My brothers (= fellow Israelites, or, fellow believers; = My family), lead every rejoicing (or: lead the path of all joy) whenever you may fall into – so as to be encompassed by – various trials (or: multi-faceted ordeals; <n>[a tapestry of]</n> tests and provings; or: experiments and attempts of varying hues),


text:
habitually knowing by intimate experience and insight that the thing by means of which your faith, trust and confidence is proved (tested and accepted) is continually producing (or: is progressively working down-in the results of) persistent patient endurance (a steadfast remaining and dwelling under some ordeal or situation; or: a holding up under sustained attacks; or: a relentless giving of sustaining support).


text:
But patient endurance (remaining under and/or sustained support) must habitually be having a work brought to completion (a complete action; a perfect work; a mature production which reaches its goal) to the intent that you may be (or: can exist as) perfect ones (complete, matured and finished folks who have attained the goal), even ones having an entire allotment (or: whole folks having every part), being left behind in nothing (or: lacking not one thing).


text:
So, if any one of you is continually left behind (or: lacking) in regard to wisdom, he must keep on asking (requesting) from the side (= immediate presence) of the God <n>[Who is]</n> continuously giving to everyone singly (one at a time; or: simply; or: = generously) and is not constantly reproaching or demeaning, and it will proceed being given to him.


text:
Yet he must keep on asking in faith and conviction (or: continue making <n>[his]</n> request in union with trust), making not one hesitation from habitually distinguishing and constantly evaluating differences (undecidedly separating throughout; discerning between uncertain points; judging dividedly to produce doubt) within himself, for the person repeatedly making undecided distinctions (making a separation and judging dividedly unto doubt) within himself is like a surge of the sea, being constantly raised and tossed by the wind.


text:
For that man must not habitually suppose (or: normally assume) that he will continue receiving (or: taking in hand; seizing; getting) anything from beside (= from being in the presence of) the Lord <n>[= Yahweh, or, Christ]</n>.


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A two-souled (or: = divided-willed; or: = emotionally split) adult male <n>[is]</n> unstable (unfixed; inconstant; turbulent) in all his ways.


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Now let the low (humble; not rising far from the ground) brother (or: fellow member/believer) continually boast (or: be habitually loud-mouthed) in his height (or: exaltation),


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but the rich, in his lowness (or: humiliation; depression), because he will be progressively passing by as a flower of grass (or: = a wildflower).


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For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the grass, and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its face (= loveliness of its appearance) loses itself (finds destruction in itself). Thus also, the rich one will proceed in being extinguished (faded; withered) in his goings (journeys; business; ventures; way of life).


text:
Happy and blessed is the adult male <n>[A and other MSS: person]</n> who is continuously remaining under a proving (a putting to the proof; or: a trial; an ordeal), because upon being birthed approved (or: growing and becoming proved and accepted) he will continue laying hold of the circle of the life (or: life's crown; life's encirclement; the encirclement from this living existence; or: the wreath which is the Life) which He <n>[some MSS: the Lord (= Yahweh or Christ)]</n> Himself promised to those continuously loving Him.


text:
Let no one, while being continuously probed and put to the proof, be saying "I am constantly being probed and put to the proof (tested; tried) in an ordeal from God, " for God is One Who is not put through an ordeal, not probed, put to the proof or tried, and is <n>[thus]</n> without experience from not having made an attempt, in regard to things of bad quality (or: you see, God exists un-testable and, lacks experience, from worthless situations or evil things or mean people), and so He Himself is repeatedly probing no one, nor constantly putting even one person in a test, to the proof or through an ordeal.


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Yet each person is repeatedly probed and put to the proof (tested and tried in an ordeal), being continuously dragged (or: drawn) out and entrapped under his own over-covering passion (by his own longing, craving or lust; by what he sets his desires upon).


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Thereafter, with the over-covering passion conceiving (seizing together so as to become pregnant), it continuously gives birth to failure (or: repeatedly brings forth an offspring of missing the target; progressively bears sin). Now the failure (error; sin; missing of the target), being brought to full term (being finished off; being fully formed with all its parts; being brought to its goal) continues producing (keeps generating; from pregnancy progressively bears forth) death.


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Do not be repeatedly caused to wander (or: Be not continuously deceived), my beloved brothers (= family members; = fellow believers)!


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Every good leaving of a legacy, profitable contributing or excellent dosing, as well as all virtuous giving, and (or: All giving <n>[is]</n> beneficial, and yet), every perfect gift (finished, complete or mature result of giving) is from above, descending from the Father of the lights, beside Whom there is no otherness at <n>[His]</n> side (or: in the presence of Whom is no parallel otherness; <n>[other MSS: along with Whom {is} not one interchange, variation, shifting or mutation]</n>), nor a shadow cast by turning <n>[other MSS: an effect caused by the passing of shadows]</n>.


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Being purposed (intended; willed), from pregnancy He brought us forth by a Word (collected thought; message) of Truth and Reality – <n>[placed]</n> into us – to be (or: to continuously exist being) a specific firstfruit of His created beings (or: of the effects of His act of creating; or: from the results of the creation which is Himself).


text:
You folks have seen and are aware, so understand, perceive and know <n>[this]</n>, my beloved brothers. So every person must continuously be quick (swift) into the <n>[position or place]</n> to listen and hear, slow into the <n>[readiness]</n> to make vocal utterance, <n>[and]</n> slow into intrinsic fervor (internal swelling of passion; teeming desire; or: agitation; anger; or: a particular mental bent).


text:
For you see, an adult male's intrinsic fervor (or: mental bent; temperament; disposition; or: swelling desire and passionate longing; or: anger and indignation) is not working out (producing; bringing into effect) God's fair and equitable dealing (or: rightwised situation which accords to the Way pointed out, in right relationship; the quality of the thing which is right and just; also: = the covenant life from God).


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For this reason, putting away from yourselves all filthiness and encompassing superabundance of bad quality (ugliness; baseness; malice; evil; qualities that ought not to be), you folks must receive (take with your hands) in gentleness (meekness) the implanted (ingenerated) Word (collected thought; idea; message), the One being continuously able (or: the one which is constantly powerful) to deliver (rescue; keep safe; heal and make whole) your souls (your inner self and being).


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Now you must continuously come to be (or: be progressively birthed) performers of <n>[the]</n> Word (or: makers of collected thought; framers of an idea; authors of a message; producers of reason; <n>[the]</n> Word's doers), and not only hearing ones (listeners; those hearing in an auditorium), continuously deceiving (reckoning aside; miscalculating) yourselves. (another combination of these options yields: So you folks must be progressively birthed to be authors of a message, and not only those in an auditorium, continuously miscalculating yourselves.)


text:
Because if someone is a hearer of <n>[the]</n> Word (a listener to a thought, idea or message) and not a doer (performer; producer), this one is like (resembles) an adult male contemplating (considering; attentively pondering) in a mirror the face of his birth (genesis; origin; existence; generation; lineage; or: = the face with which he was born):


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for he contemplated himself and has departed, and immediately forgot of what sort (quality; manner) he was.


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But the one stooping down beside in order to attentively view into (giving a penetrating look into) the perfect (finished and realized; matured; completed; full-grown and fully developed; purposed and destined) law – the one which is freedom (or: the one whose source is, and which has the qualities of, freedom and liberty) – and then remaining (abiding; dwelling) beside <n>[it]</n> – not being birthed (or: coming to be) a hearer of forgetfulness (or: a forgetful listener), but rather a performer of work (a producer of action) – this person will continue being happy and blessed within his performing and in union with his producing.


text:
Now if someone habitually supposes <n>[himself]</n> (or: thinks <n>[himself]</n>; presumes; or: constantly appears or seems) to be religious (occupied with rituals and ceremonies), while not habitually guiding his tongue with a bridle, but rather is repeatedly deceiving his heart, the religion (ritual; observance of a religious system) of this person is useless (futile; empty).


text:
Pure (clean) and unstained (undefiled) religion, by the side of (= in the presence of) God, even the Father, is this: to habitually visit so as to continuously look upon with the eyes in order to help (or: oversee) orphans and widows within the midst of their pressure (squeezing; distress; ordeal; tribulation); to habitually keep oneself unspotted from the controlling ordered System (or: the world of secular culture, religion, economy and government).


text:
My brothers (= fellow believers, or, fellow Israelites, or, Family), stop, or do not have the habit of, holding the faith of Jesus Christ, our Lord (Master; Owner), Who is the glory (the manifestation Who calls forth praise), in respect of persons (or: do not persist in holding our Lord's <n>[= Yahweh's or Christ's]</n> trust in partiality or favoritism, or in the receiving of faces or personalities, thus affecting the reputation of Jesus Christ).


text:
For if a gold-ringed adult male, in a shining or radiant robe, may enter into your gathering (or: synagogue), but then a poor person (one reduced to beggary; an indigent) in a dirty or filthy robe (or: shabby clothing) may also enter,


text:
and you should look upon (or: gaze upon and regard) the one wearing the shining robe (= expensive, new clothes), and you may say, "You sit here in a fine and beautiful <n>[manner or position]</n> (= in a place of honor), " and to the poor one you may say, "You stand there, " or, "You sit under my footstool (= on the floor near my feet; = a place beneath my position), "


text:
are you not thoroughly separated and disconnected within yourselves (or: discriminating and making a distinction among yourselves) and have birthed yourselves to become (or: caused yourselves to be) judges having the qualities of evil reasonings (or: decision makers whose motives are wicked designs and harmful logistics)?


text:
Listen and hear, my beloved brothers! Did not God at one point choose (call and speak out; pick out; select) for Himself the poor folks in the System (or: Does not God Himself lay out and collect the beggars and those who slink and cower with wretchedness in the world of society, culture, religion and government) – rich folks in faith, trust, loyalty and conviction, and also heirs (those who possess by distribution of an allotment) of the reign and kingdom which He promised to and assured for those continually loving Him?


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But you folks dishonor and devalue the poor. Are not the rich people continuously exploiting you people, repeatedly exercising <n>[their]</n> power and abilities against you? Are they not continually dragging you into courts of law for judicial hearings?


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Are they not constantly defaming (slandering; speaking abusively of; vilifying; or: hindering the light of) the beautiful (fine; excellent; honorable; ideal) Name – the one being called upon (= put upon), and conferred on, you folks?


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Since, however (or: If, really), you are continuously bringing to its goal (finishing; bringing to fruition; perfecting; ending; bringing to a close; fulfilling) the royal law (or: kingly custom; sovereign distribution; rule fit to guide a king), you are performing beautifully (doing ideally; producing excellently), down from and in accord with the Scripture, "You will continue loving your neighbor (the one near you; your associate) as yourself." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bLev. 19:18'>Lev. 19:18</a>]</n>


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Yet if you habitually show favoritism (accept faces; behave with partiality), you are continuously working error (a miss of the target; a failure; sin) being ones by proof of guilt repeatedly convicted as transgressors (folks stepping aside or across <n>[the line]</n>), under the Law (or: exposed as deviators by the custom).


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For you see, whoever perhaps kept (or: may have guarded and observed) the whole Law, yet possibly at some point stumbled in one thing, had become held (or: caught) within all <n>[its aspects]</n> (or: = is liable for and susceptible to everything).


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You see, the One saying, "You should (or: may) not commit adultery, " also said, "You should (or: may) not murder." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 20:13'>Ex. 20:13</a>]</n> Now if you are not committing adultery, yet you are now being a murderer, you have come to be (you have been birthed) a transgressor of (a deviator from; <n>[<i>p</i>74 and A read: one who stands away from]</n>) law (or: custom).


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Thus keep on speaking and thus keep on doing (performing): as those being continuously about to be separated and decided about (evaluated; judged; made a distinction between; scrutinized) through means of a law (or: custom; <n>[<i>p</i>74: word; message]</n>) of freedom and liberty.


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For you see, the separating and deciding (or: scrutinizing and judging) is merciless to the one not performing mercy. Mercy is consistently speaking loudly and boasting down against evaluating and separating (making decisions; scrutinizing; judging)!


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What is the advantage (the furtherance; the increase), my brothers (= fellow believers; = family) if a certain person may keep on claiming to continuously have faith (or: may be now saying <n>[that he is]</n> habitually having trust, loyalty and conviction), yet he may not normally have works (or: keep on possessing actions and deeds)? Is the faith (trust; loyalty; conviction) not continuing able (constantly having power) to deliver (rescue; save; make whole and heal; restore) him?


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Now if a brother or a sister may continuously subsist (or: should begin now in a position under <n>[circumstances]</n>) as naked ones (= without sufficient clothing), and may constantly be deserted (or: wanting) of daily food,


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yet a certain person out from among you folks may be saying to them, "Be now humbly departing in peace (or: Continue leading <n>[your life]</n> under <n>[these circumstances]</n> in union with harmony), be continuously warming yourselves and be habitually fed and fully satisfy yourselves, " but you would not give to them the body's necessities – what is the advantage or resulting benefit?


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Thus also <n>[is]</n> the faith (the trust, conviction and loyalty): if it should not continue to have works (include actions; possess deeds; have employment), by itself it exists being dead (or: is lifeless; = is a corpse) in correspondence to its own nature (in the sphere of itself).


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Yet someone will say, "You continuously have (hold) faith, and I continuously have (or: possess) works (actions; deeds). You at once show me (exhibit to my eyes) your faith apart from the works or actions, and I, forth from out of the midst of my actions and works, will continue showing (exhibiting to) you my faith, trust, conviction and loyalty."


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You continuously believe (or: trust; are convinced) that God is One (or: that God exists being One; that One exists being God; or: that there is one God). <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 6:4'>Deut. 6:4</a>]</n> You are performing (doing) beautifully (excellently; ideally) – even the demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences) continuously believe (or: presently trust; are constantly loyal; are normally convinced <n>[about this]</n>), and constantly shudder (bristle; shiver; are ruffled). <n>[comment: in this last phrase Jacob is either making an ontological statement about “demons, ” or he is using sarcasm, referring in a derogatory manner to the Jews who also believe this; Jesus used the term <i>diablos</i> (devil; one who thrusts-through folks) to refer to Judas in <a class='xref' href='bJohn 6:70'>John 6:70</a>; He used the term <i>satan</i> when speaking to Peter in <a class='xref' href='bMark 8:33'>Mark 8:33</a>; this phrase could also refer to the superstitious mindsets of folks who have believed Jewish or pagan myths, or have accepted animistic influences into their thinking]</n>


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But are you willing to experientially and intimately know and receive insight, O empty person, that the faith, trust and loyalty, apart from the works and actions, exists being inactive (continues unproductive; <n>[<i>p</i>74 reads: empty; without contents; other MSS: is dead]</n>)?


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Our father Abraham was not placed within the Way pointed out (made fair and equitable; put in right relationship; rightwised; made a just one; also: = placed in covenant) from out of works, when offering up his son Isaac upon the altar!


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Are you normally seeing that the faith, trust and loyalty continued to work together with his actions and works, and forth from out of the actions (or: works), faith (trust, loyalty and conviction) was brought to its goal (was perfected; was matured; was finished)?


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And thus the Scripture was made full, the one saying, "Now Abraham believed (or: put trust and confidence) in God (or: became persuaded by God; adhered to God), and he was counted into the Way pointed out by Him (or: he was considered rightwised by Him; he was reckoned fair, equitable and just in Him; alternately: so it was counted into right relation <n>[= covenant inclusion]</n> for him), " <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 15:6'>Ex. 15:6</a>]</n> and he was called "God's friend." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 41:8'>Isa. 41:8</a>]</n>


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Are you folks normally observing (or: perceiving) that humanity (or: a person) is normally being rightwised (from time to time being placed in right relationship in the Way pointed out; progressively made fair and equitable; normally justified; = put in covenant) forth from out of the midst of actions and works, and not only from out of faith and trust?


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Now in this same vein, even Rahab the prostitute, taking under <n>[her roof]</n> and welcoming the agents (messengers), and then later exiting them by a different way, was not rightwised (placed in right relationship in the Way pointed out; made fair and equitable; justified; or: shown to be righteous; also: = brought into covenant) forth from out of works.


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You see, just as the body apart from a breath-effect (or: spirit) is lifeless (dead), thus also the faith and trust apart from actions and works <n>[i.e., the living it out]</n> is (exists being) lifeless (dead).


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My brothers (= fellow members), do not continue to become many teachers (or: stop becoming a bunch of instructors; or: let not many of you folks proceed to be made teachers), seeing, and knowing, that we shall receive <n>[a]</n> greater effect from the decision (or: will take more intense scrutiny and evaluation; will get a stronger result of the separation; will receive heavier judgment),


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for we all are tripping and stumbling (= making mistakes) many times <n>[and]</n> are causing many to entangle their feet, lose balance, and stumble. If anyone is not continually stumbling in word (or: collected thought; reason; or: = what he says), this one is a mature male adult (or: a perfect husband; = a complete and finished person), with power and able also to guide the whole body <n>[as]</n> with a bridle.


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Now if we are thrusting the bridle bits into the horses' mouths to make them continually yield themselves to us, we also continually lead together (or: change the course of and direct) their whole body.


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Consider also the ships, being of so great size, and being constantly driven under rough and hard winds. They are continually steered under (or: by) the smallest rudder, wherever the impulse of the helmsman (the one presently guiding straight and right) continues determining and intending.


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Thus also, the tongue is a little member of the body, and yet is continuously making a great boast <n>[other MSS: constantly brags about great things]</n> – consider how great a forest a little fire progressively sets ablaze (or: lights up)!


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Well the tongue <n>[is]</n> a fire; <n>[its fuel is]</n> the System of injustice (or: the ordered and decorated but dominating world of secular culture, religion, politics and government which is unjust; or: The tongue, also, <n>[is]</n> fire: the world of disregard for what is right). The tongue is placed down within our members, continuously spotting (staining; = defiling) the whole body, and repeatedly setting on fire the wheel of birth (= the cycle of the origin <n>[of life]</n>, or of generation; the wheel of genesis), as well as being continuously set on fire by (or: under) the garbage dump (the depository of refuse; Greek: Gehenna – the Valley of Hinnom).


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For every nature, both of wild animals and of flying creatures, both of creeping animals and of those in the salt sea, is continuously being restrained (tamed) and has been restrained by the nature of man (the human nature).


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But the tongue – an unruly (un-restrainable; other MSS: unfixed; unstable; restless), worthless (ugly; bad; malicious; unrefined; harmful; base) <n>[member]</n>, full of death-bearing venom – no one of humanity is able (continues having power) to subdue, restrain or tame.


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With it we continuously speak well of (or: speak a good word about; bless) the Lord <n>[other MSS: God]</n> and Father, and with it we constantly curse (pray down upon) those men having been born “according to (down from and corresponding to) God's likeness.” <n>[<a class='xref' href='bGen. 1:26-27'>Gen. 1:26-27</a>]</n>


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Out of the same mouth is continuously coming forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, there is no need (or: it is not necessary) for these things thus to be repeatedly birthed (or: to keep on happening in this way).


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A spring (or: fountain) is not continuously bursting forth the sweet and the bitter (or: cutting and pricking; <n>[<i>p</i>74: salty]</n>) out of the same hole (or: opening).


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My brothers, a fig tree is not able to produce olives, nor a grape-vine figs, neither brine to produce sweet water.


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Who <n>[is]</n> wise and understanding (adept) among you? Let him at once exhibit (show; present to the sight and demonstrate) his works and actions out of beautiful behavior (fine, ideal, excellent and appropriate conduct) in gentleness of (or: considerateness from) wisdom.


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Yet if you folks continuously have bitter rivalry (or: jealousy) and selfish ambition (or: faction) in your heart, do not habitually boast (exult) and lie (speak falsely or deceitfully) concerning the truth or reality (or: are you not now vaunting against and falsifying the truth?).


text:
This is not the wisdom continuously coming down from above, but rather <n>[is]</n> upon the earth (or: earthly; terrestrial), pertaining to or proceeding from the soul (soulful; having the mind, will and emotions as its source; = natural), pertaining to, or proceeding from, or having the characteristics of demons <n>[Hellenistic term and concept; = influences thought of in that period and culture as being animistic or personified]</n>. <n>[comment: note that the three adjectives "earthly, " "natural/soulish, " and "demonic" are tied together to this same context, as being of the same sphere of being – or, fruit of the same tree]</n>


text:
For where <n>[there is]</n> jealousy (rivalry) and selfish ambition (faction; intrigue), in that place <n>[is]</n> instability (disorder; an unsettled state) and every ignoble (base; vile; worthless) practice.


text:
But the wisdom from above is (constantly exists being) indeed first (or: primarily) pure, thereafter peaceable (or: peaceful; pertaining to peace and harmony), suitable (fair; reasonably lenient; yielding; unassertive; considerate), compliant (easily persuaded; receptive; reasonable; willing to yield), full of mercy (= practical help) and good fruits, non-separating (not discriminatory; undivided in evaluating; unwavering; unprejudiced), unpretending (or: not hyper-critical; not judging from a low point of view; not focusing on tiny distinctions; not overly judgmental; not under-estimating of reality).


text:
Now the fruit of fair and equitable dealing (justice and right relationship in accord with the Way pointed out; the condition of being rightwised, or turned in the right direction; also: = covenant participation) is continuously being sown in peace and harmony by and for those habitually performing (making; doing; producing) peace and harmony. <n>[comment: fruit of the Spirit, or, from the Tree of Life]</n>


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From what situation (place; source) <n>[arise]</n> battles (or: wars; situations of combat) and fights (quarrels; strife; controversies) among you folks? Are they not from this source (or: place): from out of your sensual pleasures (enjoyments and gratifications) <n>[which are]</n> themselves continually performing as soldiers within your members?


text:
You folks are continuously strongly desiring to possess, and yet continuously you do not have; you continue murdering and are repeatedly jealous (boil with rivalry), and so you are perpetually unable to hit the mark (to attain or master <n>[something]</n>). You are habitually quarreling and fighting. (or: You people constantly have full longing, desire and lust – and still you are not presently holding or possessing – and so you repeatedly murder. You are progressively envious, boiling with rivalry, and yet continue having no power to obtain <n>[your goal]</n>, so you are constantly striving and having controversies – even doing combat and waging wars!) You continue not having <n>[your desires]</n> because you yourself do not continue asking (or: you are not normally asking for yourselves).


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You continue asking (requesting), and yet are not receiving because you are asking inappropriately (worthlessly requesting; or: = asking for a wrong purpose) to the intent that you may spend (= waste) it in (or: on) your pleasures.


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Adulterers and adulteresses (= Folks unfaithful to Christ or God as your husband)! Have you not seen, and are you not aware, that the System's friendship (the affection whose source is this world of religion, secular culture, economy and government) is a source of enmity with God (or: hostility and active hatred with regard to God; <n>[Aleph reads: exists being alienation to God]</n>)? Whoever, then, may have been made to want (to intend; to purpose) to be the System's (or: world's) friend is continuing to be established (habitually set down; progressively rendered or constituted) <n>[as]</n> God's alienated and hostile person.


text:
Or are you supposing that the Scripture is speaking void of effect (emptily; vainly)? The breath-effect (or: spirit) which housed-down in us normally sets its desire (longing; affection; yearning) upon <n>[something]</n>, <n>[with a view]</n> toward ill-will, malice, envy and jealousy! (or: The Spirit – which He causes to dwell in union with us – is constantly longing and progressively yearning <n>[for us]</n>: to the point of bubbling up zeal and enthusiasm. or: Is the spirit and attitude which lives within us periodically longing toward envy?)


text:
Yet He is constantly and progressively giving greater (= more abundant; more intense; larger; more frequent) grace and favor, therefore it is saying "God continuously sets Himself in opposition to, and aligns Himself against, those that show themselves above (the proud; the assuming), but He habitually gives grace and favor to the low ones (the unassuming ones; the humble ones; those of low rank)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bProv. 3:34'>Prov. 3:34</a>]</n>


text:
Consequently, you must be subjected by (or: be at once placed and arranged under in; be humbly aligned with and to) God. So stand in opposition to the <n>[or: your]</n> adversary (or: take a stand <n>[as in battle]</n> against the one trying to thrust you through <n>[with a weapon]</n>), and he will progressively flee (take flight) away from you!


text:
Draw near in God (or: Approach by God; Be close at hand for God; Be or stay near to God), and He will progressively draw near in you (or: continue being or staying near to you; habitually be close at hand for you)! You failing folks (ones missing the target; sinners), cleanse <n>[your]</n> hands (= your actions)! You two-souled folks (or: double-minded ones; people with split affections and loyalties), purify (make of one substance) <n>[your]</n> hearts!


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You folks must endure labor and hardships, and be miserable and wretched; you must mourn, and you must cry; your laughter must be converted into mourning, and joy into dejection with <n>[your]</n> eyes cast down;


text:
you folks must consequently be made low (humbled; demoted; brought to a low station), in the Lord's sight (= in <n>[Yahweh's, or Christ's]</n> presence), and then He will progressively lift you up (or: continue elevating you).


text:
Brothers (= believers in God’s household) do not be continuously (or: stop constantly) speaking down (or: gossiping or babbling; wearing someone down by talking; talking a person down) against one another. The one habitually speaking down against a brother (= a fellow believer, or, a fellow Israelite; or: = a member of God’s household), and continuously judging (separating and making decisions about) his brother, is continuously speaking down against law, and thus keeps on judging (making separations and then decisions about) law. Now if you continue judging law, you are not being a performer (a doer) of law, but rather, a judge (one who makes separations and decisions).


text:
There is one Lawgiver and Separator (Decider; Evaluator; Judge): the One being continuously able and powerful to deliver (rescue; heal; save; restore to wholeness), as well as to cause loss (or: bring a condition of utter ruin; or: cause <n>[something or someone]</n> to be lost; or: destroy). So you, who are you, the one continuously judging the one near you (repeatedly separating the neighbor; or: presently making decisions about <n>[your]</n> associate)?


text:
Come now, those continuously saying, "Today or tomorrow we will proceed traveling into this or that city and produce (make; perform; do <n>[something]</n>) one year there, and then we can trade (or: conduct business) and make a profit, "


text:
– namely, those who are not in the habit of putting their attention upon the thing of tomorrow (or: who are not normally versed in or acquainted with the morrow; or: are not now standing upon tomorrow). Of what sort <n>[is]</n> your life? You see, you folks are (or: exist being) a vapor (a mist), progressively (or: repeatedly) appearing for a little while (toward a little space), and thereupon continually (or: repeatedly) being made to disappear –


text:
Instead of that, you should be saying, "If the Lord <n>[= Yahweh, or, Christ]</n> should will (or: intend), we also will continue living and will proceed doing (or: producing) this or that."


text:
Yet now you continue speaking loudly (boasting; gloating) in your empty, bragging speech and displays. All such boasting is bad (harmful; painfully laborious; miserable).


text:
So for one (or: in a man; to a person) having seen and thus knowing to be continually performing <n>[the]</n> beautiful (doing <n>[the]</n> ideal; making <n>[the]</n> good; producing <n>[the]</n> excellent), and then not habitually performing (doing) <n>[it]</n>, in him it is a failure (for him it is error; to him it is sin; by him it is a missing of the target and a deviation from the goal).


text:
Continue leading on now, you wealthy folks, burst into tears while continuously uttering cries of distress upon your repeatedly recurring hardships (difficulties and wretchedness which must be endured).


text:
Your gold and silver have been corrupted with poison (or: corroded and covered with oxidation), and their venom (or: corrosion) will proceed being unto you a witness (or: evidence) and will progressively eat your flesh (= the enslaved and alienated self; = the human nature that has been molded by and conformed to the System) as fire. You folks pile up a treasure hoard in the midst of last days!


text:
Consider and look to the worker's wage – that having been withheld by you which belongs to those mowing your farms – which constantly utters (or: shouts) a cry, and now the outcries and shouts of those gathering in the harvest have entered into the ears of the Lord of hosts (= Yahweh of Armies)!


text:
You folks live a soft life in delicate luxury (or: You self-indulge) and take excessive comfort and live in wanton pleasure upon the land. You nourish your hearts in the midst of (or: = fatten yourselves up for) a day of slaughter!


text:
You oppose fairness, equity and justice, while you degrade the way pointed out; you murder the fair and equitable person (the just one; the one in accord with the way pointed out; the righteous; or: the innocent); he is not normally setting himself opposed to you (or: is He not now aligning Himself against you, and resisting you folks?).


text:
Be patient (long-tempered; long-passioned; slow to rush; or: Have long-term feelings and emotions), then, brothers, during the continuance of the Lord's <n>[= Yahweh's, or, Christ's]</n> presence and His being alongside. Consider! The worker of the land repeatedly receives (takes out into his hands from within) the precious fruit of the land, being patient (slow to rush and with long-term feelings) upon it during the continuance where it can receive “an early as well as a latter (or: late) rain.” <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 11:14'>Deut. 11:14</a>]</n>


text:
You, too, be patient (be slow to rush while maintaining long-term feelings); establish (place supports and make stable; firmly set) your hearts, because the Lord's <n>[= Yahweh's or Christ's]</n> presence has drawn near (has approached and now exists close to us).


text:
Brothers, do not be groaning down against (or: sighing in relation to; or, may = complaining about or blaming) one another, so that you may not be separated and have a decision made (or: be put asunder, scrutinized and judged). Consider! The Decider (the Separator, Evaluator and Judge) has taken a stand, and now continues standing before the doors.


text:
Brothers, take the prophets who spoke within <n>[the authority of]</n>, and in union with, the Name of the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> as an example to be copied: of experiencing worthless responses and bad conditions while suffering from harmful treatment and evil – as well as of patience (long-suffering; slow-rushing; long-term feelings).


text:
Consider! We are calling happy and blessed those remaining under (or: patiently and humbly enduring; or: steadfast and supporting). You heard <n>[about]</n> the persistent remaining under (steadfast, patient and humble endurance) of Job, and you saw the Lord's <n>[= Yahweh's]</n> goal (the end attained by the Lord; the Lord's completion), because “the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> is great of tender affections (literally: great of internal organs; full of guts) and is empathetically compassionate.” <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 34:6'>Ex. 34:6</a>]</n>


text:
Now before all things (= above all; but especially; or: before all mankind), my brothers, do not be in the habit of promising by swearing <n>[to, or, by]</n> either the heaven (or: atmosphere; sky), nor the earth (or: land), nor any other oath. But let your affirmation continually be, "Yes, " and the negative, "No, " to the intent that you may not fall under a process of judging (or: fall by an act of separating for a decision, or by scrutinizing, or by discriminating).


text:
Is anyone among you folks continually experiencing bad things (misfortune; ugly situations; evil)? Let him be habitually thinking with a view to ease and well-being and repeatedly speak toward goodness (or: pray). Is someone normally cheerful and in good spirits? Let him play a stringed or percussion instrument and make music or sing psalms.


text:
Is anyone among you habitually experiencing weakness or normally infirm? Let him at once call to himself the older folks of the called-out community, and then let them speak well-being (or: pray goodness) upon him, anointing (or: massaging) him with olive oil in union with and in <n>[the authority of]</n> the Lord's <n>[= Yahweh's, or, Christ's]</n> Name,


text:
and then faith's impartation of well-being (or: the prayer which comes from trust; the desire of conviction) will progressively deliver (restore to health; rescue; save) the one being continuously labored to weariness and exhaustion, and then the Lord <n>[= Christ, or, Yahweh, ]</n> will proceed causing him to rise, and if it may be he has been making mistakes (performing amiss; doing acts which miss the goal) it will proceed being caused to flow away from him (sent forth for him; let go off in him; forgiven to him).


text:
Consequently, make it a habit to fully speak in accordance with and admit (or: openly speaking out similarly about) your failures (errors; misses of the target; sins) among another folks (or: to one another), and then be habitually speaking toward having well-being over <n>[those failures]</n> of other folks (or: continue praying and thinking goodness on behalf of one another), in such a manner that you folks would be cured (or, as an indicative: as you are instantly healed). A binding need (or: a petition and an entreaty out of need) of a person within the Way pointed out (of a fair and equitable person; of one in right relationship; of a rightwised and rightly aligned man; of a just one) – which progressively works inwardly and itself continuously creates energy from union – constantly exerts much strength.


text:
Elijah was a person (a human being) of like experiences and emotions with us, and with a thought toward having things be well, he spoke toward goodness and ease (or: prayed) for it to not rain, and it did not rain upon the land <n>[for]</n> three years and six months.


text:
And back again he spoke toward having goodness (or: offered prayer), and the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven) gave rain, and then the land germinated and produced her fruit.


text:
My brothers (= Dear family), if someone among you may be led astray (caused to wander) away from the Truth and reality, and someone should (or: would) turn him back,


text:
continue knowing from experience and realize that this one turning back a sinner (a failure; one missing the goal; one living in error or under a mistake) out of <n>[the]</n> straying of his way (or: from the midst of his path of wandering), will proceed delivering (rescuing; saving; making healthy and whole) a soul (= a person) from out of the midst of death, and “will cover <n>[the]</n> fullness of <n>[his]</n> mistakes (errors; failures to hit the target; deviations; sins).” <n>[<a class='xref' href='bProv. 10:12'>Prov. 10:12</a>]</n> <n>[written circa A.D. 47-48 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Peter, one sent with a mission pertaining to Jesus Christ (or: an emissary and representative of, and from, <n>[the]</n> Anointed Jesus), to selected and picked out exiles (or: alien residents; sojourners; expatriates; strangers residing in a country not your own) of <n>[the]</n> dispersion (or: from a scattering; of <n>[the]</n> <i>Diaspora</i>), temporarily living beside residents of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia,


text:
– to folks gathered, laid-out and chosen in accord with and down from Father God's foreknowledge (or: corresponding to a previous experiential and intimate knowledge possessed by God, who is a Father), within a setting-apart of spirit (or: in union with the process of being set apart from common condition and use by <n>[the]</n> Spirit; or: in the midst of a sacred differencing which is a Breath-effect) <n>[leading]</n> into an obedient hearing (or: <n>[focused]</n> to being centered in a listening and paying attention with compliance) and a sprinkling with Jesus Christ's blood (or: a sprinkling of blood, which is Jesus Christ): May grace (or: favor) and peace <n>[= shalom]</n> be multiplied into fullness (or: be brought to fullness) in and among you folks (or: to you folks; for you folks)!


text:
Well-spoken of (or: Eulogized; Blessed; or: Well-gathered, laid-out with ease, and worthy of praise) <n>[is]</n> the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: Who is our Owner, Jesus Christ), the One bringing us to birth again (regenerating us; begetting us back up again; causing us to be born again) down from, in line with and in correspondence to His abundant mercy (or: the much-existing sympathizing and active compassion which is Him) – through Jesus Christ's resurrection forth from out of the midst of dead folks. <n>[We are born again]</n>: into a progressively living expectation (or: into the midst of continuously living hope);


text:
into the midst of an incorruptible (unspoilable; imperishable; unruinable; undecayable), unstained (undefiled), and unfading (or: unwithering) inheritance (or: enjoyment of and participation in an allotted portion as a possession) – one having been kept in view, watched-over, guarded, and which continues being maintained and kept intact within the midst of <n>[the, or our]</n> atmospheres (or: in union with heavens; = in realms of spirit); – <n>[which things were and are being birthed and entering]</n> into the midst of you folks,


text:
the ones being continuously garrisoned within (or: kept under watch and guarded in the center of) God's power, in union with an ability which is God, through <n>[His]</n> faithfulness, into a deliverance (a rescue which brings health, wholeness and a return to your original state and condition; salvation; a <n>[period of]</n> rescue) <n>[which is now]</n> ready to be unveiled (revealed; disclosed) within the midst of and in union with <n>[this]</n> last season (or: resident within a final fitting situation; in a final fertile moment; on <n>[this]</n> last occasion),


text:
within which <n>[season and deliverance]</n> you folks are presently feeling constant joy and happiness and are continuing to rejoice exceedingly – though for a little while, at present, since (or: if) it continues being binding and necessary, being pained (distressed; grieved; sorrowed) within various tests (or: different trials and ordeals) to put you to the proof.


text:
<n>[This is]</n> to the end that the examined and tested approval of your faith (of the trust and faithfulness of you folks) – <n>[being]</n> of much greater value and worth, and more precious, than of gold that constantly loses itself away (perishes of itself) despite being progressively tested and examined through fire – might be found <n>[progressing]</n> into praise (approval; commendation) and glory (or: a good reputation) and honor (value; worth) within an unveiling of Jesus Christ (or: in union with a revelation whose source is, which has the character of, and which is, Jesus, <n>[the]</n> Anointed One; in the midst of a disclosure from <n>[Messiah]</n> Jesus),


text:
Whom not seeing (or: perceiving), you folks are continuously loving and accepting (or: experiencing the urge for reunion); into Whom at the present moment you folks are not constantly looking, yet are habitually believing (or: continuously placing <n>[your]</n> trust and loyalty). You folks are repeatedly rejoicing and being very happy in indescribable (or: incapable of being spoken out) joy which also exists having been made glorious (or: by unspeakable and glorified joy; in joy <n>[that is]</n> inexpressible and has made a notable reputation; with joy that is glorious beyond words, and which is filled with imagination and good opinion),


text:
being ones constantly bringing to, or conveying in, yourselves – as provision, attentive care and kindly keeping – the promised goal (the finished product; the aim and result; the purpose and destiny) of the <n>[other MSS: your]</n> faith and trust: deliverance (<n>[the]</n> restoration to wholeness and health; a salvation) of souls (or: from inner beings and selves; or: = of people)!


text:
Concerning (or: Round about) which deliverance (health and wholeness; rescue; salvation) <n>[the]</n> prophets, carefully scrutinizing, sought out and then diligently searched out the <n>[Scriptures]</n> prophesying concerning (or: about) the grace and favor <n>[directed and coming]</n> into you folks,


text:
constantly searching into which season or what kind of situation the Spirit of Christ (or: Christ's spirit; or: the Breath-effect which is the Anointed One), resident within them, was continuing to point to, making <n>[it]</n> evident and clearly visible, repeatedly testifying (witnessing; giving evidence) beforehand about the effects of the experiences and results of the sufferings <n>[projected]</n> into Christ, and the glories (the manifestations which call forth praise; the good opinions and reputations; the appearances of things) after these things,


text:
to which folks (or: in which ones) it was unveiled (revealed; disclosed) that not to or for themselves, but to and for you people, they had been progressively dispensing and serving them – which things are now announced (or: which tidings were brought back) to you through those announcing (proclaiming; bringing and communicating) the message of well-being and goodness (or: good news) to you within <n>[or, with other MSS: by]</n> a set-apart Breath-effect (or: <n>[the]</n> Holy Spirit; or: sacred spirit) being sent forth from <n>[the]</n> atmosphere (or: heaven) – into which things agents (or: messengers; folks that had the message) are habitually and earnestly desiring (are constantly in full passion and craving) to stoop down beside and look (or: peer; peek) inside, so as to obtain a clearer and more accurate view.


text:
On which account (or: Wherefore), in preparation for work or action, girding up in yourselves the clothes about the loins (or: waist; = getting ready for action) of your divided thoughts and the things passing through your mind (or: mental perceptions; intellect and comprehension), continuously being perfectly (or: maturely) clear-headed and sober (unintoxicated), direct and set (or: being constantly sober-minded, completely direct and set) your hope and expectation upon the grace and favor being continuously brought (or: periodically and progressively carried) to you within an unveiling (or: in the midst of a disclosure) of Jesus Christ (or: a revelation which is Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed One; or: an uncovering which comes from and pertains to Jesus Christ).


text:
As children of (= having the qualities of and characteristics from) submissive, attentive hearing (or: Like listening and obedient born-ones), not being folks repeatedly molding, forming, fashioning or configuring yourselves to and by the former cravings (the prior over-desires or full passions), within your ignorance,


text:
but rather, corresponding to (down from; in accord with) the One calling (or: inviting) you <n>[being]</n> set-apart (or: holy), you folks also let yourselves be made to be (or: be birthed) ones set-apart in the same way, in all behavior (within every conduct; in all turning about or twisting up of <n>[your]</n> way of life),


text:
because it has been written that, "You people will continue being set-apart (or: sacredly different and holy), because I <n>[am]</n> set-apart (or: holy; different from ordinary)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bLev. 11:44'>Lev. 11:44</a>, 45; 19:2; 20:7]</n>


text:
And since (or: if) you folks are habitually calling upon a (or: <n>[the]</n>) Father – the One consistently separating and deciding (or: judging) impartially (without reception of faces, persons, appearances or external circumstances) according to (down from; corresponding to) each one's work or action – let the time of your sojourn (your temporary stay, dwelling alongside as an alien resident or an exile) be turned upward, in the fear of reverent living,


text:
having seen, and thus knowing, that you folks were not unbound and released by a ransom of corruptible things (things that are perishable and subject to spoiling) – by little coins of silver or gold – from out of your fruitless behavior (vain conduct; idle and foolish way of life) handed down by tradition from the fathers (= your ancestors),


text:
but rather by Christ's precious blood (or: in valuable blood, which is <n>[the]</n> Anointed One; with honorable blood of anointing; by costly blood from <n>[the Messiah]</n>) – as of a flawless (unblemished) and spotless Lamb:


text:
being One having been foreknown (previously known by intimate experience), indeed, before <n>[the]</n> casting down (as of material for a foundation: founding; as of seed in a field: sowing; as of seed of a man: conception <n>[<i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='bHeb. 11:11'>Heb. 11:11</a>]</n>; as in throwing something down: overthrowing; as in battle = slaying; in politics: abandoning <n>[a measure]</n>; of debts: paying down by installments;) of <n>[the; or: an]</n> ordered System (world; universe; a particular order or arrangement of things; or: = the aggregate of humanity), yet One being set in clear light and manifested upon <n>[the]</n> last part (or: final; <n>[<i>p</i>72 and others read plural: last things, circumstances or aspects]</n>) of the times (or: of the <n>[or: these]</n> successive chronological time periods) because of you folks –


text:
the ones <n>[who]</n> through Him <n>[are]</n> folks trustingly adhering unto God (or: <n>[are]</n> believing ones, ones full of faith, and confiding ones <n>[proceeding]</n> <n>[<i>p</i> 72 & other MSS read the present participle: ones habitually putting trust]</n> into God): the One awakening and raising Him up, forth from out of the midst of dead folks (or: from out of union with dead people), and giving glory to Him (a good reputation for Him; a manifestation which calls forth praise in Him). Consequently, your faith (trust; confidence; loyalty) and expectation (or: hope) are to continuously exist being <n>[plugged; put; focused]</n> into God (or: are to be <n>[returned]</n> into the midst of God)!


text:
Having purified your souls (= inner selves) within the hearing obedience (the humble, attentive listening and submissive hearing) of the Truth and from Reality <n>[which directs and leads]</n> into unhypocritical (non-hypercritical; non-hyper-separating so as to over-evaluate; not determined from below; non-nit-picky; or: unpretended; unfeigned; thus: genuine) brotherly affection (= fondness for the fellow believers), love one another with acceptance in a stretched-out and extended way, from out of a clean <n>[other MSS: true; genuine]</n> heart,


text:
being folks having been born again (been regenerated; been given birth back up again), not from out of a corruptible (or: perishable) seed that was sown, but rather from an incorruptible (imperishable; undecayable) one: through God's continually living and permanently remaining Word (or: through a message or expressed thought of <n>[the]</n> continuously living and constantly abiding God; or: through means of a living and dwelling Thought, Idea and Logically laid out Expression and Communication, which is God),


text:
because, "All flesh <n>[is]</n> like grass (or: vegetation), and all its glory <n>[is]</n> like a flower of grass (of vegetation): the grass is caused to dry out and wither, and the flower falls off...


text:
"yet the gush-effect of the Lord (result of what flowed from <n>[Yahweh]</n>; saying, declaration or thing spoken concerning the Lord) is constantly abiding (continuously remaining), on into The Age (or: the era <n>[of the Messiah]</n>)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 40:6-8'>Isa. 40:6-8</a>]</n> Now this continues being "the saying" (the declaration; the gush-effect) being announced as well-being and goodness to you folks (or: And this is the thing, and the result of the flow, being spoken into you in the good news).


text:
Therefore, being folks putting off (setting away; ridding) from yourselves all poor quality (worthlessness; bad character; malice; what is not as it ought to be; wickedness) and all deceitful bait (fraud; guile) and “answers” from perverse scholarship (or: underlying decisions affecting interpretations and judgments made from opinions; or: overly critical behaviors; deficiencies in ability to sift and decide; judgments from inferior positions; legalistic pulling-apart of things for critical analysis; under-assessments) and envies and all down-talks (speeches or talks which put people, issues or situations down; backbiting),


text:
as recently born infants, intensely yearn (crave; long) for the non-baiting (undeceitful; guileless; honest; unadulterated) milk belonging to the Word which is pertaining to thought, reason and communication, and which contains the qualities and characteristics contained in the message – to the end that, within it, you folks can (or: would; may) grow and increase into health and wholeness (deliverance; rescued safety; salvation; restoration),


text:
since (or: if) you folks, "by sipping, tasted (= experienced) that the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> <n>[is]</n> good, kind and useful (or: obliging and profitable)!" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 34:9'>Ps. 34:9</a>]</n>


text:
Continuously approaching toward Whom – a living Stone, on the one hand being One having been and still being thrown away (rejected; disapproved) by mankind (humans; people), as the result of a test; yet, on the other hand a Chosen One, a Precious (Inwardly-valuable; <n>[held]</n>-in-honor) One, beside God (= side-by-side with God; = in the presence of God; = in God's view) –


text:
you yourselves are, as living stones, continuously being erected (or: progressively constructed and built up), <n>[being]</n> a spiritual house (a building with its source being the Spirit, with the characteristics of a Breath-effect), into a set-apart (or: holy; sacred; different-from-the-ordinary) priesthood to bear up spiritual sacrifices (or: offerings) well (or: most) acceptable in God (or: by God; to God; with God), through Jesus Christ,


text:
so that it continues being contained (encompassed; included) in Scripture: "Consider (Behold; Look)! I am progressively setting (placing; laying) within Zion a chosen (picked-out), precious (held in honor and value) cornerstone lying at the extreme angle, and the one habitually trusting (relying; believing; investing loyalty) upon It may by no means be disgraced or brought to shame or be disappointed." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 28:16'>Isa. 28:16</a>]</n>


text:
Therefore, in (or: for; with) you folks – those habitually trusting (constantly believing and remaining convinced) – <n>[is]</n> the Precious and Honorable One (or: To you then, who continue loyal, <n>[He is]</n> valuable). Yet for (or: to; in; with) those continuing being without faith (or: being habitually distrustful; being constantly unbelieving or disloyal), <n>[He is]</n> "A Stone which those in process of building the house reject (or: threw away after inspecting and trying) – this One is brought to be (or: was birthed) into <n>[position of]</n> Head and Source of <n>[the]</n> corner, " <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 118:22'>Ps. 118:22</a>]</n>


text:
also <n>[He is]</n> "A Stone that <n>[people]</n> strike against and that causes a stumbling-effect, even a Rock-mass which functions as a trap-spring (designed to be a snare), " <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 8:14'>Isa. 8:14</a>]</n> who, continuing being unpersuaded (unconvinced and thus, uncompliant or stubborn), are repeatedly stumbling by (or: in) the Word (or: who are constantly stumbling, habitually being disobedient to the message), into which <n>[situation]</n> they were placed (= as it was planned).


text:
Yet you folks <n>[are]</n> "a picked-out (selected; chosen) offspring (family; kin; lineage; race; species; breed) <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 43:20'>Isa. 43:20</a>; <a class='xref' href='bDeut. 7:6'>Deut. 7:6</a>]</n>, a royal (kingly; palace) priesthood <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 19:6'>Ex. 19:6</a>; <a class='xref' href='bIsa. 61:6'>Isa. 61:6</a>]</n>, a set-apart (holy; different) multitude (company; nation; body of people living together; swarm; association; ethnic group; caste; <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 19:6'>Ex. 19:6</a>; note: implies a sacred life]</n>), a people constructed into an encirclement (made into a surrounding structure; set as a perimeter; made into a performance about <n>[Him]</n>; formed around as an acquisition; gathered into a surrounding <n>[flock]</n>)" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 43:21'>Isa. 43:21</a>; <a class='xref' href='bEx. 19:5'>Ex. 19:5</a>]</n> – so that you may tell forth the message of (or: out-message; publish; declare abroad) the excellencies and qualities of nobleness (virtues of braveness, courage, good character, quality, self-restraint, magnificence, benevolence, reliability) of and from the One calling you out of darkness (gloomy dimness; the realm of shadows and obscurity) into the midst of His wonderful (marvelous; amazing) light <n>[<i>p</i>72 reads: into the wonderful Light]</n>,


text:
<n>[you]</n> who <n>[were]</n> once (or: formerly) "not a people, " but now <n>[are]</n> "God's people;" <n>[formerly]</n> being the ones having "not been given mercy, " yet now <n>[are]</n> "folks being mercied (being given mercy)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bHos. 2:25'>Hos. 2:25</a>]</n>


text:
Folks that are loved (Beloved ones): I am presently calling you alongside to encourage, aid, comfort and admonish you, as resident aliens (exiles; sojourners; one dwelling beside citizens in a foreign country) and temporary residents (expatriates; strangers) to continually hold yourselves away from the fleshly over-desires (passions; full-rushing upon things), which things are constantly warring (doing military service; battling) down against the soul (the inner self and being),


text:
continuously holding your beautiful behavior (your fine and ideal turning yourselves back around) among the multitudes (the companies; the associations; the ethnic groups; the nations; the castes; the non-Jews, or, Gentiles), to the end that, within what thing they are continually speaking down pertaining to you folks (repeatedly speaking against you) as of ones constantly doing the worthless and things of bad quality (or: as of evildoers or criminals; as of those repeatedly creating bad situations or forming what not ought to be), repeatedly looking upon and observing as eyewitnesses the outcome from the beautiful actions (the fine deeds; the ideal and honorable works), they may glorify (or: give a good opinion of) God, within a day of inspection and overseeing care.


text:
Because of, and by, the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n>, you folks are to be humbly aligned in and to every human creation and with every societal invention (or: be subordinated to every human framing; let yourselves be arranged under for support of every founding or institution pertaining to mankind which brings order to a state of wildness): whether to (or: by; for) a king, as to (or: by; for) one being superior (or: constantly holding over <n>[others]</n>; = as a prominent cultural institution),


text:
or to (or; by; for) governors (government officials; rulers; leaders; guides), as to (or: by; for; with) those being regularly sent (or: dispatched) by Him unto a maintaining of right, in regard to doers of worthlessness (or: into a correction from out of the way pointed out pertaining to those creating bad situations; unto an administering of justice, fairness and equity of situations affected by evildoers) – yet on the other hand, <n>[sent]</n> unto a commendation (a praise; applause) of those habitually doing good things (performing with virtue; constructing excellence).


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Because thus is God's will (or: For God's intent and purpose exists in this manner): folks habitually doing good things (constructing excellence; performing with virtues; creating goodness) to repeatedly muzzle (continuously gag; thus: progressively silence) the ignorance of senseless and thoughtless people (humans without intellect and prudence; unreasonable folks);


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as free folks (those not bound) – and not continually holding (or: having) the freedom as a covering (or: a veil) of worthlessness (bad quality; evil; poorness of situation) – but still, as God's slaves.


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Value everyone (Honor all)! Habitually love (Practice loving) the brotherhood (= the organism of fellow-believers)! Practice reverence to God (or: Habitually fear God; Be constantly respecting and revering God)! Be continuously valuing and showing honor to the king (or: the One Who reigns).


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The domestics (house servants or slaves; members of a household), those habitually being subordinated (being humbly aligned and subjected for support) by (or: to; for) the owners (masters): <n>[conduct yourselves]</n> in all fear and respect – not only to the good and lenient (reasonable, suitable; equitable; gentle; considerate) ones, but also to the crooked folks –


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for this <n>[is]</n> grace: if through <n>[the]</n> conscience, which is God, (or: through awareness pertaining to God; or: by means of a joint-knowing with God; or: because of consciousness of God), someone is continuing to bear and hold up under distress or pains (griefs; sorrows; anxieties; sufferings), continuously experiencing it wrongfully (unjustly; contrarily, in regard to fairness and right relationship; undeservedly)!


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For what sort of credible report (honorable rumor; credit; fame; praiseworthy reputation) <n>[is it]</n> if, being ones habitually doing what is wrong (failing to hit the target; sinning) and being repeatedly beaten and struck with a fist <n>[<i>p</i>72 & other MSS: repeatedly lopped-off and pruned]</n>, you folks will continue <n>[<i>p</i>72 & other MSS read: you are constantly]</n> remaining under and enduring <n>[it]</n>? But to the contrary, if while habitually practicing virtue (doing good; constructing excellence) and <n>[at the same time]</n> repeatedly experiencing such bad treatment (or: continually suffering) you will continue <n>[<i>p</i>72 reads: you are constantly]</n> humbly remaining under, enduring and supporting <n>[it]</n>, this <n>[is]</n> grace at the side of (or: from beside; = in the presence of) God,


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for into this you are called (or: were invited), because Christ also experienced <n>[this]</n> (or: suffered) over you folks (or: for your sakes), leaving continuously below (or: behind) in you (or: with and for you) an underwriting (a writing under which you are to write or copy; hence: a pattern; a model) to the end that you could (or: would) follow-on in the footprints of Him


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"Who does not make a mistake (Who did not perform failure; Who does no sin; Who does not construct failure to hit the target), nor is (or: was) deceitful bait (fraud; guile) found in His mouth;" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 53:9'>Isa. 53:9</a>]</n>


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Who, being repeatedly reviled (harshly and bitingly rebuked and insulted), was not reviling back (answering insult with insult; taking the position of harsh, biting rebuke); continuously (or: repeatedly) suffering (experiencing ill treatment), he was not threatening, but kept on giving <n>[the situation]</n> over to the One at His side: the One constantly sifting, separating and deciding (or: judging) fairly (equitably; following the Path of the Way pointed out, bringing situations to a rightwised condition),


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Who, Himself, bore back up again our failures (our mistakes; our times of falling short or to the side of the target; our sins and errors) <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 53:4'>Isa. 53:4</a>, 12]</n> within His body upon the tree (the wood; the stake), to the end that, being folks suddenly coming to be parted away from the failures (mistakes; errors; sins; misses of the target), we can (or: would; may) live in (or: by; for; with) the fairness and equity, in rightwised relationships, in the Path of the Way pointed out (or: = in covenant participation), where "you folks are (or: were) healed (or: cured) in the wound (or: by the welt; in the bruise of the blow)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 53:5'>Isa. 53:5</a>]</n>


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For you folks were continuing to be "like sheep, being habitually caused to wander (being led astray; or, as a middle: people constantly wandering away), " <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 53:6'>Isa. 53:6</a>]</n> but now in contrast, "you are (or: were) turned around and made to return, upon" <n>[the will of; the herding of]</n> the Shepherd and Overseer of (Supervisor of; the One who watches over) your souls (your inner beings).


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Likewise (In like manner), you wives: <n>[Be]</n> habitually with humility aligning yourselves to your own husbands (or: women: <n>[Be]</n> continually arranging yourselves for support, under your own adult males), to the end that if any (or: certain ones) are habitually unpersuaded by the Word (or: uncompliant or disobedient to the message; unconvinced with the thought, reason or idea), they will continue being profited (will progressively receive advantage; or: will proceed in being acquired as gain) without a word (or: message; reason), through the behavior (or: conduct; way of life) of the wives (or: women),


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being eyewitnesses of (or: looking upon and observing) the pure behavior (or: way of life; conduct) of you folks – which is turned upward in reverence, respect and <n>[sacred]</n> fear and awe –


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whose world must not consist of the external adornment – of braiding or interweaving or struggling with <n>[the]</n> hair and <n>[the]</n> placing-around of gold ornaments, or of dressing up (putting on garments) –


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but to the contrary, <n>[it should consist of]</n> the hidden person (concealed humanity; cloaked personality) of the heart, within the incorruptible and imperishable quality of the gentle (tender; mild; calm; kind; meek) and still (at ease; restful; tranquil; quiet) spirit (or: attitude; disposition; or: Breath-effect), which is (or: continually exists being) of great value and very costly in God's sight (= view, or, perspective).


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For thus, at one time, the set-apart wives (or: the holy women) – those being in the habit of placing their expectations and hopes into God – used to normally arrange their world and adorn themselves, constantly being put in humble alignment to their own husbands (or: continuously being arranged under their own adult males, to give support),


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as Sarah used to humbly hear and submissively obey Abraham, habitually calling him "lord" ("master;" "my owner"), of which woman you were birthed children (or: you are become her born ones <n>[= daughters]</n>), women normally doing good (performing virtue; creating excellence), and not being repeatedly caused to fear even one dismay (alarm; intimidation).


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Husbands (or: Adult males), likewise (or: in like manner): Continuously dwelling together (cohabiting; making a joint home) with <n>[them]</n> corresponding to intimate, experiential knowledge <n>[of them]</n> (= with a learned insight and an intelligent recognition of the nature and aspects of a married situation), <n>[be]</n> habitually assigning (portioning-off; awarding; allotting) honor (value; worth) to the female attributes (things pertaining to a woman; or: to a feminine one) as to a person having a disadvantaged position in her living (or: a weaker livelihood; or: a weaker vessel, utensil, instrument, container, gear, furniture, equipment), yet as to co-heirs of Life's grace and favor (or: of <n>[the]</n> grace which is life; or, with other MSS: as joint-participants in an inheritance of manifold {diverse; varied; multicolored} grace – of life <n>[<i>p</i>72 adds: pertaining to and having the qualities of the Age {of eonian life}]</n>), into the <n>[situation where]</n> your thoughts, words and actions projected toward goodness (or: prayers) continue not to be hindered or blocked, as if by a trench being cut in their path to impede their progress.


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Now <n>[this is]</n> the goal (the final situation; the end of the process): all <n>[are to be]</n> like-minded (of the same frame of mind and disposition), folks sharing and expressing the same feelings (being sympathetic), ones being fond of and expressing affection for the brothers (= fellow believers; = communal members), people tenderhearted and compassionate, folks of a humble disposition and way of thinking;


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not being ones habitually giving back (repaying; rendering; giving away) bad in the place of bad (or: poor quality in exchange for poor quality; evil for evil) or abusive language in the place of abusive language (reviling in exchange for reviling; insulting back against insults), but just the opposite: constantly speaking things that embody wellness or give a blessing, because into this you are called (or: were invited), to the end that you folks may inherit a word embodying wellness (a blessing; a message of goodness; a thought bringing ease).


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For you see, "the person who continues purposing (willing; intending; wanting) to be habitually loving life, and to see and experience good days, let his tongue at once cease from <n>[the]</n> worthless and poor of quality (from <n>[the]</n> bad and evil) and his lips speak no deceitful bait (fraud; guile).


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"Now let him bend to incline forth and turn out, away from <n>[the]</n> worthless and poor of quality (from <n>[what is]</n> bad or evil), and let him do (practice; construct; produce) <n>[the]</n> good (or: virtue; excellence); let him seek and try to find peace and harmony; let him also run after it and pursue it,


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"because <n>[the]</n> Lord's <n>[= Yahweh's]</n> eyes <n>[are]</n> upon (= He looks with favor on) <n>[the]</n> fair and equitable folks (the rightwised ones; the just ones who walk in the Way pointed out), and His ears <n>[directed]</n> into their request pertaining to need; yet <n>[the]</n> face of <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> (i.e., His countenance and posturing) <n>[is]</n> upon (= set against) wrongdoers (those constantly practicing worthless things, repeatedly constructing bad things or habitually doing evil)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 34:13-17'>Ps. 34:13-17</a>]</n>


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And who <n>[is]</n> the person who will continue treating you badly (causing evil to come to you) if you folks should come to be zealots in regard to the good (ones boiling hot from the influence of the Good; enthusiasts of virtue and excellence)?


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But even if you folks might continue experiencing suffering <n>[as well as other things]</n> because of fairness and equity (justice; walking in the Way pointed out; a rightwised covenant positioning), <n>[you are]</n> happy and blessed ones. "Yet do not fear their fear (i.e., what they fear; or, as a subjunctive: Now you should not be afraid of the fear that has them as a source), nor yet should you folks be shaken (agitated; disturbed; stirred up) <n>[by them]</n>." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 8:12'>Isa. 8:12</a>]</n>


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Now "you folks set <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> – the Anointed One – apart (or: Yet, let the Lord Christ be set-apart)" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 8:13'>Isa. 8:13</a>]</n>, within your hearts! (or: So, treat the Anointed Owner as holy, in the core of your beings), always ready (ever prepared) toward a defense to everyone – for the one repeatedly asking you for a word (i.e., a rational explanation and a logical response) about the expectation within you folks – but still with gentleness (tenderness; meekness; kindness) and deep respect (or: serious caution; reverence; <n>[the]</n> fear <n>[of the Lord]</n>),


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habitually holding a good conscience (or: having a virtuous joint-knowing, from possessing a clear joined-perception), so that those, having a habit of spitefully abusing and harassing your good behavior (or: conduct; way of life) within, and in union with, Christ, may be brought to shame and disgrace relating to that within which you folks are constantly being defamed (spoken down against).


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You see, <n>[it is]</n> a stronger <n>[case, position or reputation]</n> to be repeatedly experiencing harassment, abuse or suffering <n>[while, or, because of]</n> habitually doing good (practicing virtue; creating goodness) – if God's purpose (intent; will) may be repeatedly willing it – than <n>[because of]</n> constantly doing what is wrong, bad or worthless,


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because even Christ (or: considering that Messiah also) died <n>[other MSS: suffered]</n>, once for all, concerning and in relation to failures to hit the target (about errors and mistakes; around and encompassing sins <n>[some MSS: our failures; other MSS: your failures]</n>) – a Just One (a rightwised One; One in accord with the Way pointed out; a fair and equitable individual) over <n>[the situation of]</n> (or: for the sake of) unjust ones (capsized folks; those out of accord with the Way pointed out; unfair and inequitable people) – to the end that He at once may bring (or: can lead; would conduct) you folks <n>[other MSS: us]</n> to (or: toward) God. <n>[He]</n>, on the one hand, being put to death in flesh (= a physical body), yet on the other hand, being made alive in spirit (or: indeed, being put to death by flesh {or: = the estranged human condition}, yet, being engendered a living one by Breath-effect {or: <n>[the]</n> Spirit}),


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at one point journeying (going from one place to another; passing on) within which (or: in union with Which), He also proclaimed (published; preached; heralded) the message to and for (or: among) the spirits in prison (within a guardhouse):


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to and for those being at one time unconvinced (unpersuaded; disobedient; uncompliant) within <n>[the]</n> days of Noah, when (or: while) he was continuing to be receiving forth, and taking away from, out of God's state of emotional quietness (taking a long time before rushing or being in a heat of passion; long-enduring patience) while <n>[the]</n> ark was progressively being prepared and equipped (constructed to readiness) – into which a few folks, that is, eight souls (= people), were brought safely through <n>[the]</n> water (or: were brought safely through, by means of water),


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<n>[into]</n> which, also, an echo of correspondent form (or: a copy; an antitype; an impress which answers back; in place of the type or pattern) is now progressively delivering (rescuing) you folks (or: repeatedly bringing you to safety): immersion (submersion and envelopment which brings absorption and permeation to the point of saturation) – not <n>[the]</n> putting off of <n>[the]</n> filth (removal of dirt) away from <n>[the]</n> flesh (= not baptism or bathing of the physical body, or the removal of the alienated false persona), but rather – the result of a full inquiry into the midst of God (or: the effect of an added request unto God; or: = a further quest into “the Divine Mystery” – Paul Tillich) made by a good conscience (from an excellent joint-knowing; in relation to virtuous co-knowledge). <n>[It saves you and it is made]</n> through means of <n>[the]</n> resurrection of Jesus Christ,


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Who continuously exists (or: is; has being) within <n>[the place of]</n> (or: = on or at) God's right <n>[side, or hand; – i.e., the place of authority and ability to exercise power; the place of receiving]</n>, going from place to place, journeying into <n>[the]</n> atmosphere (or: heaven) of those being humbly aligned by Him (or: pertaining to those subjected, placed and arranged under in Him; which are the folks being set in order for support to Him): of agents (or: messengers; folks with the message), and of authorities (or: those who have the right and privilege from out of Being), and of powers (or: folks with abilities and influence).


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Christ, then, having undergone experiences and suffering in flesh (or: being physically and emotionally affected to the point of suffering) over us (or: over our <n>[situation]</n> and for our sakes), you folks also arm and equip yourselves with the same mental inclination (idea; thought; way of thinking; frame of mind; attitude), because the person <n>[thus]</n> suffering or going through physical or emotional experiences which affect him in <n>[the]</n> flesh (or: = by <n>[his]</n> estranged humanity or alienated self) has in and for himself put a stop to failures, errors and mistakes (or: sins) <n>[or, with other MSS: has been caused to cease from sin]</n>,


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<n>[and comes]</n> into the <n>[condition or situation]</n> to no longer live out the additional remaining course <n>[of his]</n> time within <n>[the]</n> flesh (= in the natural realm) in the midst of (or: in union with) <n>[the]</n> full passions (or: for <n>[the]</n> over-desires; to <n>[the]</n> rushings of emotions upon things) of humans (or: pertaining to or originating in mankind), but to the contrary, in God's will (or: for God's intent; to God's purpose).


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For the time having gone by <n>[is]</n> sufficient (= you have spent enough time, in the past,) to have accomplished (to have worked down and effected) the thing desired by (or: the intention of) the multitudes (the nations; the swarms of ethnic groups living together; the non-Jews; the Gentiles), having gone from place to place in indecent and licentious debaucheries (deeds of loose conduct), in rushing passions and over-desires, in excesses bubbling over with wine, in carousing and festive processions, in drinking parties, and in forbidden (i.e., illegal in respect to the natural laws of reason, conscience and common decency) idolatries (or: being a servant to or worshiping external forms or appearances, phantoms of the mind, unsubstantial or reflected images, or conveyed impressions),


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within which they, repeatedly speaking abusively, slanderously, injuriously and giving a false image <n>[about you, as well as about other folks]</n>, are constantly struck with surprise, thinking it strange and foreign that you folks are not always running together with <n>[them]</n>, as a mob, into the same flooding (pouring forth) of unhealthiness and lack of safety (or: dissoluteness of a course devoid of salvation).


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Such folks will continue rendering an account (or: giving back a reason) to the One readily and continually judging (separating and making a decision about) <n>[<i>p</i>72: prepared to judge; other MSS: constantly holding {Himself} in readiness to judge]</n> living folks and dead ones,


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for into this <n>[purpose]</n>, also, the message of goodness and well-being is (or: the good news was suddenly) brought and announced to dead folks, to the end that on the one hand they may at some point be judged (or: can be separated and decided about) – corresponding to humans – in flesh (or: according to humans in flesh; or: = in the sphere of people with estranged selves; or: = on the level of mankind in an alienated condition that was enslaved by the System), yet on the other hand, that they can continue living (or: would be habitually living) corresponding to (down from; in line and accord with; in the sphere of) God, in spirit (or: by Breath-effect).


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Now the Goal (or: the end; the final act; or: the finished Product; or: the completion of the plan) of all people (and: pertaining to and affecting all things) has approached and is now near at hand and <n>[He]</n> is close enough to touch (= has arrived)! Therefore, you folks keep a healthy and sound frame of mind (be sane and sensible) and be sober (be unintoxicated; i.e., be functional and with your wits about you) into <n>[a state, condition or realm]</n> with a view toward having goodness and well-being (or: into the midst of prayers).


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Before all people (or: = More than anything), continue being folks constantly holding the outstretching and extending love (unambiguous, uniting acceptance) unto yourselves (i.e., into each other) – "because love is constantly covering (habitually throwing a veil over; progressively concealing; <n>[and with other MSS: will be covering]</n>) a multitude of failures (mistakes; errors; misses of the target; sins)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bProv. 10:12'>Prov. 10:12</a>]</n>


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<n>[Continue being]</n> those <n>[who are]</n> stranger-loving unto one another (= friendly, kind and hospitable to strangers, foreigners and aliens <n>[inviting them]</n> into the midst of each other's <n>[homes and/or societies]</n>), without expressing dissatisfaction (complaining; grumbling; murmuring),


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each one, according as he receives an effect of grace (or: received a result of favor), continuously giving supporting service and dispensing it unto yourselves (i.e., into each other), as beautiful (fine; ideal) house managers (stewards; administrators) of God's varied grace (or: of <n>[the]</n> diverse favor which is God; <n>[as]</n> of a many-colored <n>[tapestry]</n> of grace whose source and character are from God).


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If anyone is normally speaking, <n>[let it be]</n> as God's little words (= inspired sayings, messages, thoughts and ideas); if anyone is habitually providing attending service and dispensing, <n>[let it be]</n> as out of <n>[the]</n> strength which God is continually supplying (furnishing; providing), to the end that, in union with all people (and: within all things), God may be constantly glorified (may habitually receive a good reputation) through Jesus Christ, in Whom (by Whom; for Whom; to Whom; with Whom) is (or: exists) the glory (the manifestation of that which calls forth praise; the good reputation) and the strength (the might), on into the ages of the ages (or: into the indefinite time periods of the ages; into the superlative times of the eons).


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Beloved ones, do not repeatedly feel like strangers to the burning (= the action of the Fire) within and among you folks, which is habitually happening to you with a view toward your being put to the test (or: which is repeatedly coming into being in the face of a proving trial for you; which is progressively birthing itself to an examination in you), as though a strange thing or a foreign occurrence is repeatedly walking with you folks.


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But on the contrary, keep on rejoicing and being glad to the extent or degree that you folks are continually participating with a common share in the effects of the experiences and the results of the sufferings of the Christ, to the end that, while continuously exulting and celebrating exceedingly, you folks can (or: should; would) also rejoice within the unveiling of His glory (or: in union with the disclosure of His reputation; or: in the midst of the praise-inducing manifestation which is Him)!


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Since (or: If) you folks are constantly being insulted and censured in (or: <n>[because of]</n> union with) the Name of Christ, <n>[you are]</n> happy ones (blessed folks), because God's spirit of glory and power (or: the Breath-effect of the reputation and of the ability of God) is continuously "resting back upon" you folks <n>[<i>cf</i>. <a class='xref' href='bIsa. 11:2'>Isa. 11:2</a>]</n>.


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Of course let not any one of you folks be experiencing suffering as a murderer, or a thief, or a doer of worthless or evil things, or, as a meddler (an interferer) in other people's affairs (or: one who focuses on things strange, foreign or "other, " or involving a place-change).


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Yet if as a Christian <n>[she or he is suffering]</n>, let him or her not continue feeling shame or embarrassment, but let him or her constantly glorify (give credit to; enhance the reputation of; bring an opinion of high status for) God within this Name (or: in union with this name <n>[i.e., "Christian;" or, referring to "the Name of Christ" in vs. 14, above]</n>),


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because <n>[it is; this is; now is]</n> the <n>[other MSS: a]</n> fitting situation and fertile moment of the appointed season for the result of the judgment (the effect of the separating for evaluation and decision) to begin (to start) from God's house. Now if first from us, what <n>[will be]</n> the closing act (the final stage; the end; the consummation; the outcome; the finished product) pertaining to those continuing unpersuaded and unconvinced by (or: uncompliant to; disobedient to; stubborn in) God's message of goodness and well-being (or: good news)?


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"And if the rightwised one (the fair and just person in right relationships in accord to the Way pointed out) is repeatedly delivered (rescued; brought to safety; made healthy and whole) with difficult labor, then where will the irreverent (the person without pious awe) and the failure (the one who makes mistakes and cannot hit the target; the sinner; the outcast) proceed in making an appearance?" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bProv. 11:31'>Prov. 11:31</a>]</n>


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So then, also, let those repeatedly feeling the effects of experiences and of suffering which correspond to, and <n>[are]</n> in the sphere of, God's will (intent; purpose) continuously commit their souls to a Faithful Former (or: Loyal Founder; Trustworthy Creator), within <n>[the]</n> producing of good (in union with making of virtue; in construction of excellence; within the midst of performing goodness).


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Therefore, I – the one <n>[being]</n> an older man together with <n>[you]</n> (or: a fellow elder person) and a witness of the results of the experiences and of the effects of the sufferings of the Christ, as well as the one <n>[being]</n> a person of common being and existence from the glory (or: a partner of the manifestation which will call forth praise; a fellow participant who has a common share and fellowship which is the glory) being presently about to be progressively unveiled (revealed; or: disclosed) – am repeatedly calling older folks among you to my side, urging, encouraging and being a paraclete:


text:
you folks shepherd (i.e., lead to pasture, feed, tend, protect, care for) God's little flock <n>[that is]</n> among you folks, constantly watching over <n>[them]</n>, not in a forced manner (not by exercising compulsion or constraint; or: not unwillingly), but to the contrary, without compulsion (engendering volunteering; yieldingly; or: voluntarily; willingly), in accord with (or: in line with and corresponding to; in the sphere of) God; neither with eagerness for dishonest gain (greedily; for the low reason of what you can get out of it), but rather, readily rushing toward it with passion.


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Nor yet as ones constantly exercising down-oriented lordship (acting as owners or masters, bearing down with demands) of the members of the inheritance (of those who are the allotments of the heritage; or: of those considered to be small objects to be used in assigning positions or portions), but to the contrary, progressively becoming beaten models (types made by the strike of a hammer; examples) for the little flock,


text:
and so, with the Chief Shepherd (or: the Original and Ruling Shepherd) <n>[thus]</n> being made visible (being shown in clear light), you folks will continue bringing to yourselves – with care and kindly keeping – the unwithering and unfading wreath of the glory (or: the enduring recognition of achievement which comes from this good reputation).


text:
Likewise (or: In like manner), you younger people be humbly placed, arranged and aligned by (or: subjected for support to) older folks. Yet all of you folks (or: everyone) tie on yourselves, as an outer garment (like a slave's apron), the humble attitude (the lowliness of thinking) to one another <n>[other MSS add: continuously being ones that are humbly aligned]</n>, because "God habitually sets Himself in opposition, being resistant to those who try to appear conspicuously above others (to haughty and proud ones), yet He constantly gives grace and favor to humble (or: lowly) folks." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bProv. 3:34'>Prov. 3:34</a>]</n>


text:
Let yourselves be made humble (or: lowly), then, under God's strong hand – so that He can (or: would) at some point lift you up (or: may elevate or exalt you folks) within a fitting situation (or: in <n>[the]</n> proper appointed-season; in the center of a fertile moment) –


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while throwing (or: tossing) your entire concern (whole worry; every anxiety) upon Him, because He constantly cares about and takes an interest around you folks!


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Be sober (or: clear headed)! Be awake, alert and watch! Your barrier in the Way pointed out (your road hazard; your opponent at court; the one "in your face" opposing your fairness and equity), one who casts or thrusts something through the midst of folks (e.g., like a soldier casting a javelin or thrusting a sword through someone, or a person throwing an issue through the midst of a group, causing division; or: a slanderer), as a constantly roaring lion, is continuously walking about, incessantly seeking to drink something or someone down (or: searching to gulp and swallow someone down), <n>[comment: this path-hazard and road barrier may have been local religions, cultural or political opposition, or a spirit of contrariness]</n>


text:
to whom take a stand against (withstand; set yourself in opposition), <n>[being]</n> strong (firm; compact) ones in (or: by) the faith, trust and loyalty – <n>[being]</n> folks having seen and thus knowing about these same experiences and sufferings <n>[that]</n> are to repeatedly and progressively bring the goal upon (bring perfection upon; accomplish maturity upon) your brotherhood within the dominating arrangement of the System (or: in the midst of the secular realm; or: in the ordered world of religion, economy, culture and government).


text:
Now the God of all grace and favor (or: the God whose character and quality is all grace and favor; the God Who is every grace and joyous favor), the One calling (or: inviting) you folks – ones experiencing a little and briefly suffering – into His eonian glory (His glory and reputation which has the quality and characteristics pertaining to the realm of the Age and which continues on into an unseen and indefinite time) within Christ Jesus <n>[with other MSS: in union with the Anointed One (= the Messiah)]</n>, the Same One (or: He) will continue getting <n>[things, or, you]</n> down and prepare <n>[them, or, you]</n> (or: repair <n>[them; you]</n>; fit, knit or adjust <n>[them; you]</n> thoroughly), will continue setting <n>[things; you]</n> fast and establish <n>[them; you]</n>, will continue imparting strength (will make <n>[things; you]</n> strong), <n>[and]</n> will progressively set a base upon which to ground and found <n>[things and you]</n>:


text:
the strength (or: might) <n>[to do these things is]</n> in Him and by Him, on into the ages. It is so (Count on it)! <n>[other MSS: the glory and the strength {is} in Him, on into the superlative times of the ages (or: the ages of the ages)]</n>


text:
Through Silvanus (or: Silas), the faithful and loyal brother who is full of trust, as I continue logically thinking and considering, I write through means of a few <n>[thoughts, lines, or, words; <i>p</i>72 reads: through a short {letter}]</n>, persistently calling <n>[you]</n> alongside to encourage, comfort and aid <n>[you]</n>, as well as constantly bearing a full witness and adding evidence of this continuing to be God's true (and: real) grace and favor, into which you folks should set yourselves to take a stand (or, as an imperative: into which, <n>[enter]</n> and stand firm!).


text:
The jointly-chosen (selected-together) called-out community (assembly; congregation; ecclesia) within Babylon constantly embraces and greets you folks; also Mark, my son.


text:
Embrace as you greet one another within love's expression of affection (a kiss from participation in the transcendent unity of the unambiguous life, and affection which is the urge toward accepting reunion that overcomes existential separation – a synthesis from Tillich's definitions of <i>agape</i>). Peace (and: harmony; = shalom) <n>[is]</n> in (or: <n>[is]</n> by; with) you folks – all those within, in union with, and centered on, Christ <n>[other MSS add: Jesus]</n>! It is so (Amen: Count on it)! <n>[written circa A.D. 65 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Simon Peter, a slave and sent-off representative (or: emissary) of Jesus Christ, to (or: for) the folks obtaining by lot an equally valuable (precious; honorable) faith, conviction, trust and loyalty, along with us, within the midst of and in union with fair and equitable treatment, as well as with rightwised relationships (= covenant membership), which come from and characterize our God and Savior (Deliverer; Rescuer; Source of health and wholeness), Jesus Christ (or: Jesus, <n>[the]</n> Anointed One; = Jesus, <n>[the]</n> Messiah):


text:
May grace and peace (or: favor and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n>) be multiplied (or: caused to increase) to you (or: by you; in you; for you) within full (or: accurate; complete; added) intimate and experiential knowledge and insight of God, even Jesus, our Lord (or: from God as well as from Jesus, Who is our Master; or: of God, and of our Owner, Jesus),


text:
just as all those things <n>[leading]</n> toward life and reverence (standing in awe of goodness, with adoration; the well-being of devotion and virtuous conduct from ease, in true relation to God) <n>[are]</n> being now available for us from having been freely given to us (or: presented as a gift in us) from His divine power and ability through the full (accurate; complete; added) intimate and experiential knowledge of the One calling us to His own (or: by His own; for His own; in His own; <n>[other MSS read: through]</n>) glory and excellence in nobleness (i.e., virtues of: braveness, courage, good character, quality, self-restraint, magnificence, benevolence, reliability, moral valor).


text:
<n>[It is]</n> through means of which things – the precious (valuable; honorable) and greatest effects of the promises – <n>[that]</n> He has been freely given (or: has presented Himself as a gift) to us, to the end that through these <n>[gifts]</n>, you folks would come to be (or: could come into existence being; should be born) people of common-being from a divine essence and nature (or: folks having a partnered share that is based upon a common existence from a divine born-instinct and native condition; or: fellow participants of a germination which is divine), while fleeing from the corruption (ruin; decay) within the dominant System (or: that is united with the secular realm; or: centered in the ordered world of society, religion, culture, economy and government; or: in the center of the aggregate of mankind), <n>[which is]</n> in the midst of passionate cravings (rushing emotions; lusts; violent over-desires; <n>[or, with <i>p</i>72 & Aleph: fleeing the strong desire of corruption within the world]</n>).


text:
Yet, also, this same (or: And yet for this very cause): while bringing into and alongside (i.e., making full use of) all diligent haste, you folks at once fully lead the chorus of (or: completely choreograph) the excellence and nobleness (virtues of braveness, courage, good character, quality, self-restraint, magnificence, benevolence, reliability, moral valor) <n>[being inherent]</n> within your faith and trust; along with the intimate, experiential knowledge <n>[being]</n> within the excellence and nobleness (virtues of braveness, courage, good character, quality, self-restraint, magnificence, benevolence, reliability, moral valor);


text:
also the inner strength and self-restraint <n>[which is inherent]</n> within the intimate, experiential knowledge, as well as the persistent remaining under in humble support (or: steadfast, patient endurance) <n>[being inherently]</n> within the inner strength and self-restraint; and then the reverence (ease of virtuous conduct from true relation to God) <n>[inherent]</n> within the persistent remaining under in humble support (or: steadfast, patient endurance);


text:
and further, the brotherly affection (fondness for the fellow believers) <n>[resident]</n> within the reverence (awe with goodness; well-being of devout, virtuous conduct in the ease of true relation to God); and then finally, the love (uniting acceptance) within the brotherly affection.


text:
You see, these things are constantly subsisting (or: supportively sub-governing; humbly ruling; beginning from below) as a possession in you folks <n>[or, with A and others: are continually existing alongside being present for you]</n> and are repeatedly being more than enough (abounding) – neither <n>[being]</n> inactive (or: ineffective) nor unfruitful (or: unproductive). He is continually setting <n>[these]</n> down and causing <n>[them]</n> to stand in accord <n>[in you]</n> unto the accurate, additional (or: full), experiential and intimate knowledge of our Lord (or: Owner; Master), Jesus Christ.


text:
You see, the person in whom these things are not continuously present exists being (or: is) blind, constantly closing his or her eyes, taking hold of forgetfulness of (or: receiving oblivion in regard to) the cleansing from his/her old sins (mistakes of the past; former failure; <n>[other MSS: from the results and effects of his/her former sins and errors]</n>).


text:
Wherefore (or: Because of this), brothers (= <n>[my]</n> family), hasten to exert yourselves to a greater extent to constantly make firm (sure-footed and steadfast) your calling (or: invitation) and election (selection; act of choosing out); for you see, in repeatedly doing these things, you can by no means (would under no circumstances) stumble once (or: at any time).


text:
For thus (in this way) the Path of entrance (or: the place and act of the Way unto) into the center or midst of the eonian reign (or: the Kingdom pertaining to and having the character and qualities of the Age; the for-the-ages sovereign influence and actions) of our Lord and Savior (or: Owner and Deliverer), Jesus Christ <n>[= <n>[the]</n> Messiah]</n>, will continue being richly furnished and fully supplied for you (in you; to you).


text:
Wherefore (or: For this cause) it will always continue being my intent to be constantly reminding you concerning these things – even though <n>[you are]</n> being folks having seen and thus knowing, and ones being set and firmly established within the truth and reality <n>[that is]</n> being continuously present (existing alongside) <n>[with and in you]</n>.


text:
But I am continuously considering it right, and in accord with the Way pointed out – as long as I continue existing within this tent-effect (or: tabernacle) – to keep on arousing and awakening you with a reminder,


text:
having seen and now knowing that swift <n>[in approach]</n> is the laying aside (or: the putting off or away) of my tent-effect (or: tabernacle; = body), according as also our Lord, Jesus Christ, made clearly visible to me (or: makes <n>[it]</n> evident for and in me).


text:
But I will also continue earnestly hastening (or: quickly endeavoring) to always have you, after my departure (exodus; a road out; = death), to continually make mention (or: make the recollection) of these things.


text:
For we did (or: do) not experientially or intimately make known to you the power and presence (or: ability and <n>[the]</n> being alongside; <i>parousia</i>) of our Lord, Jesus Christ, by following forth in (or: by) wisely made myths (or: in being made wise by myths or fables; or: with fables modified by wisdom; or: to cleverly crafted stories), but rather, <n>[from]</n> becoming (or: being made to be; being birthed) eyewitnesses (onlookers; spectators) of that One's magnificence (or: of that greatness):


text:
for you see, from the side of (or: <n>[standing]</n> beside) Father God, <n>[He was]</n> receiving honor (value; preciousness) and glory (or: a reputation) from a Voice being carried to Him by the fitting greatness and majesty of glory and which came from the manifestation which called forth praise (or: = of a Sound or Shout being swept along under the magnificent grandeur of the <i>Sh'khinah</i> Presence) such as follows: "My Son, My Beloved One, is This One <n>[other MSS: This One is existing being My Son, My Beloved One]</n> into the midst of Whom I Myself placed delight <n>[other MSS: within Whom I was well pleased, and find approval; in union with Whom I have good thoughts]</n>."


text:
And we ourselves, being together with Him within the set-apart (or: holy; sacred) mountain, heard this Voice being carried out of heaven (or: swept along from the midst of <n>[the]</n> atmosphere and sky).


text:
And so, we continue having (or: constantly hold) the Idea which was spoken ahead of time in and as Light (or: the prior-enlightened Thought and Reason; or: the Prophetic Word) more confirmed (validated; established; certain), by which (or: in which) you folks continue doing beautifully (performing ideally; producing finely), while continuously holding toward (= playing close attention to) <n>[it]</n> as to a lamp continually shining within a parched place – until which <n>[time or occasion]</n> the Day may shine through and a light bearer <n>[= a morning star]</n> may rise within your hearts (or: constantly heeding, as to a lamp progressively making things appear in a dark, dingy or dirty place, until that the Day can dawn, and a light-bringer can arise in union with your core and innermost being),


text:
constantly knowing this first, that every (or: all) previously enlightened information of Scripture <n>[<i>p</i>72: prophecy and Scripture]</n> is not coming to be unbound upon its own (or: is not being born of its own unloosing; or: is not becoming its own explaining; or: is not coming into existence upon one's own releasing),


text:
for you see, previously enlightened information (or: prophecy) was (or: is) not at any time brought by (or: in; for) <n>[the]</n> will (intent; resolve; purpose) of a human, but rather being continuously carried by (or: swept along under <n>[the influence of]</n>) <n>[the]</n> set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit), <n>[some MSS add: set-apart; holy]</n> people spoke (or: speak) from God.


text:
Yet false prophets also birthed themselves (or: Now of themselves folks who pretended to have light ahead of time, or who had false knowledge and spoke before folks, came to be) among the People – as also false teachers will continue existing (or: being) among you folks, ones who will proceed to stealthily introduce (or: will continue bringing in alongside or smuggling in) destructive choices (or: destructive sects or schools; heresies marked by, and which pertain to, loss or destruction) even repeatedly denying (disowning; disclaiming) the Sovereign Owner (or: Absolute Master) having purchased them (or: buying them at the gathering, or market, place), continuously bringing swift loss, ruin or destruction upon themselves.


text:
And many will progressively follow out to (for; in; by) their outrageous behaviors (extravagant or licentious conducts), on account of whom (or: because of which ones) the Way <n>[other MSS: the glory]</n> of the Truth and Reality will proceed being blasphemed (vilified; defamed; misrepresented with abusive slander; or: having its light hindered),


text:
and in greed (desire to take advantage in order to have more), by formed (molded; fabricated, and thus, counterfeit) words, they will constantly exploit you (use you for business; market you; use you in trade and travel by sea), to whom (or: for which folks) the sentence (or: the result of the evaluation; the effect of a separating process) <n>[coming]</n> from long ago (or: out of old times; forth from old) is not continuing inactive (is not constantly unemployed; is not remaining idle), and their loss (or: destruction) is not nodding in sleep or taking a nap.


text:
For since (or: if) God did (or: does) not spare agents (or: folks having a, or, the message) – but who at one point were (or: are) straying from the goal (or: when failing to hit the mark; at missing the target; upon committing error) – but rather gave (or: gives) them over into an act of judging – of being repeatedly pruned (cut back for correction), while being constantly watched over, kept, maintained and protected – giving <n>[them]</n> the experience of Tartarus <n>[Hellenistic mythological term and concept: the subterranean world; <i>cf</i> LXX, <a class='xref' href='bJob 40:15'>Job 40:15</a> (the marshlands and wild areas around the Jordan River) and 41:23 (the caverns and lower parts of deep waters and the abyss)]</n> in dark, gloomy pits (caves; caverns) <n>[other MSS: in ropes (or: chains; bands; cords); = in bondage]</n>.


text:
And further, He did not spare <n>[the]</n> original ordered arrangement (a beginning or ruling world of society and culture; or: <n>[the]</n> secular realm), but rather spared Noah, an eighth (idiom: = with seven others), a proclaimer (herald) of justice (righteousness; fair and equitable dealings that accord with the Way pointed out; or: = covenant participation), when bringing a deluge (an inundation) upon a world (System and society; secular order) of folks devoid of awe (or: in bringing down a washing upon a system of irreverent and impious ones),


text:
and later He correspondingly evaluated and commensurately decided about (or: condemns) <n>[the]</n> cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing <n>[them]</n> to ashes for twisting down (<n>[= distorting the path of life]</n>; or: by and in an overthrow; to a turning down <n>[of activities or of life]</n>), having placed (or: set) an example (exhibition; a result of a specimen pointed out and set under view) of folks habitually being about to be irreverent (or: to commit sacrilege without awe) <n>[other MSS: an example of things about to happen to (or: in; among) ones without reverential awe]</n>;


text:
and yet, He drew to Himself right-living Lot (or: He Himself rescues Lot, a just one; or: He, for Himself, rescues Lot, an equitable person), a person being constantly worn down under the unrestrained and unprincipled folks (or: acts) in the midst of <n>[their]</n> outrageous (extravagant; licentious; indulgent) conduct (mode of living).


text:
For you see, by seeing and by hearing (or: with a look and in listening to) <n>[this]</n> from day to day, this fair and just person continuously dwelling in their midst kept on testing and distressing – as on the touchstone – <n>[his]</n> just and equitable soul (or: inner being) by <n>[their]</n> lawless works (or: actions and deeds which are apart from custom).


text:
<n>[The]</n> Lord <n>[=Yahweh]</n>, having seen, thus knows to (or: knows how to) continuously drag out of danger (or: rescue) a reverent person (one standing in devout goodness, in awe and in virtuous conduct with ease and well-being from relationship with God) from out of the midst of a trial (or: ordeal; <n>[other MSS: trials]</n>), yet to constantly keep in custody, guard, watch over and maintain unjust folks (people who live contrary to the Way pointed out; unrightwised folks) <n>[who are]</n> being repeatedly pruned (or: being progressively corrected), <n>[which is leading]</n> unto a day of evaluating for making a decision <n>[about their progress]</n> (or: of judging <n>[condition]</n>),


text:
yet especially (or: most of all) the people continually passing from one place to another after flesh (= aspects of the natural realm; = expressions or experiences of the estranged self or the human nature that has been conformed to the System) in defiling (polluting; staining) lust (over-desire; full passion), even habitually thinking disparagingly (scorning; despising; down-thinking) of lordship (ownership; constituted authority). <n>[These are]</n> presumptuous folks (audacious ones), self-pleasing people (willfully arrogant ones), continuously slandering (defaming; speaking injuriously about; obscuring the light of; vilifying) reputations,


text:
whereas agents (or: messengers; folks with a/the message) <n>[who]</n> are being greater in strength and power (or: ability) <n>[than these folks]</n>, are not normally (or: habitually) bringing slanderous separating (or: defaming decision-making; injurious discriminating; or: a light-obscuring judicial process) down on or against them before (or: beside) <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[=Yahweh]</n>.


text:
But these, as irrational (wordless; unreasoning) living ones (or: animals), being creatures of instinct having been born unto capture and then corruption (decay; ruin), within which things – being continuously ignorant – they are constantly blaspheming (speaking slander, insult and abusive speech; injuriously vilifying; or: hindering the Light) within their corruption, and they will be progressively ruined (spoiled; corrupted),


text:
being folks habitually wronging themselves (or, reading as a passive: being wronged; suffering injustice) <n>[other MSS: will be ones getting for themselves]</n> – a wage of unrighteousness (inequity; injustice; wrong; nonobservance of the Way pointed out) – folks continuously leading or governing, while considering the luxury (or: softness and daintiness; delicate living; effeminateness) in daytime (in broad daylight) a pleasure (enjoyment; gratification). <n>[They are]</n> spots (or: stains) and disgraceful flaws <n>[that]</n> are continuously living within luxury amidst their delusions (or: deceptions) <n>[other MSS: love-feasts]</n> – folks repeatedly feasting (or: banqueting) together with you folks –


text:
people always having bulging eyes very full of an adulteress (= for nothing but adultery), and being unceasing regarding sin and error; people by habit using bait to entrap unstable souls (= people); folks constantly having a heart that has been exercised (trained in gymnastic discipline) regarding greed (desire for advantage and riches); children of a cursing (or: having the qualities and character of <n>[the]</n> curse).


text:
By practice leaving behind <n>[other MSS: at one point abandoning]</n> <n>[the; a]</n> straight path (road; Way), they were (or: are) led astray (or: caused to wander), following out the path (road; way) of Balaam of Bosor <n>[other MSS: Beor]</n> who loved <n>[the]</n> wage of injustice (inequity; wrongdoing; unrighteousness; nonobservance of the Way pointed out).


text:
But he had an exposure and a rebuke leading to conviction regarding his own transgression of law: a voiceless yoke-animal – emitting a sound in a voice of a man – hindered (or: checked) the insanity (madness; being beside one's thinking) of the prophet.


text:
These people are (or: exist being) springs without water and clouds (or: mists; fogs) being constantly driven by (or: under) a storm (or: a squall), for whom the gloom of the darkness has been kept for an indefinite period of time.


text:
For you see, in continuously uttering over-swollen (over-weighted; extravagant; pompous) things pertaining to emptiness (vanity; futility), they are constantly using bait to trap – in the midst of cravings (or: full passions) of flesh (= alienated human nature) by outrageous (or: licentious) behavior – those folks scarcely <n>[other MSS: actually]</n> fleeing from the people habitually twisting themselves up in deception (in wandering),


text:
while constantly promising freedom (or: liberty) to them, they themselves continuously subsist inherently being slaves of the corruption (the ruin; the decay) – for you see, by whom (or: by what) anyone has been, and now exists being, made inferior (or: less), to this one (or: by this thing) he has <n>[some MSS add: also]</n> been enslaved, and now exists as a slave.


text:
For if, fleeing from the stains (pollution; defilements) of the ordered System (dominant world of religion, society, culture, economy and politics; or: secular realm), within an accurate (or: full; added) intimate and experiential knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but yet being interwoven (intertwined) back again in (or: by) these things, they are continuing to be inferior (less; or: they are repeatedly worsted), the last things (situations; conditions) have come to be (or: have been birthed) for them (to them; in them; with them) worse than the first ones.


text:
For it were better for them (or: it was existing better to and in them) to have not known (not to have come to an experiential full knowledge of) the Way (road; path) of the fair and equitable dealing (justice; righteousness; or: = covenant participation) than, fully knowing, to turn below (or: back) from out of <n>[other MSS: to bend back, into the things which are behind, from]</n> the set-apart implanted goal (holy impartation of the finished product and destiny within; sacred inward directive) – the one being given over (committed; delivered alongside) to them.


text:
Now it has walked (or: stepped) together for them (to them; in them) – the true proverb (saying; byword): "a dog turning about upon its own vomit, " and "a sow (or: hog), into a rolling (wallowing-place) of mire, bathing itself!"


text:
O beloved ones, this <n>[is]</n> already a second letter <n>[that]</n> I am writing to you, within which I am thoroughly arousing (raising through; thoroughly awakening) your complete thought process (intellect, comprehension and the things going through the mind) which has been evaluated in sunlight (or: your sunlight-separated, sincere understanding), in union with a putting in mind (or: a remembrance) <n>[and]</n>


text:
to be born in mind (or: to be called to mind), about the flowing declarations (or: gush-effects; results of the flow) having been spoken beforehand by the set-apart (or: holy; sacred) prophets, even (or: as well as) the sent-forth representatives (emissaries) which pertained to you folks, of the implanted goal (impartation of the finished product and destiny within; inward directive) of, from and which is, the Lord and Savior (Deliverer),


text:
while continuing in knowing this first, by experience, that upon <n>[the]</n> last (or: final <n>[phases]</n>) of these (or: the) days mockers (scoffers) will proceed coming and going – in mocking (scoffing; deriding), according to their own cravings (or: in correspondence to their personal full passions), folks continually traveling from one place to another (or: = people normally ordering their lives according to their personal desires) –


text:
even saying, "Where is the promise of His presence? For since the fathers were put (or: lulled) to sleep, all things (or: everything) constantly remain (s) thus (in this way or manner) throughout, from <n>[the]</n> beginning of creation (the framing; the reduction from a state of disorder)."


text:
You see, it continues unnoticed and unrecognized – <n>[by]</n> those folks habitually desiring this <n>[to be the case]</n> (or: = they deliberately ignore the fact) – that skies (or: atmospheres; heavens) and land were continuously existing from long ago (or: = from ancient times) – from out of the midst of water, and through water – being made to stand together (being placed or put together) by (or: in; with) the Word (Logos; thought and idea; reason) of God (or: which is God),


text:
through which <n>[very waters; or: directives of His Word]</n> the ordered System (world of culture and relationships) of that time destroyed (or: lost) itself, being washed down (inundated; deluged) by water.


text:
Yet at the present time the heavens and the earth (or: the atmospheres and skies, as well as the land), by the same Word (or: in the same Logos) – having been collected and being stored up as treasure, by (or: in; for; with) fire – continuously exist, being constantly kept (watched, guarded and maintained) with a view to a day of separating for deciding (or: with the character of evaluating for judging), as well as of loss, ruin or destruction which pertains to the irreverent humans (or: of people devoid of reverential awe toward God).


text:
Yet now this one thing <n>[<i>p</i>72: But in this]</n> – let it not continue unnoticed, escape your detection, or be hidden from you – beloved ones, one day beside the Lord <n>[is]</n> as a thousand years, and yet a thousand years <n>[is]</n> as one day.


text:
The Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> is not continually delaying the promise, as certain folks consider delay, but rather is constantly patient (long of emotion and slow in passion; long before rushing heatedly) unto you, constantly not intending any folks to be lost (or: to destroy themselves), but to the contrary, <n>[for]</n> all people to make room, allow space, give way and progress into a change of mind (or: = repentance and a return to God).


text:
So the day of the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> will proceed in arriving as a thief <n>[i.e., suddenly and without notice]</n>, in which <n>[day]</n> the heavens (or: atmospheres; or: skies) will proceed passing by with the noise of sudden movement, but yet rudimentary, elementary principles (or: basic component and parts of a system arranged in rows, or a grid; e.g., the elements and assumptions of a religious or intellectual system), being progressively heated as with a burning fever, will be progressively loosed (unfastened; unbound; or: nullified; destroyed). And then land (or: soil; ground; earth; or: = a territory) – along with the things produced (or: actions; deeds; workmanships; accomplishments) <n>[note: God's and/or man's]</n> within the midst of it – will continue being found (or: discovered; found out) <n>[<i>p</i>72 adds: being progressively loosed (or: destroyed); A reads: will be burned up]</n>!


text:
With all these people thus, then, being presently loosed, one after another (or: being in the process of being progressively unbound; or: with all these things being continuously dissolved in this way), in what sort of way is it continuously necessary and binding for you folks <n>[other MSS: us; other MSS have no personal pronoun here]</n> to constantly subsist (or: humbly rule or supportively possess)? Within set-apart (or: holy; sacred), upturned modes of behavior and <n>[lives of]</n> reverence (devout ease, virtuous conduct and goodness from relationship with God)!


text:
– while constantly being receptive toward and progressively hastening after the presence of God's Day (or: the presence, which is God's day; or: the presence of the day which has the quality and character of God and which is God), through which heavens (or: skies; atmospheres) – being continuously on fire – will be loosed (or: untied)! And so <n>[the body of]</n> elements (rudimentary principles and assumptions; component parts of the system), now being continuously intensely hot and burning, <n>[are]</n> presently being progressively melted down (or: liquefied).


text:
Yet we, according to (or: down from and in line with) the effect and result of His promise, are habitually receptive toward atmospheres (or: continue with an opinion face to face with heavens) new in kind and quality, and a land (or: soil; ground; earth) new in kind and quality, within which fairness (equitable dealings; righteousness; justice; living in rightwised relationships which accord with the Way pointed out; or: = covenant participation) is presently and permanently settled down (continuously dwelling and at home).


text:
Wherefore (or: On account of which), beloved ones, while continually being receptive toward these things, be eager to be found spotless (unblemished) folks and flawless ones (blameless folks) in Him (or: <n>[made so]</n> by Him; for Him), within peace and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n>.


text:
And so, make it a habit to consider the long-suffering patience of our Lord <n>[= Yahweh, or Christ]</n> <n>[to be]</n> deliverance (salvation; wholeness and health), according as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you, in accord with (or: down from) the wisdom being given to him (or: by him),


text:
even as in all the letters, habitually speaking in them concerning these things, in which certain things are misunderstood (or: imperceptible to the mind; hard to understand), which the unlearned folks and unstable ones (unfounded ones; people not set fast and firm) repeatedly distort, as by twisting them out of place on a rack – as also the rest of the writings (or: Scriptures) – toward their own loss (or: ruin; destruction).


text:
You, then, beloved ones, being ones by repeated experiences previously acquainted <n>[with this]</n> (or: knowing beforehand by experiences), be constantly on watch, guard, and keep yourselves in custody, lest – at some point being carried (or: led) away together by the deception (or: in straying; or: to deceit) of the unestablished (unprincipled; inordinate; lawless) folks – you could fall out from your own state of fixed firmness (or: steadfastness).


text:
So be continually growing and increasing within grace and in union with favor, as well as <n>[in]</n> intimate, experiential knowledge and insight of (or: the source of which is) our Lord (Owner; Master) and Savior (or: Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health and wholeness), Jesus Christ (or: Anointed Jesus; = Jesus the Messiah). By Him (or: To Him; For Him; In Him) <n>[is]</n> the glory (the manifestation which calls forth praise) both now and on into a Day that lasts for an indefinite period of time, and which is <n>[the]</n> Age (or: unto a day whose character and quality is <n>[the]</n> Age; or: into the midst of a day whose source is <n>[the]</n> Age <n>[of the Messiah]</n>; or: to a day which belongs to <n>[the]</n> Age; into a Day which is an age). It is so (or: Count on it; Amen)! <n>[written circa A.D. 61-62 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
The One who was continuously existing from <n>[the]</n> beginning (or: He Who was progressively being parted away from Headship and Rule). The One whom we have listened to, and still hear; the One whom we have seen, and now yet perceive with our eyes (or: in our eyes); the One whom we gazed upon as a public spectacle (as an exhibit in a theater) and our hands handled (felt about for and touched) – groping around the Word of the Life (or: the Logos, which is the Life; the thought which pertains to life; the Idea from the Life; the message which has the character and qualities of the Life; the Reason which belongs to the Life; <n>[note: I have treated <i>ho</i> as the definite article in the first four phrases here and in vs. 3; many treat it as a neuter relative and render it: That which]</n>)


text:
And the Life was manifested (or: is brought into the clear light and made visible) and we have seen, and still observe, and are repeatedly testifying (bearing witness; giving evidence) and in a message are constantly reporting to you folks the Life which has the character and qualities of the Age (or: the life of, for and pertaining to the ages; eonian life) which Certain <n>[Life]</n> was continuously existing <n>[oriented and proceeding]</n> toward (or: was face to face with) the Father, and was manifested (or: is made visible) to us, in us, by us, and for us.


text:
The One whom we have seen, and still now see, and we have heard, and now continue listening to and hearing, we are also constantly reporting to you, to the end that you, too, may be continuously having common being and existence (or: would be progressively holding partnership and participation) with us. And yet, our common being and existence (or: participation; fellowship; partnership; sharing) <n>[is]</n> with the Father, even with His Son (or: as well as with the Son from Him; or, in apposition: and with the Son which is Him), Jesus Christ.


text:
And so we ourselves are proceeding in writing these things, to the end that your joy <n>[other MSS: our joy]</n> would continually exist having been filled up and then continue full.


text:
And this is the message (or: And it is this message) which we have heard – and still hear – from Him, and we are continually bringing back tidings (or: announcing again) to and among you people that God continuously exists being (or: is) Light, and within Him darkness and obscurity do not exist – not even one (or: and so, there is absolutely no dimness or shadiness in Him).


text:
If we should up and say that we are continuously having common being (or: constantly enjoying fellowship, participation and partnership) with Him and yet may be habitually walking round about (= living our lives) within the Darkness and the dim realm of shadows <n>[note: a figure of ignorance, or the obscure previous way of seeing reality; the existence before the Breath-effect vibrated over us]</n>, we are constantly lying (speaking falsely) and are not in the habit of doing the truth (or: are not constructing, practicing or producing reality).


text:
Yet if we keep on walking about (= continue living our life) within the midst of and in union with the Light, as He exists (or: is) within the Light, we constantly have common being and existence (or: hold common fellowship, participation and enjoy partnership) with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, keeps continually and repeatedly cleansing us (or: is progressively rendering us pure) from every sin (or: from all error, failure, deviation, mistake, and from every <n>[successive]</n> shot that is off target <n>[when it occurs]</n>).


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If we should up and say that we have no error (or: do not periodically possess deviation or hold sin and mistake), we are continuously leading ourselves astray (or: deceiving ourselves and driving ourselves off the Path), and the Truth is not (or: reality does not exist) within us.


text:
If it would be our habit to confess (admit; avow; say the same thing as; speak in accordance with; or: would continue in agreement <n>[about]</n>) our error (our failure; our sin; our mistake), He is constantly faithful and just (fair; in accord with the Way pointed out and in right relationship; rightwised), to the end that He would at once send away for us (or: dismiss or pardon and cause to flow away in us) the errors (<n>[some MSS add: our]</n> failures, mistakes and deviations) and then would cleanse <n>[other MSS: He will cleanse]</n> us from all injustice (all that is contrary to the Way pointed out; every unrighteousness; all unfairness, inequity and unrighteous relationships; every behavior that is turned in the wrong direction).


text:
If we would say that we have not failed to hit the target (or: sinned; made a mistake; erred; deviated), and exist thus, we habitually make Him a liar (one who utters falsehood), and His Word (Thought; Idea; message; Logos) does not exist among (or: is not within) us.


text:
My little children (born ones), I am writing these things to you (or: for you) to the end that you may not fail to hit the target (deviate from the goal; sin). And if anyone should at some point fail (or: suddenly commit sin, make a mistake or deviate), we constantly have One called alongside to help, give relief and guide us toward the Father (or: we continuously possess a Paraclete, face to face with the Father): Jesus Christ, <n>[the]</n> One in accord with the Way pointed out (or: a Just One; <n>[the]</n> Righteous One; <n>[the]</n> Fair One who is in right relationship with all; a Rightwised One; <n>[the]</n> right one; a Person that is turned in the right direction).


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And He Himself exists continually being a cleansing, sheltering cover around our mistakes and errors, sheltering us from their effects so that we can be in peaceful and rightwised relationships (or: being the act by which our sins and failures are cleansed and made ineffective, effecting conciliation <n>[to us]</n>), yet not only around those pertaining to us (or: having their source in us), but further, even around the whole ordered System (secular realm and dominating world of culture, economy, religion and government; or: universe; or: aggregate of mankind)!


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And so within this <n>[situation]</n>, if we could be continuously watchful and would habitually keep, guard, observe, and maintain His implanted purposes and internalized goals (or: inner projections of destiny), we <n>[would]</n> progressively know through experience and continue to recognize with insight, because we have come to know Him, and we now experience Him intimately with insightful knowledge. (or: So in union with this <n>[relationship]</n> – should we constantly maintain His impartations from the finished product, and would observe His inward directives of destiny – we progressively know by experience, and recognize by insight, that we have known Him.)


text:
The person who keeps on saying, "I have come to know Him by experience, " and yet is not habitually keeping (observing) His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives), is a liar (exists being one who speaks falsehood) and God's Truth (the Reality of God; the Genuine Actuality which is God) is not (or: does not exist) within this one.


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Yet whoever may be habitually keeping (attentively guarding to observe) His Word (Thought; Idea; message), truly (or: actually; in reality) within this person God's Love has been perfected and brought to its goal (or: the love which is God has been matured, finished and reached its purposed destiny). In this we constantly know experientially that we continuously exist within the midst of Him, and in union with Him.


text:
The person habitually speaking <n>[thus, as though]</n> to be constantly abiding (remaining; dwelling) within Him, is continuously under obligation himself also to go on walking about (= behaving and conducting his life) just as That One (or: on the level and in the sphere as <n>[He]</n>) walked (or: walks; = lives His life).


text:
Beloved ones, I am not writing an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive of purpose) new in kind or quality to you (or: for you), but rather an old implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive of destiny) which you folks have continually had (or: were habitually holding) from <n>[the]</n> beginning. The old implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directed destiny) is the Word (Thought; Idea; message) which you folks heard (or: attentively hear <n>[and thus obey]</n>)!


text:
Again, (or: Once more) I am writing to you an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive) new in kind and quality, which is (exists being) true (actual; real; genuine) within Him, and within you <n>[other MSS: us]</n>, that the Darkness (the obscure dimness of the realm of the shadows and of lack of the light of the Day; <n>[note: a figure of the ignorance of the prior system and realm]</n>) is progressively being caused to pass by, and the True Light (or: = real knowledge and understanding; = Light of the new Day) is already (before now) progressively shining and appearing.


text:
The person who keeps on speaking <n>[thus, as though]</n> to be within the Light, and yet is constantly hating (or: regarding with ill-will) his brother (or: = fellow believer; or: fellow member of his society), is a liar and continues being within the Darkness (the obscure dimness of the realm of the shadows and lack of the light of the Day; = prior night) until the present moment.


text:
The person habitually loving (seeking accepting reunion with) his brother constantly abides (remains; dwells; = has his home) within and in union with the Light, and there exists no snare (trap-spring; stick upon which bait is put; = cause for stumbling) within him.


text:
But the person habitually hating (or: repeatedly having ill-will toward) his brother (or: = fellow believer or fellowman) constantly exists within the Darkness (the obscure dimness of the realm of the shadows, lacking of the light of the Day) and so continuously walks about amidst the Darkness, and has not seen so is not aware where he is progressively departing (or: habitually going away), because that Darkness blinds (or: blinded) his eyes.


text:
I am writing to you, little children (or: young born ones), that the failures (mistakes; sins; deviations; situations of missing the goal) have been sent away (or: caused to flow away; put away; divorced; forgiven) for you through His Name (or: because of the Name which is Him)!


text:
I am writing to you, fathers (or: parents), that you have by experience known, and now have intimate insight of, the One <n>[Who is]</n> from <n>[the]</n> beginning (or: the Original One). I am writing to you, young men (or: youths), that you have overcome (conquered; are victorious over) the one bringing a gush of misery (or: the useless, unprofitable situation; the wicked man; the evil one; the bad situation or sorry plight; the worthless man; the pernicious and knavish fellow; the one causing anguish and painful labor; the condition full of harassed toil and annoying perils; the base fellow) – and this now exists as a decided victory.


text:
I write to you, little boys and girls, or servants, who might be hit for discipline (or: those of the age for being educated and trained), that you have by experience known the Father; I write to you, fathers (or: parents), that you have by experience known, and now have insight into, the One <n>[Who is]</n> from <n>[the]</n> beginning (or: the Original One). I write to you, young men (or: youths), that you are (or: exist being) constantly strong, and God's Word (Logos; Thought; Idea; message) continuously dwells (abides; remains) within you and you have overcome (conquered; are the victor over) the one bringing a gush of misery (see parenthetical expansion in verse 13, above).


text:
You folks should not be habitually loving (as indicative: are not normally accepting; as imperative: Stop constantly seeking reunion with) the world (secular realm and the controlling ordered System of culture, religion, economy and government), neither (or: not even) the things within the world (ordered system). If anyone is in the habit of (or: keeps on) loving the world (ordered system of religion, or of secular society), the Father's <n>[other MSS: God's]</n> Love (or: the love which the Father has; the Love which is the Father) does not exist within him,


text:
because everything within the world (ordered but dominating System of the secular and the religious) – the flesh's over-desire (full passion of the alienated human nature; lust of the estranged self; earnest wants of the false persona that was conformed to the System), and the eyes' over-desire, and the arrogant ostentation (haughty, presumptuous or pretentious egoism) pertaining to living (= the biological and sociological life we live), is not out of the Father as a source (or: does not proceed from the Father), but rather is continuously forth from out of the world (the ordered System of society, culture and religion),


text:
and the world (ordered System of religion, society, culture, economy and government) is progressively (or: constantly; repeatedly) being caused to pass along (pass by; pass away), as well as its over-desire (full passion; earnest wants; lust), yet the person constantly doing (or: performing) God's will (intent; purpose; desire) remains (abides; dwells) on into the Age (= the time and sphere characterized by the Messiah).


text:
O undeveloped ones or folks of the age to be educated (or: servants, little boys and little girls who might be hit in training and for discipline), it continues being (or: is progressively) a last hour (= an <i>eschaton</i> of the Day, or the closing moment <n>[of the age]</n>), and according as you hear (or: heard) that an antichrist (or: anti-anointing; that which is instead of, or in the place of, Christ or the Anointing) repeatedly comes <n>[other MSS: the anti-anointing (or: antichrist) continuously comes]</n>, even now many anti-anointings (or: antichrists; many things or people taking the place of Christ or stand in opposition to the Anointing) have been born and are here (or: have come into existence and are at large), from which fact (or: whence) we constantly know by experience that it continues being a last hour (= a closing moment <n>[of the age]</n>).


text:
They came (or: come; go; or: went) out from us, but they were not existing out of us (or: they were not <n>[a part]</n> of us), for if they were out of us, they would have remained (dwelt; abided) with us; but <n>[this was]</n> to the end that they may be manifested (caused to appear) that they are not all out of us or from us.


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And further, you folks continue having the effects (or: constantly hold and progressively possess the results) of an anointing from the set-apart One (or: the Holy One), and so you all have seen and are aware (or: know; perceive; <n>[other MSS: and you know all {those} folks]</n>).


text:
I do not write to you because you do not know the Truth (or: <n>[new]</n> Reality), but rather because you do know it, and because every lie is not forth from the Truth (or: even that all falsehood is not <n>[coming]</n> from Reality).


text:
Which one is (exists continuously being) the liar, if not the person habitually denying (repeatedly disowning; = constantly turning his back), <n>[saying]</n> that Jesus is not the Christ (the Anointed One <n>[= Messiah]</n>)? This person is (exists being) the anti-anointing (or: anti-anointed person; the one taking the place of and being in the opposite position of the anointing and of Christ): the one habitually denying (constantly turning his back on) the Father and the Son.


text:
Everyone continuously denying or turning his back on the Son does not even have (or: not even is he possessing; neither holds) the Father. The one habitually speaking like the Son (or: the one continuously confessing and avowing the Son; the one habitually speaking in accord with or saying the same thing as the Son) also constantly has (possesses) the Father.


text:
As for you folks, let what you heard from <n>[the]</n> beginning be continuously remaining (abiding; dwelling; staying) within you. When (or: If; If at any time) that which you heard from <n>[the]</n> beginning would remain (should abide; can dwell; may stay and make its home) within you, you also will continue remaining (abiding; dwelling; staying) within the Son, even within the midst of and in union with the Father! (or: you will dwell both in the Son and in the Father).


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And this is (continues being) the Promise which He Himself promised (or: promises) to us <n>[other MSS: to you]</n>: the Life of the Age (or: eonian life; life into the un-seeable future; age-lasting life; Life having the character and qualities of the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>; life pertaining to the ages; Life for and on through the ages). <n>[note: in <a class='xref' href='bActs 1:4-5'>Acts 1:4-5</a> the “Promise” was the Holy Spirit]</n>


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I write these things <n>[other MSS: But I wrote these things]</n> to you about the folks constantly trying to lead you astray (or: periodically causing you to wander; repeatedly deceiving you),


text:
and the effects of the anointing which you folks received (or: receive) from Him constantly remains (abides; dwells; makes its home) within you folks, and you continually have no use (or: you are not constantly having a need) that anyone should keep on teaching you (or: be repeatedly giving you a course of lessons; coach you; instruct you), but rather, just as the effects of His anointing is continuously and progressively teaching you about everything (or: concerning all people), and is continuously true, and real, and is not a lie, even according as it taught (or: as He instructs) you: you are continuously abiding (remaining; dwelling; being at home) within and in union with Him (or, reading as an imperative: be constantly remaining, abiding, staying and dwelling within the midst of Him).


text:
And now (at the present time; in this moment), little children (born-ones; bairns), you are continuously (or, reading as imperative: keep on) dwelling (abiding; remaining; staying) within and in union with Him, to the end that if (or: whenever) He (or: it) may be manifested (made visible and apparent; shown in clear light) we can (or: may; should; would) have confident boldness (freedom in speaking associated with citizenship; complete outspoken bluntness) and may not feel or receive shame (disgrace; dishonor; humiliation) from Him, within His presence (or: may not be shamed away from Him in the midst of His presence).


text:
If you folks may have come to see (or: perceive), and should now know, that He is continuously One who constantly lives in accord with the Way pointed out (is right, just, fair, rightwised and in right relationship <n>[in covenant]</n>), you continue to know by experience that everyone habitually making or doing fair and equitable dealing (accomplishing that which is right and in accord with the Way pointed out; practicing justice; constructing righteousness; producing rightwised <n>[existence]</n>) has been born and now exists being a born-one (or: now stands begotten), from out of the midst of Him (and: with Him as the Source).


text:
You people at once consider (or: look and perceive) what kind of (what sort of; what unusual, foreign or exotic) love (or: acceptance) the Father has given to (or: in; for) us <n>[other MSS: you]</n>, which we now have as a gift, to the end that we can (may; should; would) be called (or: named) God's children (born-ones; bairns)! And we are! Because of this (On account of this; Therefore) the System (the world; the realm of the secular and religious; the ordered arrangement of culture, religion, economy and government) is not habitually having experiential or intimate knowledge of us (does not know or have insight into us <n>[other MSS: you]</n>), because it did not know (or: it does not have an intimate, experiential knowledge of) Him.


text:
Beloved ones, now (at the present time) we continuously exist being God's children (born-ones; bairns from the standpoint of origin), and it has not yet been made visible (or: it is not yet apparent or manifested) what we will proceed in being. We have perceived, and thus know (or: are aware) that if it (or: He) should be (or: whenever it {or: He} may be) made visible, apparent and manifested, <n>[then]</n> folks like to Him (like-ones to Him; ones like Him; people resembling Him) we will be existing, because we will continue seeing and will be progressively perceiving Him just as (according and exactly as; in the manner that) He constantly exists (or: He is).


text:
So everyone who continuously has (or: habitually holds) this expectation (or: expectant hope) <n>[placed; resting]</n> upon Him is <n>[by this]</n> constantly (repeatedly; progressively) purifying himself, just as (according as; in the way that) That One is (or: exists being) pure.


text:
Everyone constantly practicing (habitually committing; progressively producing) the error (or: deviation; missing of the target; sin; failure) is also constantly practicing the lawlessness (or: habitually commits a lawless act, or progressively does the violation of custom), and the error (or: the failure to hit the target; the deviation; the sin) exists being (or: is) the lawlessness (or: the violation of law or the act apart from custom is the mistake and the error).


text:
You have also perceived, and thus know and are aware, that That One was manifested (made visible) to the end that He would in a point of time lift up and carry away (or: sustain, bear and raise up) the errors (or: those failures to hit the target; the mistakes; those deviations; the sins; <n>[some MSS: our sins]</n>), and yet error (failure to hit the target; deviation; sins) does not exist within Him (or: and in Him is no sin or failure).


text:
Everyone continuously remaining (dwelling; keeping his residence; abiding; staying) within and in union with Him is not habitually missing the target (practicing sin; repeatedly failing in his purpose); everyone continually failing to hit the target (habitually sinning; progressively in error) has neither seen Him, nor come to know Him by intimate experience or insight.


text:
Little children (born-ones), let no one be constantly leading you astray (misleading or deceiving you); the person continually doing that which is in accord with the Way pointed out (or: repeatedly practicing rightwisedness; progressively producing the justice, fairness and equity in right <n>[covenantal]</n> relationships) is (or: exists being) just (or: a person in accord with the Way pointed out; righteous; fair; equitable; rightwised; someone turned in the right direction, and is in <n>[covenant]</n> relationships), according as (just as) That One is just (is One in accord with the Way pointed out; is righteous, fair, equitable and offers the right covenant relationships).


text:
Yet the person habitually practicing (repeatedly doing; progressively producing) the error (the failure to hit the target or accomplish his purpose; or: the sin; the mistake; the deviation) is existing from out of the adversary who thrusts something through the midst, <n>[with a weapon, or with ill-intent]</n>, creating a wound or division (or: = is <n>[operating]</n> from <n>[the influence of]</n> the “devil”), because this adversary is habitually sinning (or: repeatedly missing the target; continuously falling short of the goal; constantly deviating from his purpose) from <n>[the]</n> beginning (or: from <n>[its]</n> origin). Into this <n>[situation]</n> was (or: is) God's Son manifested and made visible, to the end that He would unbind (loose; untie; destroy; disintegrate) the works and actions of the adversary who casts things through the midst of folks.


text:
Everyone who has been given birth, and is now in the state of having been born, from out of the midst of God is not habitually practicing failure to hit the target (repeatedly doing sin; constantly producing error), because His Seed (sperm) is continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within him (or: within, and in union with, Him), and he is not able (or: he has no power) to constantly fail to hit the target (repeatedly sin; continuously deviate; go on failing; continue in error), because he has been born forth from out of God.


text:
<n>[Both]</n> God's children and the adversary's children are constantly visible (apparent; manifest) within this <n>[thing or situation]</n>: everyone not practicing righteousness (not habitually doing justice; not progressively constructing his life turned in the right direction to accord with the Way pointed out; not being fair or equitable; not being in <n>[covenant]</n> relationships) as well as the one not continuously loving his brother (= a believer, or fellowman) is not existing out of God (= is not living with God being his source of life and direction),


text:
because this is the message <n>[other MSS: promise; or: complete announcement]</n> which you heard (or: hear) from <n>[the]</n> beginning, so that we are habitually (or: to the end that we would or could progressively be) loving (accepting and participating in) one another –


text:
not <n>[living]</n> like (or: not just as) Cain. He was existing, and continued being, from out of the condition (or: situation; or: one; thing; = influence) causing misery and hard labor (the unprofitable attitude; the worthless mindset; the wicked intent; the toilsome situation; the sorry plight), and so he slaughtered (killed by cutting his jugular vein) his brother. And on what score (or: for what pleasure) did he slaughter him? Because his works (actions) were gushed with misery and hard labor (were wicked or evil; were toilsome; were unprofitable and worthless), but those of his brother <n>[were]</n> ones in accord with the Way pointed out (just ones; righteous ones; fair and equitable ones; rightwised ones).


text:
Stop marveling (Cease wondering; Quit being astonished), brothers, if (or: since) the ordered System (world of culture and religion; or: the estranged secular system of governmental control) is constantly hating you (habitually regarding you with ill-will).


text:
We ourselves have seen, and thus know (or: are aware), that we have walked together (or: proceeded to change, passing from) out of the Death into the Life, because we are habitually loving the brothers (= fellow believers; <n>[some MSS: our brothers; {or: = our fellow human beings}]</n>). The person not habitually loving <n>[some MSS add: his brothers]</n> continues remaining (dwelling; abiding; staying) within the Death.


text:
Everyone constantly hating (or: regarding with ill-will) his brother constantly exists being a person-slayer (a murderer), and has not seen so as to be aware that every person-slayer does not presently have (or: is not continuously holding) life having its source in, or having the quality of, the Age (or: eonian life) presently remaining within him (or: continuously dwelling and abiding in union with him).


text:
Within this we have come to know the Love (acceptance which drives to overcome estrangement and achieve reunion) by intimate experience: that That One placed (or: places; sets; deposited) His soul over us; we ourselves are also constantly indebted (obligated) to place <n>[our]</n> souls over the brothers (= fellow believers, or, fellow humans; = <n>[God’s]</n> family).


text:
But whoever may continuously have the world's means of living (or: may habitually hold the sustenance of the life pertaining to the secular ordered System), and may habitually gaze upon his brother <n>[who is]</n> continuously having a need, and may close shut (or: would slam and lock) his intestines (= his compassions) away from him, how is God's love dwelling (abiding; remaining; staying) within him (or, reading as a future: how will God's love dwell in him)?


text:
Little children (little born-ones), we should not be habitually loving in word (by a word or thought), nor even in (or: by) the tongue, but rather within action (deed; work) and truth (or: reality).


text:
And within this we shall come to know by our own experience that we continuously exist (or: are) from out of the midst of the Truth (Reality), and so before Him (in front of Him; in His very presence) we shall progressively persuade (prevail upon; convince; win over; reassure; set at ease; render tranquil) our hearts,


text:
because, even if our heart may continually condemn (censure; know-down by experience), God is constantly greater than our heart, and He knows all mankind, (all people; or: everything; all things) by intimate experience.


text:
Beloved ones <n>[other MSS: Brothers]</n>, if our heart should not be constantly condemning or censuring (or: would not repeatedly experience negative insights or habitually have knowledge which leads <n>[some MSS add: us]</n> down), we constantly have confident freedom in speaking (boldness from our citizenship) toward and face to face with God,


text:
and whatever we may continuously ask (or: habitually request), we keep on progressively receiving from Him, because we are regularly keeping (attentively watching over, guarding and observing) His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives of purpose and destiny) and are constantly doing (performing; constructing; producing) the things <n>[that are]</n> pleasing and acceptable in His sight (or: before Him).


text:
And this is His implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive of the end in mind): namely that we could, should and would be continuously believing, progressively trusting, and habitually faithful <n>[other MSS: would at once place faith and trust]</n> in and by the Name (or: constantly loyal to and for the Name; habitually full of faith with the Name) of His Son, Jesus Christ, and thus should be constantly (or: habitually; progressively) loving (accepting; overcoming estrangement to) one another, precisely (or: accordingly; correspondingly) as He gave <n>[the]</n> implanted goal (or: gives an impartation of the finished product within, with an inward directive of the purposed end and destiny) to us, for us and in us.


text:
And the person habitually watching to attentively keep His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives of destiny) continuously remains (dwells; abides; stays) within and in union with Him, and He Himself within and in union with him. And within this we are constantly coming to know by intimate experience that He is continuously abiding (dwelling; remaining; staying) within us and in union with us: from out of the Spirit (or: from the midst of the Breath-effect; forth from the attitude) which He gives (or: at one point gave) to us (or: in us).


text:
Beloved ones, stop believing (or: you must not continually believe or put trust in; being loyal or pledging allegiance to) every spirit (or: expression of some influence; breath-effect; attitude), but rather, you folks must constantly examine, test and prove the spirits (influences; attitudes) to assay (or: prove) if they are existing from out of God, because many false prophets have gone (or: come) out into the ordered System (world of societal culture, government, economy and religion) and continue there.


text:
Within this you continually come to know by experience (or: be progressively becoming acquainted intimately with) the Spirit of God (God's Breath-effect, influence and attitude): every spirit (breath-effect; attitude; influence) which constantly speaks in accord with (says the same as; speaks like; or: confesses and avows) Jesus <n>[the]</n> Christ <n>[as]</n> having come and now continuing in flesh (= in a physical body), continuously exists being (or: is) from out of God <n>[other MSS: every spirit confessing Jesus Christ to have come in flesh is forth from God]</n>,


text:
and every spirit (influence; attitude; breath) which is not habitually speaking in accord with (speaking like; or: avowing; confessing) Jesus <n>[some MSS add: {the; as} Lord, having come in flesh]</n> is not out of (does not originate in) God. And this <n>[spirit, expression, or speech which is not in accord with Jesus]</n> is (or: continuously exists being) of the anti-anointing (or: that which pertains to the antichrist; from something in the place of Christ) – which you folks have heard that it is constantly (repeatedly; habitually) coming, and now (or: presently) exists within the controlling ordered System (or: is in the world of religion, economy, government and culture; or: has being in the realms of the secular and the religious) already (before now).


text:
Little children (born ones), you continuously exist from out of God (or: you exist with God as your source; you originate your being from God), and you have conquered (overcome) and are now victorious over them, because greater is the One (or: He) within you than the one within the ordered System (the person in union with the world of religion, culture, society, economy and government; or: the individual centered in either the secular or the religious).


text:
They themselves exist being from out of that ordered System (or: they exist with the world as their source; they originate their <n>[sense of]</n> being from the System). On account of this they continually speak from out of the System (they habitually speak out of the world <n>[as a source and perspective]</n>), and the ordered System (world of ideas: culture, religion and education, as well as the control of economy and government; the arranged realm of the religious as well as the secular) constantly listens to and hears them.


text:
We, however, continuously exist (or: are) from out of the midst of God. The person habitually and progressively coming to know God by intimate experience is continually hearing us (or: listening and paying attention to what comes from, or pertains to, us). He who does not exist from out of God is not hearing (or: listening to) us. From out of this we constantly know by intimate experiences the Spirit (or: spirit; Breath-effect; influence; Attitude) of the Truth (or: of reality), and the spirit (influence; breath-effect; attitude) of wandering (deception; error; straying).


text:
Beloved ones, we are (or: can and should be) continuously loving one another, because love (or: the urge toward reunion and acceptance) exists continuously (or: is) from out of the midst of God, and every one continuously loving has been born, and exists being a born-one, from out of the midst of God, and constantly experiences intimate knowledge of God (or: comes to know by experiences from God; gains knowledge and insight by the experience which is God).


text:
The one not habitually loving has not come to know God by intimate experience, because God continuously exists being Love (or: for God is Love and Acceptance).


text:
Within this, God's Love is instantly manifested (or: was at one point made visible; is made apparent and clear) within us (or: among us), in that (or: because) God has sent (dispatched) His uniquely-born (or: only-begotten) Son as a Representative (Envoy; Emissary) into the ordered System (world of society, culture, religion and government; or: the cosmos; or: = the aggregate of humanity), to the end that we would live (or: can experience life) through Him.


text:
Within this exists (or: is) the Love, not that we ourselves have loved <n>[other MSS: not that we ourselves love or accept]</n> God, but in contrast, that He Himself loves us and sends (or: urged toward reunion with us and sent) His Son as a Representative (Emissary): a cleansing, sheltering covering around our sins (failures to hit the target, errors, mistakes, deviations).


text:
Beloved ones, since thus (or: in that manner) God loves (or: loved) us, we also are constantly indebted (or: under obligation) to habitually love and accept one another.


text:
No one (or: Not even one) has yet once (or: ever yet) gazed upon God as an object in a theater (as a public spectacle). If we are (or: may be) habitually loving (urging toward reunion, acceptance and participation in) one another, God constantly remains (dwells, abides) within us, and His love (or: the love, which is Him,) is existing having been brought to its goal and is now matured, perfected and has reached its destiny within us, and among us.


text:
Within this we are continually knowing by experience that we are constantly remaining (dwelling; abiding) within the midst of, and in union with, Him and He Himself within us, because He has given to us from out of His Breath-effect (or: Spirit; Attitude).


text:
And we have gazed upon this public situation, and are repeatedly testifying (giving witness and evidence) that the Father has sent forth (dispatched as a Representative) the Son – <n>[the]</n> Savior of the world (or: Deliverer of the ordered and controlling System of religion and secular society; Restorer of the universe; or: = the Rescuer and Healer of all humanity).


text:
Whoever may speak in accord (confess; avow; say like words; say the same thing; agree) that Jesus exists being God's Son (or: is continuously the Son which is God), God continuously dwells (abides), remaining in him, and he himself within God.


text:
And we have come by intimate experience to know and have believed, trusted and are convinced of the Love which God has (or: holds) continuously within (or: among) us. God exists continually being Love (God is Love), and the person continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within, and in union with, the Love, is continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within, and in union with, God – and God constantly dwells (remains; abides) within him and in union with him.


text:
Within this the Love has been brought to its goal, been matured, reached its destiny and is now perfected with us, to the end that we may continuously have confident freedom of speech (the boldness of a citizen to speak publicly without fear of punishment) within the day of sifting and separation (distinction, evaluation and decision; judging; judicial proceeding; or: administering of justice), because just as That One is, we also continuously exist being: within the midst of this ordered System (or: because in this world of culture, religion, economy and government, even we, ourselves, progressively exist – correspondingly as, and to the according level as, That One continuously exists and is progressively being).


text:
Fear does not exist within the Love, but rather perfect love (mature love; love having reached its goal) repeatedly (habitually; progressively) throws the fear outside, because the fear constantly has and holds a pruning (a curtailment; a checking; restraint; a lopping off – thus, a correction). But the one habitually fearing or dreading has not been perfected within the Love (has not been brought to the destined goal of maturity – in union with love).


text:
We ourselves are <n>[some MSS add: now]</n> habitually loving (or, as a subjunctive: can and should be constantly loving) because He Himself first loved (or: urges to reunion with) us.


text:
If anyone may up and say, "I am constantly loving God, " and yet may be habitually hating (or: would keep on regarding with ill-will) his brother, he is a liar (he exists being a false one). For the one not habitually loving his brother (= member of the community, or, fellow human) – whom he has looked at and now sees – he continues being unable and has no power to be loving God, Whom he has not seen (or: looked at).


text:
And we continuously hold (or: have) this implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward and purposed directive of destiny) from Him, to the end that the person continuously loving God can, should and would also habitually love (accept and drive toward reunion with) his brother (= his fellow believer, or his fellow human being).


text:
Everyone (All) continuously believing, constantly convinced and progressively trusting that Jesus is (or: exists being) the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah) has been brought to birth and is now a born-one (= is a child) from out of God. And everyone continuously loving (urging toward reunion with) the One bearing and giving birth (the Parent) should and would also love (accept in unity) the person having been born (the child) out of Him.


text:
Whenever we are (or: may be) habitually loving God, and then may be habitually doing or producing His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward, purposed directives), in this <n>[condition and situation]</n> we progressively come to know by insight and intimate experiences that we are <n>[also]</n> normally loving God’s children.


text:
You see, that we would continuously observe His imparted and implanted goals is itself the Love of God (or: the love which pertains to God; the Love which is God) (or: For this exists being love from God so that we can progressively watch over, keep, maintain and guard His interior finished product) – and His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives) are not heavy (weighty, thus, burdensome) –


text:
because everything having been born from out of the midst of God continuously overcomes (habitually conquers and is progressively victorious over) the controlling System (ordered world or religion, secular culture, economy and government). And this is the victory (or: conquest) at once overcoming (conquering; victorious over) the controlling System (ordered world of religion, culture, economy and government): our trust, confidence and faith!


text:
Now who is the person continuously overcoming (or: progressively conquering) the ordered System (world; secular realm; religious arrangement) if not the one continuously believing, progressively trusting and being constantly loyal to <n>[the fact]</n> that Jesus is (continuously exists being) the Son of God (God's Son; or: the Son who is God)?


text:
This is the One at one point coming through water and blood and breath (or: spirit; Breath-effect), Jesus Christ. Not within the water alone (or: not in only water), but rather within the water and within the blood (or: in union with water and in union with blood; <n>[other MSS add: and within spirit; note: figure of a human birth, or natural lineage]</n>), and then there is the breath – that which is continuing to give evidence (or: and the Spirit {Breath-effect} continuously exists being the One repeatedly testifying), because the breath is (or: Spirit or Breath-effect exists being) the Truth and Reality! (or: and the spirit is the One {or: one} continuously witnessing that the Spirit is The Truth! or: the breath is that which constantly gives testimony that the Breath-effect is reality... )


text:
Because there are three constantly testifying (or: ... that three progressively give evidence; or: seeing that the normal witness bearers exist being three):


text:
the breath (or: spirit; Breath-effect) and the water and the blood, and these three are <n>[coming; proceeding]</n> into the midst of the One (or: exist <n>[leading]</n> into one <n>[reality]</n>; are existing into the one thing; or: = are in unison; or: = are in agreement, or are for one thing).


text:
Since (or: If) we are habitually receiving the testimony (the witness; the evidence) of humans (or: from people), the evidence of God (God's witness; testimony from God; or: the testimony and evidence which is God) is (or: exists being) greater, because it is God's testimony (or: the witness which is God) that He has testified (given as evidence; witnessed) and it now exists available as evidence (or: testimony), concerning His Son (or: round about the Son which is Him; about the Son Who originates from Him).


text:
The person continuously and progressively believing (or: keeping confidence and habitually putting trust) into the midst of God's Son constantly holds (or: has; possesses) the testimony (witness; evidence) <n>[<i>p</i>74 & A add: of God]</n> within himself; the one not believing in God <n>[A reads: the Son]</n> has made Him out to be (or: has construed Him) a liar, because he has not believed or put trust into the evidence (testimony; witness) which God has attested and affirmed concerning His Son (or: shown as proof round about the Son from, and which is, Him).


text:
And so this is the evidence (or: exists being the testimony, witness and attested affirmation): that God gives (or: gave; grants) Life pertaining to, and having the quality of the Age (life whose source is the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>; eonian life; Life of, for and on through the ages) to, for and in us, and this very Life continuously exists within His Son (or: is in union with the Son which is Him)!


text:
The one continually holding (or: constantly having; progressively possessing) the Son continuously holds (constantly has; progressively possesses) the Life. The person not continuously holding (constantly having) God's Son does not now have (or: hold) the Life. <n>[comment: it seems that the Son is the Life]</n>


text:
I write these things to you folks to the end that, having seen, you may know that you are presently holding (you folks constantly and continuously have) Life pertaining to, and having the qualities of, the Age (life whose source is the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>; or: eonian life; Life of, for and on through the ages) – for the folks (or: in and among the ones) continuously believing and putting their trust, confidence and reliance into the Name of God's Son.


text:
And this is the freedom of speech with outspoken boldness inherent to citizenship which we constantly have toward, and hold face to face with, Him: that if we ourselves should keep on asking or persistently request anything in line with (or: down from; in the sphere of; that accords with) His will <n>[A reads: Name]</n>, He is continuously hearing us.


text:
And if we have seen and are thus aware that He constantly hears, and listens to, us, whatever we may keep on requesting concerning or for ourselves, we have seen and are aware that we habitually have (or: hold; possess) the requests (the things asked for) which we have asked – and now stand requested – from Him.


text:
If anyone of you may happen to see his brother (= fellow believer, or, fellowman) habitually failing to hit a target (sinning; making mistakes), with a failure (error; offense; deviation) not with a view toward (= that would lead to) death, he shall keep on asking (repeatedly make a request) and He will continue giving life to him – for those habitually failing to hit a target (erring; sinning) not <n>[leading]</n> toward death. There is a failure to hit a target (a mistake; a deviation; sin) <n>[which leads or points]</n> toward (or: with a view to) death (perhaps: = bearing a death penalty, <n>[within that culture]</n>). I am not saying that he should ask about (or: concerning) that one.


text:
All injustice (contrariness to the Way pointed out; inequity; unfairness) is a failure to hit the target (deviation; error; sin; a failure toward the Purpose), and yet there is failure to hit a target <n>[that is]</n> not toward death (or: deviation <n>[that does]</n> not <n>[lead]</n> to death).


text:
We have seen and thus know that everyone being a person having been born from out of the midst of God is not habitually failing to hit the target (erring; deviating; sinning; falling short of the Purpose), but rather, the person at some point being born from out of God habitually keeps a guarded watch over himself (or: keeps himself; <n>[other MSS: for instead, the One born from the midst of God continuously watches over and keeps him]</n>), and so the fellow (the one; the person) that causes misery or painful labor is not habitually touching him (or: the disadvantageous and worthless situation does not repeatedly lay hold of him; the base fellow is not constantly assailing him; wickedness and evil are not continuously fastening upon him; the misery-gushed <n>[attitude]</n> is not repeatedly affecting him).


text:
We have seen and thus know that we are continuously existing from out of the midst of God, yet the whole ordered System (or: the entire realm of the religious and the secular) is continuously lying outstretched (lying as asleep, idle or dead; reclining) within the gush of misery (within the disadvantageous, laborious and worthless situation; within the sorry plight; in union with wickedness and evil; in the midst of the misery-gushed <n>[attitude and existence]</n>),


text:
yet we have seen and thus know that God's Son has arrived and is continuously here, and He has given thorough understanding (comprehension; faculty of thought; intelligence; intellectual capacity; input throughout the mind) to the end that we would constantly know <n>[other MSS: so that we do constantly know]</n> by experience the True One (or: the true, the real and the genuine), and we constantly exist within and in union with the True One (or: in the real <n>[situation]</n>; in the midst of Reality): within His Son, Jesus Christ. This One is the True (Real; Genuine) God, and Life pertaining to and having the qualities of the Age (or: life having its source in the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>; eonian life; Life of, for and on through, the ages).


text:
Little children (born ones) keep yourselves in custody (or: guarded)! – away from the idols (the external appearances; the forms; or: = false concepts)! <n>[written circa A.D. 60-65 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
The old person, to a chosen-out (selected) Lady (feminine form: mistress; lord, female owner or authority), and to her children (born-ones), whom I love in truth and in union with reality (or: I truly love), and not I only, but also all those having come to know the Truth by personal experience and are now having insight of Reality,


text:
because of the Truth and Reality <n>[which is]</n> continuously remaining (abiding; dwelling; staying) within us – and shall continue being with us on into the Age;


text:
grace (or: Joyous favor), mercy <n>[and]</n> peace <n>[= shalom]</n> will continuously be with us from beside (or: in the presence of; along with) God the Father, and from beside (or: in the presence of; along with) Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, within Truth (or: in the midst of reality) and Love.


text:
I was made exceedingly glad and joyful (or: was greatly graced) because I have met with and found folks from among your children <n>[who are]</n> continuously walking about within Truth (or: = living their lives in union with reality), according as we took in hand an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward purposed directive) from beside the Father.


text:
And so now I am asking you, Lady, not as writing a new implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive of destiny) to you, but one which we have had from <n>[the]</n> beginning (or: one which we originally had), to the intent that we may continuously be loving each other.


text:
And this is Love: that we may be continuously walking about (= go on living our lives and ordering our behavior) according to (or: down from; in line with; on the level of; in the sphere of; commensurate with) His implanted goals (impartations of the finished destiny within; inward directives). This is the imparted and implanted goal, even as you heard from <n>[the]</n> beginning (or: even which you originally heard): that you would (or: could) be continuously walking about within it (= go on living your lives in union with it)!


text:
Since many wandering-astray folks (or: many who lead astray; many deceivers) went out into the ordered System (world of religion, secular culture, economics and government) – those not continuously speaking like (saying the same thing as; confessing) Jesus presently coming in flesh (= a physical body; or: = in <n>[their]</n> inner self): this is the person wandering astray, even the one in opposition to Christ (the one instead of Christ; the one in place of Christ; or: the anti-anointing) –


text:
be continuously seeing to yourselves (looking at yourselves), to the intent that you people would (or: may) not destroy (or: lose) what we <n>[other MSS: you folks]</n> did (produced; worked for), but rather may receive back full wages.


text:
Everyone leading forward (going ahead; leading in advance; <n>[some MSS: transgressing]</n>) and yet not remaining (abiding; dwelling; staying) within Christ's teaching does not have God; the person remaining (dwelling; abiding; staying) within that teaching, this one continuously has (or: holds; possesses) both Father and Son (or: the Father and the Son).


text:
If a certain person is continually coming toward you and yet is not normally carrying (or: habitually bearing; continually bringing) this teaching, do not repeatedly take him into a house, and do not continuously say to him, "Rejoice!" (= giving him a greeting).


text:
You see, the person continually telling him to be rejoicing (= greeting him as an associate) is continually sharing in common existence with his worthless deeds (having fellowship with his acts which bring a gush of misery; maintaining partnership with his wicked and evil works; participating in his painful, toilsome and useless actions).


text:
Having many things to write to you folks, I resolved not to – by means of paper and ink. For I am expecting (or: hoping) to come to y'all and to speak mouth-to-mouth, so that our <n>[other MSS: your]</n> joy can be "having been filled" (= be completely happy)!


text:
The children of your chosen-out (selected) sister (= female fellow believer; or: = sister community of summoned forth folks) draw you to themselves (= greet you). <n>[written circa A.D. 60-65 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
The old person, to Gaius, the beloved one, whom I myself am continuously loving in (or: within the midst of) truth and reality (or: truly loving).


text:
O beloved one! I am continuously having (or: thinking and speaking) goodness, ease and well-being (or: wishing and professing loudly; claiming) concerning all things <n>[for]</n> you to be constantly having a prosperous journey (or: to progressively travel a good path; to habitually be prospered unto success; to be continuously helped along the Way) and to be constantly sound and healthy <n>[in mind, thought and body]</n> just as (or: to the same degree as) your soul (inner being; or: = your life) is progressively being prospered on its journey (helped along the Way; prospered unto success; caused to travel the Good Path).


text:
You see, I was made exceedingly glad (or: I am caused to greatly rejoice) at the coming of the brothers (= fellow believers or members), from time to time, and their bearing witness of your <n>[being]</n> in the Truth, according as you yourself are continually walking about within Truth (or: testifying to the reality concerning you in correspondence to the fact that you yourself are habitually living your life in union with truth and reality).


text:
I do not presently have greater joy than from these things: that I am repeatedly hearing that my own children (born-ones) are continuously walking about within the Truth (= living their lives in union with reality).


text:
O beloved one! You are continually doing (performing; constructing; forming; producing) a faithful and loyal thing (act of loyalty and allegiance), whatsoever you yourself may work unto (or: actively accomplish into the midst of) the brothers (= fellow believers and members of the family) and unto (or: into) the strangers (or: foreigners) –


text:
who bear witness of you for the love (or: testified to your love) before (in the sight of; in the presence of) <n>[the]</n> called-out community – <n>[for]</n> whom you will do (or: perform; produce) beautifully (finely; ideally), sending <n>[them]</n> forward (or: escorting them on; = attending to their needs in their travels, giving them supplies and finances) in a manner worthy of God (or: = in a way equal to God's value of them),


text:
for they came out for the sake of (or: went forth in behalf of) the Name, continually taking (or: receiving) not even one thing from the nations (the ethnic multitudes; the non-Israelites).


text:
We ourselves, then, are constantly obligated to continuously take <n>[them]</n> up, while placing ourselves underneath to support such people as these, to the end that we would progressively come to be folks working together (co-workers) in (or: for; by; with) the Truth (or: reality).


text:
I wrote something to (or: for) the called-out community, but Diotrephes, the one constantly liking to be their leader (to be pre-eminent among them and dominate them), is habitually not thoroughly receiving or accepting us (or: repeatedly not fully acknowledging us).


text:
Because of this, if I can come, I will remind him of his actions (or: call to mind his works and bring them up <n>[for discussion]</n>) which he is repeatedly doing (or: progressively producing) by worthless, irresponsible and abusive words – unjustified charges (or: in messages causing a gush of misery; by ideas leading to painful labor; with evil or wicked verbal expressions; by laying out thoughts leading to a bad situation), continually speaking nonsense of us or gossiping against us, and then, not being satisfied or content upon these things, neither is he himself fully receiving or accepting (showing complete hospitality to) the brothers (= fellow believers; Family members; <n>[or: = the itinerant missionaries of 5-8, above]</n>). And further, those continuously intending (or: determining) <n>[to do so]</n> he is habitually hindering (or: forbidding) – even casting <n>[them]</n> out of the called-out community!


text:
O beloved one <n>[i.e., Gaius]</n>! Do not have the habit of imitating this ugly thing (or: that which ought not to be; the base; the worthless; that which is of bad quality; the malicious; the wicked; the evil), but rather the Good (or: the thing of excellent quality; the virtuous)! The person habitually doing good (progressively producing virtue; repeatedly creating excellence) is continuously existing from out of God; the one habitually doing what is ugly (base; what ought not to be; worthless; evil) has not seen or perceived God.


text:
Demetrius has been attested (= has received supportive testimony) by all and by the Truth itself. Now we ourselves are also continuously bearing witness (or: testifying), and you have seen, and so know, that our witness (testimony; evidence) is (exists being) real and true.


text:
I have been having (or: holding) many things to write to you, however, I do not normally want to be constantly writing to you by means of pen and ink!


text:
So I am continuing in expecting (or: hoping) to see you immediately, and then we will speak mouth to mouth!


text:
Peace (or: Harmony; <n>[= Shalom]</n>) to you. The friends continually greet (pay respect to; send salutations to) you. Be continuously greeting the friends by name (= individually). <n>[written circa A.D. 60-65 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Judah, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of Jacob (= James), to those having been, and yet being, loved (accepted recipients of the drive for reunion; <n>[other MSS: set-apart and made holy]</n>) within God <n>[the]</n> Father, even (or: and) Jesus Christ; to kept and maintained folks, to called ones (or: for the people being loved in union with and within the midst of Father God, and now being watched over, guarded and protected in and by Jesus Christ – to invited ones)


text:
May mercy, peace and love (unambiguous acceptance; reunion's urge) be multiplied to the full to you (or: be increased to fill you; be multiplied to fullness in, for and by you folks).


text:
Dearly loved friends, while progressively making all haste and performing every diligent effort to proceed in writing to you concerning our common, communal deliverance (or: the rescue, salvation, health and wholeness belonging equally to several of us, and in which we share and participate as partners; <n>[Aleph & others add: and life]</n>), I possessed a compressed and constraining necessity to write to you, progressively urging and encouraging <n>[you]</n> to be in the habit of strenuously contending (or: to continue adding to the contest; to be repeatedly on top, in combat of the public games; to repeatedly fully participate in the race course) by the faith, in the trust and with the loyalty and confidence having been once for all given over to, for and in the set-apart folks (or: sacred groups).


text:
For you see, some people came in unobserved, from the side – those having been previously written of old into this judgment (or: people having from long ago been written into the effects and result of this decision): <n>[to exist being]</n> impious ones, people continuously changing the grace and favor of God into licentiousness, as well as repeatedly denying and disowning our only Sovereign and Lord (or: Supreme Ruler and Owner), Jesus Christ <n>[= Messiah]</n>.


text:
But I am purposing and intending to remind you <n>[<i>p</i>78 adds: brothers]</n> – you folks having once seen and thus being aware of all this – that the Lord <n>[= Yahweh; other MSS: Jesus (= Joshua); some read: God]</n> after delivering (rescuing; saving) a people out of Egypt's land, <n>[in]</n> the second <n>[phase]</n> brought to ruin and loss the folks not trusting, believing or being loyal.


text:
Besides that, those agents (or: folks having or bringing a message) not guarding (keeping watch over; maintaining) the beginning of themselves (or: the rule of themselves), but to the contrary, after leaving away from (= abandoning) the personal dwelling place (one's own abode or habitation), He has guarded, kept watch over and maintained under gloom (or: thick darkness) by imperceptible (or: in unobservable, but effecting-all) bonds, with a view to a judging (a sifting and a separation for evaluating; a making of a distinction and a deciding) of a great Day (or: pertaining to or whose source is a great day; or: which is <n>[the]</n> great Day).


text:
As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities round about them <n>[= Admah and Zeboyim – <i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='bDeut. 29:23'>Deut. 29:23</a>]</n>, in like manner (or: turn) to them, being given to fornication and outlandish prostitution, and then going away after different flesh (= unnatural vice; or: = a different expression of alienation that was formed by the existing System), are continuously lying before <n>[us as]</n> – an example (a specimen; an effect of a thing pointed out or presented to sight) – continuing in undergoing an experience of justice (the Way pointed out; fairness and equity; what is right) from fire pertaining to the ages (or: of eonian, or age-lasting, fire; of a fire of undetermined duration whose quality and character are the Age <n>[of the Messiah]</n>).


text:
In like manner, indeed, these dreaming ones (folks continuing in sleep, or with imaginary experiences) also pollute flesh (= their or others’ bodies; or: = the estranged human nature). They are continuously setting aside lordship (or: ownership systems) and are repeatedly blaspheming (speaking injuriously of and slandering; vilifying; obscuring the light of; misrepresenting) reputations (or: opinions; notions; glories; manifestations which call forth praise).


text:
Yet Michael (The One Who is like God), the ruling agent (the first, chief, or original messenger), when making a distinction (a discernment; a thorough separation) to the adversary (or: the slanderer; the one who thrusts things through folks or situations, and thus causes divisions; the “devil”), reasoned (deliberated; spoke thoroughly; discoursed <n>[as in using the Socratic dialectic method]</n>) concerning the body of Moses. He did not assume to bring a blasphemous or villainous judging upon <n>[him]</n> (or: to bring in addition a judging characterized by an abusive distinction or a slanderous decision; or: bring an added evaluating which hindered the light), but rather, He said, "The Lord <n>[=Yahweh]</n> might hold you in added honor (or: set a value upon you; put respect upon you; award you)." <n>[note: this word is from <i>epi</i>, upon, and <i>timao</i>, to hold in respect, to honor, to value, to award. It is also used in negative connotations, and thus can mean, to assess a penalty upon, to chide, to respectfully reprove or admonish. As this passage is contrasting Michael's actions to the negative actions of those who "came in unobserved," I chose the positive translation of <i>epitimao</i>. In his <i>Word Pictures in the New Testament</i>, A.T. Robertson notes that both Clement of Alexandria and Origen said that Judah here quoted the <i>Assumption of Moses</i>. (This latter is an early first century Jewish work of apocalyptic literature. Recall that Paul cites Hellenistic literature in <a class='xref' href='bActs 17:28'>Acts 17:28</a>)]</n>


text:
Yet these folks constantly blaspheme (slander; speak injuriously of; villainize; hinder the light of) what indeed they have neither seen nor understand (or: know; perceive), but what they naturally (instinctively; by generation; by sprouting and growing) are continuously acquainted with (or: are versed in; became masters of), in these things they are progressively being corrupted (spoiled, ruined).


text:
Alas (or: Tragic is the fate) for them, because they pass along by the way of Cain, and they are (or: were) poured out to the wandering (or: deception) of Balaam's wages, and they lose and destroy themselves in Korah's contradiction (opposing idea; anti-word; message in place of the Logos).


text:
These folks are sharply-cleft portions of rocks (or: reefs; = menaces) in your love <n>[relationship]</n> s (or: love-feasts and table fellowships; movements toward acceptance), repeatedly feasting well together, by habit fearlessly shepherding themselves. <n>[They are]</n> clouds without water, being swept along by winds; wasted autumnal trees – unfruitful, twice-died, uprooted;


text:
wild waves of the sea, continuously foaming out (or: vomiting forth) their shames (or: disgraces). Wandering and deceived stars, for whom the gloom of darkness (shadowy dimness; obscurity void of Daylight) has been maintained (guarded; kept and watched-over) unto an indefinite time period (or: an age).


text:
But Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied to these folks, saying, "Behold, the Lord <n>[=Yahweh]</n> came (or: comes and goes) within His set-apart myriads (or: in union with innumerable holy multitudes, which are Him),


text:
to form a separation (or: make a decision; construct a distinction; perform a sifting and a judging) which corresponds to and falls in line with all people (to the level of everyone), and to test (or: search thoroughly) the irreverent folks concerning all their irreverent works (activities; deeds) which they irreverently did, and concerning all the hard things which irreverent outcasts (folks in error; sinners; failures; folks who make mistakes and miss the target) spoke against Him."


text:
These are, and continue to be, murmurers (or: those who speak privately and in a low voice, making a grumbling buzz of under-toned mutterings of critical and discontented comments), complainers (or: those who find fault with their lot; discontented ones), continuously passing from one place to another according to their strong desires (or: lusts; full passions), and their mouth continually uttering (or: speaking) over-swollen (hyper-weighty; pompous; boastful) things, continually admiring (or: wondering at) faces (= personal presences; = individuals; = personalities) for the sake and benefit of advantage and furtherance.


text:
But you, dearly loved ones, remember the things spoken (the gush-effects; the results of the flow of what was said; the flowing declarations) by the sent-forth folks (representatives; emissaries) in regard to those things having been told beforehand of (or: foretold from and concerning) our Lord, Jesus Christ,


text:
that they said to you, "Upon <n>[other MSS: Within (or: During; In union with)]</n> <n>[the]</n> last of the time folks will repeatedly be (or: there will constantly exist) mockers (those acting or playing in the manner of children; sporting, using childish gestures), continuously passing from one place to another according to (or: in correspondence with) their irreverent strong passions (or: their full desires and lusts of things not having the qualities of things approved by God)."


text:
These folks are those who are separating by setting boundaries, soulish ones (folks dominated by, or living focused on, those things which characterize the soul <n>[= emotions; will; intellect; "feelings"]</n> or this present, transient life) not having <n>[the]</n> Spirit (or: not habitually holding a <n>[proper]</n> attitude; or: not continually in possession of spirit or Breath-effect).


text:
But you, dearly loved ones, while constantly and progressively building yourselves up by your most holy trust and with you people's most sacred, convinced loyalty (or: in y'alls' most set-apart faith), <n>[and]</n> continuously thinking, speaking and acting toward having well-being and things going well (or: praying) within the midst of a set-apart Breath-effect (or: in union with <n>[the]</n> Holy Spirit; centered in a separated and consecrated attitude and life-force),


text:
maintain (guard; keep watch over; protect) yourselves in God's love (or: in union with <n>[the]</n> urge toward reunion and unambiguous acceptance, which is God), being folks in the habit of welcomingly receiving, embracing and entertaining the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on into a life having the qualities and characteristics of the Age (or: a life pertaining to the ages; eonian life; life for the ages; life whose source is the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>).


text:
And so, on the one hand, you folks be repeatedly extending compassionate kindness on some folks in order to relieve their misery and affliction <n>[other MSS read: put to the proof; expose; convict; reprove]</n> while continuously discerning, sifting and thoroughly separating so as to accurately decide <n>[about their situation]</n> (or: be continually showing mercy on some who are constantly undecided and continue wavering and doubting because of making divided judgment in or for themselves);


text:
yet on the other hand, be continuously delivering (or: repeatedly rescuing and saving, restoring to health and wholeness) others, snatching them from out of the midst of the Fire; be repeatedly extending compassionate mercy in reverent fear, while hating even the garment having been stained (or: spotted) from the flesh (= the alienated human nature; = the self that was formed and controlled by the System).


text:
Now in and by (or: with; to) Him being powerful and able to keep and guard you folks from stumbling (or: tripping) and from harm, and then to stand you flawless and blameless (or: unblemished; without defect or stain) in the presence of His glory (or: down in sight of the manifestation of Him which calls forth praise and yields a good opinion and reputation; or: down in the center of a view of the glory which is Him) in extreme joy (in the center of a much-jumping exultation; in union with body-moving celebration).


text:
By the only God (or: To God alone; In God alone), our Deliverer (Rescuer; Safe-keeper; Savior; Restorer) – through Jesus Christ our Lord (Master; Owner) – <n>[is]</n> glory (or: a manifestation of that which calls forth praise; a good reputation), greatness, strength, and authority (right and privilege from out of Being) both now and on into all the ages (eons; indefinite periods of time)! Amen (It is so; Count on it). <n>[written circa A.D. 60-62 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
An unveiling of, and which is, Jesus Christ (or: A disclosure from Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed; A revelation which pertains to Jesus <n>[the Messiah]</n>) which God gave by Him (in Him; for Him; to Him) to point out to His slaves that which continues necessary to come to be (or: to be birthed) in swiftness (= speedily) <n>[note: this phrase means either the manner in which events will happen, or that it is quickly going to happen]</n>. And sending <n>[Him]</n> as an emissary (or: representative), through means of His agent (or: messenger) He indicated <n>[it]</n> by signs (or: symbols) to (or: in; for) His slave John,


text:
who witnessed (or: gives testimony and evidence of) the Word of God (or: God’s Logos; the ideas of and thoughts from God), even the witness (testimony; evidence) pertaining to Jesus Christ (or: the martyrdom of Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed) – as many things as he saw (or: as much as he saw <n>[of it]</n>).


text:
Happy and blessed is the person constantly reading <n>[it]</n> aloud (or: retrieving knowledge from <n>[it in the midst of an assembly]</n>), and those constantly hearing (or: listening and paying attention to; = observing and obeying) the words of the prophecy (or: the messages contained in the light and understanding seen ahead of time) and habitually keeping watch over (guarding; observing) the things having been written within it, for the situation is close at hand (or: for you see, the season, fertile moment and appointed occasion is near – close enough to touch).


text:
John, to the seven called-out communities (congregations; summoned forth assemblies) within Asia: grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n> for and among you) folks from the One continuously existing (or: unceasingly being; Who continuously IS), even the One Who was, and continued being, and the One Who is continuously (or: repeatedly; habitually; progressively) coming or going – even from the Seven Spirits (or: Breath-effects; Attitudes) which <n>[are]</n> in front of His throne –


text:
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness (or: reliable Evidence; loyal Martyr), the First-born of (or: pertaining to; from among; or: belonging to) the dead folks: even the Ruler (or: Prince; Leader, Beginner; Originator) of the kings of the earth – by (or: in) the One continuously loving us by loosing <n>[other MSS: washing]</n> us from <n>[other MSS: out of]</n> our failures and deviations (or: sins; errors; situations and results of where we missed the target or fell short of the goal) within His blood (or: in union with the blood which is Him),


text:
and made (formed; created; produced) us <n>[to be]</n> a kingdom (or: sovereign reign; <n>[other MSS: constructed of us a kingdom which brings sovereign influence]</n>): priests in (or: by; for; with) His God and Father. In Him <n>[is]</n> the Glory (or: For Him <n>[is]</n> the good reputation; By Him <n>[is]</n> the manifestation of that which calls forth praise; With Him <n>[is]</n> the appearance which affects the opinion of the whole of human experience) and the Strength (or: Might), on into the ages! It is so (Count on it; Amen).


text:
Consider (or: Look; Behold)! He is continuously (or: presently; repeatedly; habitually; progressively) coming with the clouds, and every eye will repeatedly see Him, even which ever of you folks pierce (or: pierced) Him. And all the tribes (people-groups) of the Land (or: territory; earth) shall beat themselves (strike their breasts in grief, mourning or repentance) upon (= because of) Him. Yes! It is so (Amen)! <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDan. 7:13'>Dan. 7:13</a>; Zech. 12:10, 12, 14]</n>


text:
“I am continuously (or: repeatedly) the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n> God, “the One continuously being, even the One Who was and continued being, and the One presently and continuously (or: progressively) coming and going, the Almighty.” (or: The Owner is laying out these thoughts: "I Myself exist being the Alpha and the Omega – the continuously existing God, even the One Who continued existing <n>[as]</n> Being, as well as the One habitually being on the go and repeatedly moving about – the All-Strong.")


text:
I, John, your brother and joint-participant (or: sharer of common-being/partnered-existence) within the pressure (squeezing; affliction; tribulation; oppression) and kingdom (or: reign; sovereign rule and activity) and persistent remaining-under (steadfast, humble and supportive endurance), in union with (or: within; <n>[Griesbach and other MSS: of; originating in; pertaining to]</n>) Jesus Christ (= <n>[the]</n> Messiah),


text:
was within the island called Patmos because of God’s Word (or: the message which is God) and because of the testimony (witness; evidence) pertaining to and having the characteristics of Jesus Christ. I came to be (or: birthed myself; happened to be) within spirit (or: in union with <n>[the]</n> Spirit; in the midst of a Breath-effect) within the Day which pertains to or has the characteristics of the Lord (the Lord’s Day; = the Day of Yahweh; or, = the Day of Christ; = Christ’s Day), and I heard behind me a great voice (or: = a loud sound), as of a trumpet, saying (or: = like that of a trumpet sounding a command or a message),


text:
“What you are presently observing (or: continue seeing) write into a scroll and send <n>[it]</n> to the seven called-out communities (or: summoned-forth congregations): into Ephesus, and into Smyrna, and into Pergamos, and into Thyatira, and into Sardis, and into Philadelphia, and into Laodicea.”


text:
And so I turned upon the Voice, to see who spoke with me. And upon fully turning around, I saw seven golden lampstands,


text:
and within the midst of the lampstands, One like a Son of Man (or: a son of mankind; = <n>[the]</n> son of Adam; = like a human being; <n>[or: an eschatological symbol referring to such as in <a class='xref' href='bDan. 7:13'>Dan. 7:13</a> and 10:5-6]</n>), being clothed (or: invested) <n>[with a garment]</n> reaching to the feet; being girded about at the breasts with a golden belt.


text:
Now His head and hairs <n>[are]</n> white, as white wool – as snow – and His eyes as a flame of fire,


text:
and His feet <n>[are]</n> like white brass (or: bronze; fine copper) as having been set on fire in a furnace, and His Voice <n>[is]</n> as a roar (or: sound; voice) of many <n>[rushing or crashing]</n> waters. <n>[Ezk. 1:24; 43:2]</n>


text:
Furthermore, <n>[He is]</n> constantly holding (or: having; possessing) <n>[the]</n> seven stars within His right hand, and a sharp two-mouthed (= double-edged) broadsword is continuously (or: repeatedly) proceeding (issuing forth) from out of His mouth. And His appearance (countenance; sight) continually shines as the sun, in its power.


text:
And so when I saw Him, I fell toward His feet, as dead. And He placed His right hand upon me, saying, "Do not be (or: Stop) fearing (Don’t be terrified)! As for Me, I am the First and the Last (or: I Myself continuously exist being the first one as well as the Last One),


text:
"even The Living One (or: and now, the One continuously living), I also brought Myself to be (or: birthed Myself) <n>[to be]</n> a dead one (or: I also came by Myself to be dead), and now, Look and consider! I am living on into the ages of the ages (or: the unspecified and indefinite time periods of the eons), and I constantly hold (or: have; possess) the keys of Death and of the Unseen (Greek: hades)."


text:
"So then, write the things you see (or: saw), and the things presently existing (or: what they are), as well as which things are progressively about to occur (or: are now impending to be coming into existence) after these things.


text:
"The secret of the seven stars which you saw upon My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are agents of (or: pertaining to; belonging to; having the qualities and characteristics of; or: folks with a message from) the seven called-out communities, and the seven lampstands are the seven communities (or: summoned-forth congregations)."


text:
"To the agent of (or: For the messenger belonging to; In the person with the message which corresponds to) the called-out community within Ephesus, write: 'The One continuously holding in His strength (or: the One being constantly strong in) the seven stars residing within His right hand, the One continuously walking about within the midst of the seven golden lampstands, continues saying these things:


text:
<i>I have seen, and thus know, your</i> <n>[note: the pronouns and verbs are singular]</n> <i>works</i> (<i>acts; deeds), and your exhausting labor, and yourremaining-under (patient endurance), and that you are not able (have no power) to bear up</i> (<i>lift up to carry) evil ones (worthless ones; those of bad quality), and you put to the proof those declaring themselves to be envoys (representatives; "apostles")</i> – <i>and they are not – and youfound them false (liars; deceivers);</i>


text:
<i>and you constantly have patient endurance (habitually hold to remaining-under), and you bore up (lifted; carried-on) because of My Name, and are not wearied.</i>


text:
<i>But on the other hand, I hold (or: have) <n>[this]</n> down against you: you</i> <n>[note: still singular]</n> <i>sent away (or: left; abandoned) your first love</i> (<i>urge toward reunion; unambiguous acceptance of others as being on the same ground; participating in the others; movement toward overcoming existential separation from another being –</i> Tillich<i>).</i>


text:
<i>You <n>[assembly]</n> must be remembering, then, whence you</i> <n>[<i>as a single entity]</n> have fallen, and you must change your way of thinking and feeling</i> (<i>change your frame of mind and your perceptions), and you</i> <n>[<i>group]</n> must do</i> (<i>perform; construct) the first works</i> (<i>deeds; actions).</i> <i>Yet if not, I am continuously (repeatedly; habitually) coming to you</i> <n>[<i>as a group]</n>, and I will proceed removing</i> (<i>or: moving) your lampstand out of its place, if ever you <n>[as a group]</n> may not change your way of thinking (your mind-set).</i>


text:
<i>But still, this you do have, that you are constantly hating the works (acts; deeds) of the Nicolaitans, which I also continuously hate (detest; regard with ill-will).</i>'


text:
"Let the person having an ear hear what the Spirit is repeatedly saying to, in and by (or: the Breath-effect is continuously laying out for) the called-out communities: In (To; For) the one continuously overcoming (habitually conquering; normally victorious) I will continue giving in him (to him; for him) to eat from out of the substance of the tree (wood; log; post) of Life which continuously is (exists being) within the midst of God’s paradise <n>[note: same word in <a class='xref' href='bGen. 2:8'>Gen. 2:8</a>, LXX; <a class='xref' href='bLuke 23:43'>Luke 23:43</a>; a garden of fruit trees]</n>."


text:
"And in and for the agent of (or: to the person with a message pertaining to; <i>cf</i> vs. 1, above) the called-out community within Smyrna, write: 'The First and the Last, the One Who came to be (was birthed) a dead one and lives (or: lived), is presently saying these things:


text:
<i>I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your works</i> (<i>deeds; actions) and pressure</i> (<i>squeezing; tribulation) and poverty – but rather, you are rich – and the blasphemy</i> (<i>slanderous speech; hindering of light) of those declaring themselves to be Jews – and yet they are not – but rather <n>[are]</n> a gathering-together</i> (<i>a synagogue) of the adversary</i> (<i>Greek: of satan; or: which is satan; or: from the adversary).</i>


text:
<i>Do not be habitually fearing things which you are about to experience</i> (<i>or: to suffer; in which you are about to have sensible experience).</i> <i>Consider: the one who thrusts-through (the one who casts adversity through your midst; the devil) is about to thrust some from among you into prison</i> (<i>or: jail), so that you may be tried</i> (<i>put to the proof), and you will continue having pressure (squeezing; tribulation) <n>[for]</n> ten days.</i> <i>Progressively come to be a faithful and reliable person (or: You must be being birthed a trusting and loyal one) until death, and I will continue giving Life’s wreath to you</i> (<i>or: for you the wreath of The Life; or: the victor’s symbol, which is life in you).</i>'


text:
"Let the person who has an ear hear what the Spirit is presently saying to the called-out communities (the summoned forth assemblies): The one habitually overcoming (or: repeatedly victorious) may by no means be injured or harmed from the midst of the second death."


text:
"And in (or: to; for) the agent of (person with the message corresponding to; <i>cf</i> vs. 1, above) the called-out community within Pergamos, write: 'The One constantly holding (having) the sharp, two-mouthed broadsword is presently laying out and saying these things:


text:
<i>I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) where you are continually dwelling</i> (<i>settling down for an abode)</i> – <i>where satan’s seat</i> (<i>or: the adversary's throne and place of power) <n>[is]</n>! – and yet you are constantly strong in (or: getting into your power) My Name, and did not deny (disown) My Faith in the days in which Antipas, My faithful witness (or: martyr), who was killed alongside you folks: where satan dwells (where the adversary continuously has his abode).</i>


text:
<i>But still I am holding down a few things against you: you have there those continuously strong to be retaining the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to thrust a snare in the sight of the sons of Israel to eat things offered to forms (or: sacrificed to idols), and thus, to commit prostitution</i> (<i>= idolatry).</i>


text:
<i>Thus, you also constantly have those being continuously strong in, and retaining, the teaching of the Nicolaitans, likewise.</i>


text:
<i>You must change your mind (your way of thinking), therefore! Yet if not, I am repeatedly (habitually) coming swiftly in you</i> (<i>to you; for you) <n>[</i>again<i>: you,</i> singular<i>]</n>, and I will proceed waging war</i> (<i>do battle) with them within the broadsword of My mouth.</i>'


text:
"Let the one having an ear hear what the Spirit is now saying to the called-out community: To the one habitually overcoming (repeatedly conquering), to him (in him; for him) I will continue giving manna having been hidden, and I will proceed to give to him a white pebble, and upon the pebble a new name having been written which no one knows, except the one receiving it."


text:
"And to (or: in; for) the agent and message-bearer of the called-out community in Thyatira, write: 'The Son of God, the One having His eyes as a flame of fire and His feet like burnished (or: white) brass (bronze; fine copper), presently says these things:


text:
<i>I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your</i> <n>[singular]</n> <i>acts (deeds; works), and love</i> (<i>urge toward reunion; participating acceptance), and faith</i> (<i>reliability), and service, as well as persistent remaining-under for support</i> (<i>relentless, humble endurance);</i> <i>and your last acts (works) <n>[are]</n> more than the first ones,</i>


text:
<i>but still, I continue holding (having) much down against you, because you are constantly letting-off (tolerating; allowing; pardoning) your wife</i> <n>[<i>other MSS: the woman]</n> Jezebel – she is habitually calling herself a prophetess – and she is continually teaching and deceiving</i> (<i>seducing) My slaves to practice prostitution</i> (<i>adultery; fornication) and</i> (<i>or: that is,) to eat things sacrificed to idols (things offered to forms and outward appearances).</i>


text:
<i>And I give time to her, to the intent that she may change her mind (way of thinking), and habitually she is not intending (or: willing) to change her thinking out of her prostitution (= idolatry, or, association with idol temples).</i>


text:
<i>Consider: I am presently casting her into a bed, and those habitually committing adultery with her into great pressure (tribulation; squeezing) if ever they may not change their minds out of her works (activities; deeds).</i>


text:
<i>And I will proceed killing her children within death, and all the called-out assemblies shall know that I am the One continuously searching the kidneys and hearts, and I will continue giving to each one of you down from (in accord to; in the sphere of; to the level of) your</i> <n>[plural]</n> <i>actions (deeds; works).</i>


text:
<i>Now I am saying to you, to the rest (the remaining) within Thyatira – whoever are not holding this teaching – who do not know "the depths of satan (the adversary), " as they are saying, I will proceed casting no other burden</i> (<i>weight) upon you.</i>


text:
<i>Moreover, what you have</i> (<i>hold) you must get into your power</i> (<i>be strong in; lay hold of), until of which <n>[time or situation]</n> whenever I may arrive (or, as a future: will proceed to be arriving).</i>'


text:
"And <n>[to]</n> the one habitually conquering (repeatedly overcoming; constantly victorious) and keeping watch over (guarding; maintaining observance of) My acts (works; deeds) until completion (down to a final act; as far as <n>[the]</n> purposed and destined goal; until an end), I will continue giving to him authority (privilege from out of Being) upon the multitudes (the nations; the ethnic groups; the Gentiles).


text:
"And he will continue shepherding (i.e., feeding, tending and guarding) them with a staff made of iron, as he is being continuously broken <n>[like]</n> pottery vessels, <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 2:8-9'>Ps. 2:8-9</a>]</n> as I also have received from My Father.


text:
"And I will continue giving to him (or: bestowing in him; granting for him; delivering up with him) the morning star.


text:
"Let the person having an ear at once hear (= pay attention and obey) what the Spirit is continuously saying to (or: in; for; among) the called-out communities!"


text:
"Next, to (or: in; for) the agent of (or: messenger from; person with the message pertaining to) the called-out community within Sardis, write: 'The One having (or: holding) the seven spirits and attitudes of God – and (or: even) the seven stars – is presently saying these things, <i>I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your works</i> (<i>actions; deeds) <n>[and]</n> that you have a name</i> (<i>= reputation) that you are living, and yet you are dead!</i>


text:
<i>Come to be</i> (<i>Be birthed) awake ones (watchful people) and establish</i> (<i>set fast) the remaining things which were about to die (or: rot), for I have not found your works</i> (<i>acts; deeds) being fulfilled</i> (<i>being made full) in front of and in the sight of My God</i> (<i>or: before God – which is Me).</i>


text:
<i>Remember, then, how you have received (or: taken with the hand) and heard! Continuously keep watch</i> (<i>or: Guard <n>[it]</n>) and change your way of thinking, <n>[and turn to God]</n>. If ever, then, you should not be watching, I will proceed</i> <i>arriving</i> (<i>or: may arrive) upon you as a thief, and under no circumstances would you know what hour I will</i> (<i>or: may) be arriving upon you.</i>


text:
<i>But still, you have a few names in Sardis which do (or: did) not stain</i> (<i>soil; pollute) their garments, and they will continue walking with Me in white <n>[garments]</n> because they are worthy ones (folks of corresponding value).</i>'


text:
"The person habitually conquering (repeatedly overcoming) may thus clothe himself in white garments, and under no circumstances will I proceed to erase his name from out of the scroll of The Life (or: Life’s scroll; the scroll which signifies life), and I will continue speaking in accordance to his name (saying the same thing as his name; confessing and avowing his name) in front of My Father, and in front of His agents (or: messengers; folks with the Message).


text:
"Let the one having an ear continuously hear what the Spirit (or: Breath-effect; Attitude) is normally saying to the called-out communities."


text:
"And so to the agent and message-bearer of the called-out community in Philadelphia, write: 'The Set-apart One (The Holy One; The Saint), the True One, the One having (continuously holding) David’s Key, the One habitually opening – and no one keeps on shutting (or: locking) – and He is repeatedly shutting (locking) – and no one keeps on opening – <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 22:22'>Isa. 22:22</a>]</n> He, is presently saying these things,


text:
<i>I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your</i> <n>[note: pronouns & verbs are singular]</n> <i>actions (works; deeds).</i> <i>Consider! I have given before you an open door (or: a door having been opened in your sight) which no one is able</i> (<i>or: has power) to shut, because you continue holding a little power (having a little ability), and you keep watch over (guard) MyWord, and you do not deny</i> (<i>or: disown) My Name.</i>


text:
<i>Consider! I am constantly giving to those from out of the synagogue of satan (the assembly of the adversary; the congregation which is the adversary)</i> – <i>the ones repeatedly saying <n>[that]</n> they themselves are Jews, and yet they are not, but are lying – Consider! I will proceed forming them (constructing them; making them) so that they will proceed arriving, and then they will proceed worshiping in front of your feet and can know that I, Myself, love you!</i>


text:
<i>Because you keep watch over (observe; preserve; guard) the Word of My patient endurance</i> (<i>of My remaining-under), I, also, will continue keeping watch over</i> (<i>observing; preserving; guarding) you from out of the hour of the putting to the proof</i> (<i>or: trial; test) which is presently about to be progressively coming upon the whole territory where folks normally dwell (or: inhabited land), to put to the proof</i> (<i>to test, try and put through an ordeal) those continually dwelling down in houses upon the Land</i> (<i>or: inhabiting the territory).</i>'


text:
"I am repeatedly (habitually; constantly) coming swiftly (or: = progressively coming soon)! You must be continuously strong in what you have (or: you must constantly hold in your power that which you possess) to the end that no one may take your winner’s wreath (your emblem of victory; or: your encirclement).


text:
"The one habitually conquering (repeatedly overcoming) – I will continue making (forming; constructing; creating; producing) him <n>[to be]</n> a pillar (or: column) in My God’s Temple, and he (or: it) may nevermore (by no means any more) come (or: go) out (outside), and I will proceed to write upon him My God’s Name, and the name of the City of My God: 'The New Jerusalem' – the one habitually descending from out of the atmosphere (or: heaven), from God – and My new Name <n>[Vatican MS #1006 and others read: and the new name]</n>.


text:
"Let the person having an ear hear what the Spirit (Breath-effect) is repeatedly saying to the called-out communities!"


text:
"And then, to (or: in; for) the agent of (or: messenger from; person having the message with regard to) the called-out community within Laodicea, write: 'The Amen (The It-is-so), the Faithful (or: Trustworthy, Reliable) and True Witness, the Beginning of God's Creation (or: the Origin of God’s creation; the First Place or Corner of God’s Framing; the Beginning of God’s act of building and founding; the Beginning of God’s act of reducing from a state of wildness and disorder) is presently saying these things,


text:
<i>I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your</i> <n>[singular]</n> <i>works (acts), that you are</i> (<i>continue being) neither cold nor boiling hot (or: zealous): O that you were being cold, or boiling hot (zealous)!</i>


text:
<i>Thus, because you continue being lukewarm (tepid), and are neither boiling hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you out of My mouth.</i>


text:
<i>Because your are habitually saying, "I am rich and have acquired wealth and continuously have need of nothing, " and you have not seen to know</i> (<i>or: are not aware) that you continue being wretched (or: miserable; in hardship) and pitiful and poor and blind and naked,</i>


text:
<i>I continue advising you</i> <n>[singular]</n> <i>to buy from Me gold having been refined</i> (<i>set ablaze) forth from out of fire, to the end that you may become rich; and white garments, to the end that you may clothe yourself and the shame (disgrace) of your nakedness may not be manifested</i> (<i>brought to light; caused to appear);</i> <i>and eye-salve to anoint (rub in) your eyes, to the end that you may be continuously observing</i> (<i>or: progressively seeing).'</i>


text:
"Whosoever, if I may be having affection for them (regard them as fond friends), I constantly put to the proof (or: expose; reprove) and I continuously educate (discipline; give child-instruction). Therefore be hot (zealous) and change your mind (your way of thinking; your attitude and frame of mind)!


text:
"Consider! I have stood, and continue standing, upon (= at) the door (entrance), and I am constantly knocking; if ever anyone may (or: can) hear My voice (or: sound) and would open the door, I will proceed entering (coming or going in) toward him, and then I will continue eating the evening meal with him, and he with Me."


text:
"To (or: In; For) him who is habitually conquering (repeatedly overcoming; normally victorious) I will continue giving <n>[the right? the ability? the honor?]</n> to sit (or: be seated) with Me within My throne, as I also conquer (or: conquered; overcome; overcame and was victorious) and sit (or: sat down) with My Father within His throne.


text:
"Let the one who has an ear hear what the Spirit (Breath-effect) is presently saying to the called-out communities."


text:
After these things I saw (or: perceived) – and now consider this! – A door (or: gate; entrance; portal), having been opened (thus: standing open) within the atmosphere (or: heaven; sky). And the first sound (or: voice) which I hear (or: heard) <n>[is; was]</n> as a war-trumpet talking with me, saying, "Come up here (Ascend to this place), and I will proceed showing you what things it is necessary (binding) to birth (to come to be in existence) after these things."


text:
And then, immediately, I in myself came to exist within spirit (or: in myself I came to be within <n>[the]</n> Spirit; I birthed myself in union with a Breath-effect) – and now consider this! – A throne being laid down and lying within the atmosphere (or: heaven), and upon the throne <n>[was]</n> One continuously sitting.


text:
And the One continuously sitting <n>[was; is]</n> for appearance (or: to <n>[my]</n> vision) like a jasper stone and a carnelian. And a rainbow, similar in appearance to an emerald, <n>[was; is]</n> around the throne.


text:
Next, around (or: encircling) the throne, <n>[were; are]</n> twenty-four thrones, and upon the thrones, twenty-four elders (or: old people) continuously sitting, having been clothed in white garments. And upon their heads <n>[were; are]</n> golden wreaths (symbols of having won in a contest, or of festal celebration).


text:
Also – forth from out of the throne – lightnings and voices (or: sounds) and thunders repeatedly (or: continuously) proceed out. Furthermore, <n>[there were]</n> seven shining ones (or: lamps; lights; torches) of fire, which are the Seven Spirits of God (or: God’s seven Breath-effects), being continuously caused to burn before the throne.


text:
And before the throne <n>[is; was]</n> a sea as of glass (or: as a glassy sea), like clear ice (or: crystal). Then, within the middle of the throne, and in a circle around the throne <n>[were; are]</n> four living ones (or: living beings) continuously being full of eyes in front and behind:


text:
the first living one resembling a lion, the second living one resembling a calf (or: young bullock), the third living one has a man’s face, and the fourth living one resembles a flying vulture (or: eagle). <n>[Ezk. 1:5-10]</n>


text:
And the four living ones (or: living beings), each one of them having six wings apiece <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 6:2'>Isa. 6:2</a>]</n>, are continuously full of eyes in a circle around and internally; and day and night they continuously have no rest (or: intermission), constantly (or: repeatedly) saying, "Set-apart, Set-apart, Set-apart (Consecrated; Holy; Sacred)! O Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> God, The All-strong (the Almighty; the Strong Holder-of-all) <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 6:3'>Isa. 6:3</a>; <a class='xref' href='bAmos 3:13'>Amos 3:13</a>; 4:13]</n> – the One Who was and continued being, the continuously Existing One, even the One continuously (habitually; repeatedly; progressively) coming or going (= the One constantly on the move)."


text:
And whenever the living ones will repeatedly give glory and honor (or: value; respect) and thanks (gratitude; good favor) to the One continuously sitting upon the throne – to the One continuously living on into the ages of the ages,


text:
the twenty-four elders (or: older people) will repeatedly fall before the One continuously sitting upon the throne, and will continue worshiping (kissing toward) the One continuously living on into the ages of the ages, and they will proceed casting their wreaths (symbols of victory or celebration) before the throne, repeatedly saying,


text:
"You are constantly worthy (or: of equal value), our Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> and God, to receive (or: take) the glory (or: the reputation; ‘the opinion which is based on the whole of human experience’ – Paul Tillich), and the honor, and the power, because You create all things (or: You brought the whole from chaos, disorder and wildness to framed and founded order), and because of Your will, intent and purpose, they were and continued being, and they are (or: were) framed and created."


text:
Then, upon the <n>[open]</n> right <n>[hand]</n> of the One continuously sitting upon the throne, I saw a little book (or: scroll; perhaps: codex) having been written within and behind (i.e., written on both sides), having been sealed with (or: by) seven seals.


text:
Next I saw a strong agent (or: messenger) repeatedly proclaiming (announcing a message openly and publicly) in a great (= loud) voice, "Who is worthy (of equal value) to open the little book (or: scroll; codex), and to loose (or: destroy) its seals?"


text:
And yet no one (or: not one person) within the atmosphere (or: heaven), neither upon the land (or: earth) nor down under the land (earth), had power or was able to open the little book (or: scroll) nor to see or observe it.


text:
And so I was greatly weeping, that no one was or is found worthy (of equal value) to open the little book (or: scroll; codex) nor even to see or observe it.


text:
Then one forth from among the elders (or: old people) is saying to me, "Do not be weeping! Consider! The Lion out of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, overcame (or: conquers) to open the little book (scroll) and to loose (or: destroy) its seals."


text:
And then within the midst of the throne and of the four living ones, and within the midst of the elders, I saw a little Lamb standing, as one having been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes – which are the Seven Spirits of God (or: God’s seven Breath-effects/Attitudes): the Ones having been and still being sent forth as envoys (representatives) into all the Land (or: earth) –


text:
and it came (or: went), and it has taken (or: received) so that it has the scroll (or: codex) from out of the right <n>[hand]</n> of the One continuously sitting upon the throne.


text:
Now when it took (or: received) the little book (or: scroll; codex), the four living ones and the twenty-four elders (older folks) fell before the little Lamb – each one constantly holding lyres (or: harps) and golden, shallow bowls being continuously brimming full of incenses (things passed off in fumes), which are the thoughts and speech toward having things going well and being at ease (or: prayers) of the set-apart folks (or: holy ones; saints; sacred people).


text:
And they repeatedly sing a new song (ode; hymn), constantly saying, "You are worthy to take (of equal value to receive) the scroll (or: codex; book) and to open its seals, because You were (or: are) slaughtered and bought us by God (for God; in God; with God), within Your blood (or: in union with the blood which is You), from out of the midst of every tribe and tongue (or: language) and people and ethnic multitude (or: nation).


text:
"And You made (or: make; form; construct) them <n>[minuscule 792, the Clementia Vulgate (1592) and Primasius (sixth century) read: us]</n> kings <n>[other MSS: a kingdom]</n> and priests in (for; to; by) our God, and they <n>[the Armenian, Clementia Vulgate (1592) and Primasiua read: we]</n> continue reigning <n>[reading with Westcott & Hort (following A); other MSS: they will reign]</n> upon the Land (or: the earth)."


text:
Next I saw and also heard a sound (or: a voice) of many agents forming a circle around the throne, the living ones, and the elders. And the number of them <n>[is; was]</n> innumerable groups of innumerable groups (myriads of myriads), even thousands of thousands,


text:
repeatedly saying with a great voice, "The little Lamb, the One having been slaughtered, is worthy (of value) to take (receive) the power and ability, as well as wealth and riches, and wisdom and strength and honor and glory (or: reputation) and blessing."


text:
And all creation (or: every creature) which exists within the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven), and on the earth, even down under the earth (or: ground; soil), as well as which is upon the sea – even all things (the whole; everything) within them – I heard repeatedly saying, "The blessing and the honor and the glory (good reputation) and the strength (might) <n>[are]</n> in (by; for; to; with) the One continuously sitting upon the throne, and in (by; to; for) the little Lamb, on into the ages of the ages."


text:
And then the four living ones say (or: said), "It is so (Amen)!" And the elders fall (or: the older people fell <n>[forward]</n>) and worship (or: worshiped; kissed the hand toward <n>[the throne]</n> and paid homage).


text:
Then I saw when the little Lamb opened one from out of the seven seals; and I heard one from out of the midst of the four living ones repeatedly saying, as a sound (or: voice) of thunder, "Come (or: Be coming; or: Go; Pass on)!"


text:
And I saw, and consider! A bright white horse, and the One (or: He) continually sitting upon it is constantly holding a bow. And a victor’s wreath was given to Him, and He came forth (or: went out; passed on) repeatedly overcoming (continuously conquering), even to the end that He may overcome (conquer; be Victor).


text:
Next, when He opened the second seal, I heard the second living one repeatedly saying, "Come (or: Go)!"


text:
And so another horse, fiery (fiery-red; of the character or color of fire), came forth (or: went out), and to the One continually sitting upon it, to Him it was given to take the peace out of the Land (or: earth; territory; ground) so that they would slaughter (kill) each other. And a great sword was given to Him.


text:
Then, when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living one repeatedly saying, "Come (or: Go)!" And I saw, and consider! A black horse, and the One continually sitting upon it <n>[is]</n> constantly holding a pair of balances (or: a balance bar) in His hand.


text:
And I heard a voice within the midst of the four living ones repeatedly saying, "A small measure (a choenix: about a quart) of wheat <n>[for]</n> a denarius (a silver coin equivalent to a day’s pay), and three small measures of barley <n>[for]</n> a denarius; and you may not act unjustly to (wrong; harm; violate; injure) the olive oil and the wine."


text:
And when He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living one repeatedly saying, "Come (or: Go)!"


text:
And I saw, and consider! A pale, yellowish-green (pallid; ashen; colorless) horse, and the name for Him <n>[Who is]</n> continually sitting upon it <n>[is]</n> Death, and the Unseen (Greek: hades; or: = the grave) has been following with Him. And authority (lawfulness; permission; jurisdiction from out of Being) was given to Him upon the fourth of the Land (or: earth) to kill within broadsword, and with famine, and within death, even by the little animals (little beasts) of the Land (or: earth; ground).


text:
Then when He opened the fifth seal, I saw, down under the altar of burnt-offering, the souls of the folks having been slaughtered <n>[as in sacrifice]</n> because of the Word of God (or: God’s message), and because of the witness (testimony; evidence) which they were holding (or: continued to have).


text:
And they uttered a cry with a great (or: by a loud) voice, repeatedly saying, "Until when (How long), O Absolute Owner (Sovereign Lord; Master), the Set-apart (Holy) and True One, are You not deciding (separating and judging) and maintaining right for (operating out of the way pointed out for; or: avenging) our blood, out of those habitually having an abode (dwelling) upon the Land (earth)?"


text:
And a brilliant white robe was given to each of them, and it was declared to them that they may rest themselves (permit themselves to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover strength) a little time longer (yet a short time) while (or; until) also <n>[the number of]</n> their fellow-slaves, even their brothers – those continually being about to be killed, even as they <n>[were]</n> – may be fulfilled (filled up; made full).


text:
Next I saw when He opened the sixth seal, and there came to be a great shaking. And the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair. And the whole moon became as blood.


text:
And the stars of the sky (or: heaven) fell into the Land (or: earth), as a fig tree is casting her winter (i.e., unseasonable) figs, while being continuously shaken by a great wind.


text:
And then the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven) was parted away, as a little scroll being progressively rolled up, and every mountain (or: hill) and <n>[every]</n> island were moved out of their places.


text:
And the kings of the Land (or: earth), and the great ones, and the commanders of thousands, and the wealthy (rich) folks, and the strong ones, and every slave, and every free one, <n>[all]</n> hid themselves into the caves and into the midst of the rocks of the mountains,


text:
repeatedly saying to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall upon us and hide us <n>[<a class='xref' href='bHos. 10:8'>Hos. 10:8</a>]</n> from the Face of the One continuously sitting upon the throne, and from the inherent fervor (natural impulse and propensity; internal swelling and teeming passion of desire; or: anger, wrath and indignation) of the little Lamb."


text:
Because the great Day of their <n>[other MSS: His]</n> inherent fervor (internal swelling emotion, teeming and passionate desire; impulse; or: anger, wrath and indignation; or: natural bent) comes (or: came), and who (which one) is continuously able (or: continues having power) to be made to stand (or: to be established)?


text:
After this I saw (or: perceived) four agents (or: messengers; folks with the message) standing upon the four corners of the Land (or: earth), continuously holding in their power (or: restraining) the four winds of the Land (or: earth), so that wind may not be blowing upon the Land (or: earth; soil), nor upon the sea, nor upon any tree (or: all tree and shrub).


text:
And then I saw (or: perceived) another agent (or: messenger; person with a message) progressively ascending (stepping up) from <n>[a; the]</n> rising of the sun <n>[i.e., from the dawn or the east]</n>, continually holding a seal (or: signet ring; <n>[Vatican MS 1160: seals]</n>) of the continuously-living God. And he uttered a cry with (or: by) a great (= loud) voice – to the four agents (or: messengers), to whom it was (or: is) given for them (to them; in them; by them) to act unjustly to ( to violate, injure, wrong or hurt) the Land (earth; soil) and the sea –


text:
repeatedly saying, "You may not act unjustly to (hurt; injure; wrong; violate) the Land (earth; soil), nor the sea, nor the trees, until we may seal (impress with a signet ring) the slaves of our God upon their foreheads."


text:
Then I heard the number of the people having been sealed (impressed; imprinted): one hundred forty-four thousand – folks having been sealed (imprinted) from out of every tribe of the sons of Israel.


text:
Out of Judah’s tribe: twelve thousand sealed (imprinted) Out of Reuben’s tribe: twelve thousand Out of Gad’s tribe: twelve thousand


text:
Out of Asher’s tribe: twelve thousand Out of Naphtali’s tribe: twelve thousand Out of Manasseh’s tribe: twelve thousand


text:
Out of Simeon’s tribe: twelve thousand Out of Levi’s tribe: twelve thousand Out of Issachar’s tribe: twelve thousand


text:
Out of Zebulon’s tribe: twelve thousand Out of Joseph’s tribe: twelve thousand Out of Benjamin’s tribe: twelve thousand sealed (imprinted).


text:
After these things I saw (or: perceived), and consider! A vast crowd (great multitude), which no one was able to number, from out of every ethnic group (or: nation) – even of tribes and of peoples and of tongues (languages) – standing before (in the sight of) the throne, and before (in the sight of) the little Lamb, having been clothed with bright white robes (or: equipment; uniforms), and palm trees (or: branches) <n>[are]</n> within their hands.


text:
And they are uttering a cry (or: are exclaiming) with a great (= loud) voice, repeatedly saying, "The deliverance (Wholeness and health; The salvation) <n>[is]</n> by our God (in our God) – by (or: in) the One continuously sitting upon the throne, even (or: and) by (or: in) the little Lamb!"


text:
And all the agents (or: messengers) had stood and continued standing in a circle around the throne and the elders (or: older folks) and the four living ones. And then they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped (did obeisance to and kissed toward) God, repeatedly saying,


text:
"It is so (Amen)! The blessing (or: The word of goodness), the glory (reputation), the wisdom, the gratitude (thanksgiving), the honor (the value; the pricing), the power (the ability), and the strength <n>[is]</n> in (by; for; with) our God, on into the ages (eons) of the ages! So it is (Amen)!"


text:
And one from out of the elders (or: among the older people) answered, saying to me, "These – the ones having been clothed with the bright, white robes (or: uniforms; equipment) – who are they and whence came they?"


text:
And I had spoken to him, "O, my lord, you have seen, and thus know, " and so he said to me, "These are the ones continuously coming forth from out of the midst of great pressure (squeezing; ordeal; tribulation), and they washed their robes (uniforms; equipment) and made them bright and white within the little Lamb’s blood.


text:
"Because of this they are constantly before (in the sight and presence of) God’s throne, and they habitually do public service to (in; by; for) Him, day and night, within the midst of His Temple. And the One continuously sitting upon the throne will continue pitching a tent (spreading a covering or tabernacle) upon them.


text:
"They will no longer continue hungering, neither will they continue thirsting, nor may the sun repeatedly fall upon them, nor any scorching or burning heat, <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 49:10'>Isa. 49:10</a>]</n>


text:
"because (or: seeing that) the little Lamb – the One back up amidst the throne (or: the One again in the midst of the throne) – will continue shepherding <n>[other MSS: is continuously shepherding]</n> them, and will continue guiding <n>[others: is continuously guiding]</n> them upon springs of waters of life <n>[other MSS: living springs of water]</n>. And God will continue anointing (or: wiping and smearing) every tear shed from out of their eyes." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 49:10'>Isa. 49:10</a>; <a class='xref' href='bJer. 2:13'>Jer. 2:13</a>; Ezk. 34:23; <a class='xref' href='bPs. 23:1-2'>Ps. 23:1-2</a>; <a class='xref' href='bIsa. 25:18'>Isa. 25:18</a>]</n>


text:
And when He opened the seventh seal, silence was birthed (came into existence; occurred; came to be) within the atmosphere (or: heaven) for about (or: something like; as) half an hour.


text:
Next I saw the seven agents (or: messengers; or: folks with a message) – the folks having stood and now standing before (in the presence and sight of) God. And seven trumpets (or: = shofars; rams horns) were given to them.


text:
Then another agent (messenger) came and was stationed (or: was set; is made to stand) upon (or: = at) the altar, continuously holding a golden censer. And there was given to him many incenses (or: much incense), so that he may give <n>[them, or, it]</n> by the words toward having goodness (or: would offer <n>[it]</n> in the prayers; that he could impart <n>[them]</n> to the prayers) of the set-apart folks (from the holy ones), upon the golden altar which is before the throne. <n>[comment: this would be in the holy place of the temple, in front of the holy of holies in which is the ark of the covenant: = the throne]</n>


text:
And the smoke of the incenses ascended – by and in the prayers of the set-apart folks – from out of the agent’s hand, before God (or: in God’s sight and presence).


text:
Then the agent had taken the censer and filled it full out of the fire of the altar, and he threw <n>[fire; or, the censer]</n> into the Land (or: earth; soil). And thunders and sounds (or: voices) and lightnings and shakings birthed themselves (or: of themselves came into being).


text:
Next the seven agents (or: messengers) – the folks holding the seven trumpets – prepared themselves (made themselves ready), so that they may sound the trumpets.


text:
And so the first one sounded a trumpet. Then hail and fire mixed in blood was birthed (came to be; or: hail and fire came to be mixed with blood), and it was thrown into the Land (earth; soil). And the third of the trees was burned down, and all pale-green pasture (or: grass) was burned down.


text:
And then the second agent trumpeted. Then something like a great mountain, continuously being burned in fire, was thrown into the sea. And the third of the sea came to be blood.


text:
And the third of the creatures within the sea – the ones (or: things) having souls – died. And the third of the ships was thoroughly ruined (decayed; destroyed).


text:
Next the third agent sounded a trumpet. And a great star, continuously burning as a lamp (or: a shining one), fell out of the sky (or: heaven), and it fell upon the third of the rivers and upon the springs of the waters.


text:
Now the name of the star is called Wormwood (or: Absinth). And so the third of the waters are being birthed (or: are coming to be) wormwood. Then many of the people died from out of the waters, because they were embittered (made bitter).


text:
And the fourth agent trumpeted. So the third of the sun and the third of the moon, and the third of the stars were struck (or: received a blow), to the end that the third of them may be darkened, and the day may not shine <n>[for]</n> the third of it – and the night in like manner.


text:
Next I saw and heard one vulture (or: eagle), constantly flying within mid-heaven, repeatedly saying by a great voice, "Woe (or: Tragic will be the fate)! Woe (or: Alas)! Woe (or: Tragedy)! for those (or: to or in the folks) constantly dwelling upon the Land (or: soil; earth), from out of the midst of the remaining sounds (voices) of the trumpets of the three agents who are about to be one after another sounding a trumpet!"


text:
And then the fifth agent (messenger) sounded a trumpet, and I saw a star – having fallen from out of the sky (or: heaven) into the Land (earth) – and the key of the well (cistern; shaft; pit) of The Deep was given to him. <n>[note: the abyss, or, the Deep; that which is very deep so as to be considered bottomless; used in <a class='xref' href='bGen. 1:2'>Gen. 1:2</a> (LXX), “darkness {was} up upon (or: over) the Deep, and God’s Spirit was bearing (conducting) Himself over upon the water;” used of “the fountains of the Deep” in <a class='xref' href='bGen. 8:2'>Gen. 8:2</a> (LXX); of “springs of the Deep” in <a class='xref' href='bDeut. 8:7'>Deut. 8:7</a>; used in <a class='xref' href='bDeut. 33:13'>Deut. 33:13</a> (LXX), “And to Joseph he said, ‘His land is of the blessing... from the springs of the Deep below;’” and in <a class='xref' href='bPs. 104:2-6'>Ps. 104:2-6</a> (LXX), “Who dost robe Thyself with light as a garment.... Who covers His chambers with waters; Who makes the clouds His chariot... The Deep, as a garment, is His covering;” <a class='xref' href='bPs. 107:23-26'>Ps. 107:23-26</a> (LXX), “They that go down to the sea.... these have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders in The Deep;” <a class='xref' href='bPs. 148:7'>Ps. 148:7</a>, 8, “... and all Deeps.... the things continually performing His Word;” <a class='xref' href='bIsa. 63:13'>Isa. 63:13</a>, “He led them through the Deep, as a horse through the wilderness...”]</n>


text:
And he opened up the well (shaft; pit) of The Deep and smoke ascended out of the well (shaft), as smoke of a great furnace (or: kiln – for smelting, firing earthen ware or baking bread), and the sun and the air were darkened from out of the smoke of the well (or: shaft).


text:
Next locusts came out of the smoke <n>[and went]</n> into the Land (earth). And authority (or: the right; permission) was given to them – as the scorpions of the land (or: earth) have authority (permission; license) –


text:
and yet it was declared to them that they may not be acting unjustly to (be harming, injuring or violating) the enclosed pasture (or: grass) of the Land (earth; soil), nor any green thing, nor any tree, except the humans (the people): those not having the seal (or: imprint) of God upon their foreheads.


text:
Now this was granted (or: given) to (or: for) them, not that they should be killing them, but rather so that they <n>[= the humans]</n> may be examined (tried as metals by the touchstone; distressed) <n>[for]</n> five months. And their examination <n>[is; was]</n> as the distress (metal testing) of a scorpion whenever it may strike a human.


text:
And in those days the people (humans) will proceed seeking (searching for; pursuing) death, and will continue by no means (or: under no circumstances) finding it. And they will continue setting their desire to die, and death will continue fleeing (or: escaping) from them.


text:
Now the representation-effects (resultant likenesses and figures) of the locusts <n>[were]</n> like (similar to) horses having been made ready (or: prepared) unto battle. And upon their heads <n>[were]</n> something like golden wreaths, and their faces <n>[were]</n> as human faces,


text:
And they were having breastplates – as breastplate armor made of iron – and the sound of their wings <n>[was]</n> as the sound of chariots of many horses continuously running into battle.


text:
And they continue having tails like scorpions, and stings (goads; sharp points), and in their tails <n>[is]</n> their authority (permission; license) to act unjustly to (to harm or injure) the humans <n>[for]</n> five months.


text:
They habitually have a King (or One who reigns) upon them: the Agent (or: Messenger) of the Deep. The name for Him in Hebrew <n>[is]</n> Abaddon (Destruction; <n>[note: see <a class='xref' href='bEx. 12:23'>Ex. 12:23</a>; in verb form, speaking of Yahweh, in <a class='xref' href='bDeut. 11:4'>Deut. 11:4</a>; <a class='xref' href='bPs. 5:6'>Ps. 5:6</a>; <a class='xref' href='bPs. 9:5'>Ps. 9:5</a>; <a class='xref' href='bPs. 9:5'>Ps. 9:5</a>; <a class='xref' href='bJer. 15:7'>Jer. 15:7</a>]</n>), and in the Greek He has the name Apollyon (Destroyer; A Destroying One; or: One who makes folks lost; <n>[verb form used in <a class='xref' href='bLu. 17:33'>Lu. 17:33</a> and, of Yahweh, in Judah 5]</n>).


text:
And the sixth agent (or: messenger) sounded a trumpet, and I heard one voice from out of the four horns of the golden altar <n>[which is]</n> before God <n>[note: figure of the altar of incense which was in front of the innermost chamber in the Tabernacle; keep in mind its association with prayer]</n>,


text:
presently saying to the sixth agent, "Loose the four agents: the ones having been bound upon the great river Euphrates."


text:
And the four agents were loosed – those having been made ready (or: being prepared) unto the hour and day and month and year – so that they may be constantly killing the third of the humans.


text:
Now the number of the troops (armed forces) of the cavalry <n>[was]</n> two vast multitudes of innumerable groups (or: myriads of myriads) – I heard the number of them (or: their number).


text:
And thus I saw the horses in the vision: and the ones sitting upon them habitually having breastplates of Fire, even resembling hyacinth stone, and being divine in character (theios: deity; divinity; divine nature or character; the fire of God; brimstone or sulphur). And the heads of the horses <n>[are]</n> as heads of Lions. And Fire, Smoke and Deity (divine nature and character) continuously issues forth from out of their mouths.


text:
From these three plagues (blows; smitings) the third of the humans were killed – from out of the Fire, and from the Smoke, and from the Deity which is constantly issuing out of their mouths,


text:
for the authority (the right; the permission and license) of the horses exists in their mouth and in their tails, for their tails <n>[are]</n> like serpents, having heads, and within them they constantly inflict injustice (harm; injury).


text:
And yet the remaining ones (or: the rest) of the humans, those who were not killed in these plagues (or: blows), did not change their mind (change their perceptions or ways of thinking) from out of the works (actions; deeds) of their hands, so that they may not worship the demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences) and the idols (forms): the gold ones, and the wooden ones, which are able (or: have power) neither to see nor to hear, nor to walk about. <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 115:4-7'>Ps. 115:4-7</a>; 135:15-17; <a class='xref' href='bDan. 5:23'>Dan. 5:23</a>]</n>


text:
Also, they did not change their mind (attitude and way of thinking) from out of their murders, nor from out of their employment of drugs (or: sorceries; enchantments), nor from out of her prostitutions (fornications), nor from out of their thefts.


text:
Next I saw a Strong Agent (other MSS: another Agent, a Strong One) progressively descending (stepping down) from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven) – having been clothed with a cloud, and the rainbow upon His head, and His face as the sun, and His feet as pillars of fire


text:
– and constantly holding in His hand a tiny scroll having been opened up. And He placed His right foot upon the sea, but the left upon the Land (soil; earth).


text:
Then He uttered a cry with (or: by) a great Voice, even as a Lion is roaring. And when He uttered a cry (or: cried out), the Seven Thunders uttered their own voices.


text:
And when the Seven Thunders spoke (gave utterance), I was about to be writing and I heard a Voice from out of the atmosphere (or: heaven) repeatedly saying, "You must seal (or: = seal up and keep from being disclosed; place a seal on) what the Seven Thunders uttered (spoke), " and "You may not write these things."


text:
And the Agent, Whom I saw standing upon the sea and upon the land, lifted up His right hand into the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven),


text:
and swore (affirmed or promised with an oath) within (or: in union with) the One continuously living on into the ages of the ages (or: the Ages belonging to & pertaining to the ages; or: = the foremost of all the ages) – Who framed (created; founded; reduced from a state of disorder and wilderness) the atmosphere (or: heaven; sky), and the things within it, and the land (or: earth; ground), and the things within her, and the sea, and the things within her – that a time shall not longer be (or: that time will not further be; that {a} time will not still exist; = there will be no delay; = there will be no longer a time of delay);


text:
but rather, within the days of the Seventh Agent, whenever he may be about to repeatedly sound a trumpet, God's secret (the secret, or mystery, of God or which pertains to God) is also completed (reached its goal and purposed destiny; finished; concluded; ended) as proclaimed as good news to (or: as He announced the message of goodness to) His own slaves, the prophets <n>[other MSS: His own slaves, and the prophets]</n>.


text:
Then the Voice, which I heard from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), is speaking again with me, and is saying, "Be going (departing), take (or: receive with the hand; seize) the tiny scroll – the one having been opened up within the Agent's hand, Who has taken a stand upon the sea and upon the land."


text:
And so I went away toward the Agent, saying to Him to give to me the tiny scroll. And He is saying to me, "Take (or: Seize) it and eat it down (devour it): and it will proceed making your whole belly (the hollow place; the cavity; the stomach and intestines; the innermost part; used of the womb) bitter, but in your mouth it will continue being sweet as honey."


text:
And then I took (or: seized) the tiny scroll from out of the Agent's hand, and devoured it, and it was sweet as honey within my mouth. And when I ate it, my belly (hollow place, etc.) was made bitter.


text:
Then He is saying to me, "It presently necessitates you (or: It is now binding <n>[for]</n> you) to prophesy (to exercise the function of a prophet) again upon peoples and multitudes (nations; ethnic groups) and tongues (languages) and many kings."


text:
Next a reed like a staff (or: rod) was given to me, <n>[and He was]</n> presently saying, "Rouse yourself (or: Arise; Awake) and measure the temple of God (God's temple, or dwelling), and the altar, and the folks continuously worshiping within it.


text:
"And the court (unroofed enclosure; <n>[used of the sheepfold in <a class='xref' href='bJn. 10:1'>Jn. 10:1</a>, 16]</n>), the one outside the temple, you must cast outside (throw, or expel, out of doors), and you may not measure her because it was given to the multitudes (ethnic groups; nations), and they will proceed treading (advance by setting the foot upon) the set-apart city (or: the Holy City) forty-two months.


text:
"And I will continue giving to My two witnesses (or: I will progressively supply for My two witnesses), and they will proceed prophesying (functioning as prophets) a thousand two hundred sixty days, being clothed (or: cast around) <n>[in; with]</n> sackcloth."


text:
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands (= menorahs) – the ones having made a stand (or: been placed) and are standing before (in the presence of) the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> of the earth (or: the Owner of the Land). <n>[<a class='xref' href='bJer. 11:16'>Jer. 11:16</a>; Zech. 4:2-3, 11-14]</n>


text:
And if anyone is wanting or intending to harm or injure (or: do injustice to) them, fire is continuously (or: repeatedly) issuing (or: proceeding) out of their mouth and is one after another devouring their enemies (or: adversaries); and if anyone is intending (wanting, willing) to injure (do injustice to; harm) them, thus it is necessary for him to be killed.


text:
These continuously hold (or: have) authority to close (shut, lock) the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven), so that continuously it can not shower rain <n>[during]</n> the days of their prophesying. And they continue holding authority upon the waters, to continuously turn them into blood; and to smite (beat, strike) the Land (or: soil; earth) within every plague as often as they may will – if they intend (purpose) to. <n>[<a class='xref' href='b1 Kings 17:1'>1 Kings 17:1</a>; <a class='xref' href='bEx. 7:19'>Ex. 7:19</a>]</n>


text:
Now whenever they may complete (finish; make an end of) their witness (or: testimony), the little animal (or: beast) – the one repeatedly climbing up (or: ascending) out of the Deep – will proceed making war (or: do battle) with them, and will progressively overcome (or: conquer) them, and then will proceed in killing them.


text:
And so their fallen dead body will be upon <n>[other MSS: And their fall will be into]</n> the broad place (street; square; plaza) of The Great City – whatever, spiritually, is normally being called (or: named) "Sodom" and "Egypt" – where also their Lord was crucified (or: where their Lord, also, was executed on a torture stake).


text:
Then those out of the peoples – even from tribes and tongues and ethnic groups (nations; multitudes; pagans; non-Jews) – continuously see (observe; cast a look upon) their dead body three and one half days, and they will not proceed in releasing their dead bodies to be placed into a memorial monument or tomb (= to be buried).


text:
And so the folks continuously having a house down upon the earth (or: the ones normally dwelling upon the Land) are continuously rejoicing upon them, and they will continue being gladdened (or: made happy) and will proceed sending presents to each other, because these, the two prophets, tested and examined (applied the touchstone to test the purity of the metal of) those continuously having a house down upon the earth (or: ground).


text:
Later, after the three and a half days, a spirit of Life (Life's breath-effect or a spirit which is life) from out of God entered within <n>[other MSS: into]</n> them and they stood upon their feet. And so (a) great fear fell upon the people continuing to be spectators of (or: watching) them.


text:
Then they heard a great (or: loud) Voice from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), repeatedly saying to them, "You must climb up here (or: ascend to this place)." So they climbed up into the atmosphere (or: ascended into the sky and heaven) within the cloud, and their enemies watched (or: were spectators of) them.


text:
And within that hour, a great shaking (or: earthquake) was birthed (or: came to be; occurred) and the tenth of The City fell (or: collapsed), and seven thousand names of humans (= people) were killed within the shaking (quake), and the remaining ones (= survivors) came to be terrified – and so they gave glory to the God of the heaven (or: atmosphere; sky).


text:
The second woe departed (or: tragedy went away). Consider! The third woe is progressively coming swiftly.


text:
Next the seventh agent sounded a trumpet, and great (or: loud) voices of themselves came to be (birthed themselves; occurred of themselves) within the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven), continuously saying, "The reign of the ordered System (of the world of religion, culture, government and economy; or: of the realm of the religious and secular) suddenly came to belong to our Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> and to the anointed of Him (or: The kingdom of the arranged system at once became our Lord’s and His Christ’s; The rule as king which pertains to the world, was birthed to be the possession of <n>[Yahweh]</n>, as well as of His Anointed), and so He will continue reigning (ruling as King) on into the ages (or: indefinite time periods) of the ages <n>[other MSS add: So it is (Amen)]</n>."


text:
Then the twenty-four elders (or: old people) – the people continuously sitting upon their thrones before (in the presence of) God – fell (or: at once fall) upon their faces and worshiped (or: do obeisance to; worship) God,


text:
repeatedly saying, "We are continuously grateful (thankful) for You (or: we continuously give You thanks), Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> God, the One of All Strength (the Almighty, Omnipotent One), the One continuously existing (or: being), even the One Who was continuously existing (being), because You have taken – so that You have in Your hand – Your great power and ability, and You reign (rule as King)."


text:
Now the multitudes (ethnic groups; nations) were made angry (raged; were, or are, made to internally swell; were aroused; were made impulsive) <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 2:1'>Ps. 2:1</a>]</n>, and Your inherent fervor (swelling arousal; impulse; wrath; anger; indignation; natural bent) came (or: comes), and the season (fitting situation; suitable circumstances; fertile moment) for the dead folks to be sifted, separated, evaluated, decided about and judged, and then to give the wages (or: reward) to Your slaves: to the prophets and to the set-apart people, and to the ones continuously fearing Your Name – to the small (or: = insignificant) ones and to the great ones – and then to at once thoroughly spoil (or: bring ruin throughout; cause decay through the midst; utterly destroy) the folks continuously corrupting (thoroughly spoiling, ruining, destroying and decaying) the Land (or: earth; soil).


text:
And then the Temple of God – the one within, or in union with, the atmosphere (or: centered in the heaven) – was opened (or: was suddenly opened up), and the ark of the covenant (or: arrangement) <n>[other MSS read: ark of the covenant of the Lord; or: ark from God's covenant]</n> was seen (or: is seen) within the midst of His Temple. Next lightning and voices and thunders and a shaking (or: an earthquake) and great hail were birthed (came to be; occurred).


text:
Next a great sign was seen within the atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven): a Woman having been clothed (cast around) with the sun, and the moon down under her feet, and a wreath of twelve stars upon her head.


text:
And being pregnant (continuously having or holding within the womb), she is constantly crying (or: repeatedly uttering a cry), travailing with birth-pangs, and being progressively tested and tried in the labor pains (or: experiencing the touchstone) to bring forth (= to bear a child).


text:
Then another sign was seen within the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven): and consider this!, a great fiery-colored dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven bands (diadems; kingly ornaments) upon its seven heads.


text:
And its tail is progressively dragging the third of the stars of the sky (or: heaven), and casts (or: it cast; it threw) them into the earth (or: onto the Land, or, ground). And the dragon stood (had made a stand) before (or: in the presence of) the Woman – the one being about to bring forth (= to give birth) – to the end that whenever she may bring forth, it may devour (eat down; consume) her child.


text:
And so she brought forth a Son – an adult man (or: male; masculine one) Who is about to continuously shepherd all the multitudes (ethnic groups; nations) in the sphere of and with relying on the use of an iron staff (or: rod). Later, her child was snatched away (seized and carried off by force) toward God and to His throne.


text:
Then the Woman fled (or: takes flight) into the wilderness (or: desert; desolate place) where she continuously has there a prepared place from God (or: a place having been made ready, from God), to the end that THEY may continuously nourish her there one thousand two hundred sixty days.


text:
Next a war (or: battle) was birthed (broke out; came to be; arose) within the atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven): the One, Michael <n>[the One in God's likeness]</n>, and His agents <n>[went]</n> to war (or: to battle) with the dragon. And the dragon did battle (or: at once battles; = fought back), as well as his agents,


text:
and yet they were not strong (or: had no strength), neither was their place (or: position) any longer found within the atmosphere (or: heaven; <n>[comment: a symbol of a position of authority, control and dominion]</n>).


text:
And so thrown (or: hurled; cast; tossed) is (or: was) the great dragon, the serpent from the very beginning (or: the original, or ancient, serpent) – the one being continuously called "slanderer" (one who thrusts something through <n>[folks]</n>; false accuser; separator; a "devil;" one who casts something throughout the midst <n>[to cause division]</n>) and the adversary (the opponent; the satan; <n>[<i>p</i>47 and other MSS: one who stands in opposition; a counter-worker]</n>), the one continuously causing the whole inhabited area of the earth to wander (or: that which causes straying; the one continually deceiving). It was (or: is) hurled (thrown; cast; tossed) into the earth (or: Land), and its agents were (or: are) thrown (cast; tossed) with it.


text:
Then I heard a great (or: loud) voice within the atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven) repeatedly saying, "At the present moment (or: Just now) the deliverance (the return to the original state and condition; the rescue; the health and wholeness; salvation), and the authority, and the kingdom (or: reign) of our God was (or: is) birthed (comes into existence; came to be), also the authority of His Anointed (or: His Christ; His anointed one), because our brothers' accuser (the accuser of our fellow believers) was cast down (and: is hurled down) – the one that was or is by habit repeatedly accusing them before (or: in the sight and presence of) our God, day and night." <n>[comment: this phrase logically indicates that the location is on earth, where there is day and night]</n>


text:
And they at once overcame (or: at some point overcome; conquer) him because of the blood of the little Lamb, and (or: even) because of the word (or: message; Word; Logos) of their witness (evidence; testimony) – and they love not (or: did not love) their soul (soul-life; inner self; personhood) even to (or: until) death.


text:
Because of this, you atmospheres (or: heavens) – and the folks continuously tabernacling (or: normally living in a tent; presently encamping) within the midst of them – must continuously make yourselves glad (keep or develop a good frame of mind; rejoice). Woe to (or: Alas for; A tragedy into) the Land (or: earth) and the sea, because the slanderer (separator; opposer; "devil;" the one who thrusts-through) is (or: was) cast down to you, having great anger (violent breathing; rushing passion), knowing that he continues having a little season (a small suitable place; a limited circumstance; a brief fitting situation).


text:
And when (at the time that) the dragon suddenly saw (or: sees; perceived; observes) that it is thrown (was cast, thrust) into the earth (or: Land), it pursued (pursues, presses forward, runs swiftly to catch) the woman who brought forth (= gave birth to) the Man (or: male).


text:
Then two wings of the Great Eagle (or: Vulture) were given to the Woman (or: are given for the Woman), to the end that she may progressively fly into the wilderness (desert; uninhabited region) – into her place – where (in which place) she is there continuously nourished a season, and seasons, and half a season <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDan. 7:25'>Dan. 7:25</a>; 12:7]</n>, away from the serpent's face (= its presence and ability to observe).


text:
Next the serpent cast (or: spews) water, as a river (or: stream), from out of its mouth, behind the Woman (at the Woman's back; after the Woman) to the end that it may cause her to be carried away by the river (i.e., by its current).


text:
So then the Land (or: ground; earth) ran to the aid of (or: runs and helps) the Woman, and the Land (ground; earth) at once opened (or: opens) up her mouth and swallowed (or: swallows; gulps down) the river which the dragon cast (or: casts) out of its mouth.


text:
And so the dragon was enraged (is angered; swells with agitation of soul) upon the Woman and went away (or: goes off) to make war (do battle) with the remaining ones (the rest; those left) of her seed (= offspring) – those continuously keeping (guarding; observing) God's implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives) and continuously holding the testimony of Jesus (or: having the evidence about and having the character of Jesus).


text:
And I was placed (set, made to stand) upon the sand of the sea, <n>[other MSS: And it was placed (set; made to stand) upon the sand of the sea.]</n>


text:
and then I saw (or: perceived) a little animal (a little creature or beast) progressively climbing up (or: repeatedly ascending) from out of the midst of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and ten bands (diadems; kingly ornaments) upon its horns, and blasphemous names (or, names <n>[other MSS: a name]</n> of slander, abusive speech and light-hindering injury) upon its heads.


text:
Then the little animal (little creature or beast) which I saw was and continued to exist like a leopard, and yet its feet <n>[were]</n> as a bear's, and its mouth as a lion's mouth. Next the dragon gave its ability and power, its throne, and great authority (or: license) to it <n>[i.e., to the little animal]</n>.


text:
And one of its heads was as having been slaughtered unto death, and yet the blow of its death (or: its death-blow) was cured (or: tended; treated), and the whole Land (or: earth) followed after the little animal with fascinated wonder and admiration.


text:
And so people worshiped (or: worship) the dragon because it gave (or: gives) authority to the little animal; and they worship the little animal, saying, "Who (or: What) <n>[is]</n> like the little animal (the little creature or beast)? And who (or: what) is able (continuously has power) to do battle (or: wage war) with it?"


text:
Then a mouth, continuously speaking great things and blasphemies (things that obscure the light; abusive slander; harm-avering misrepresentations) was given to it. Authority to act (or: to make or do) <n>[for]</n> forty-two months <n>[other MSS read: to make war 42 months; another early MS reads: to do what it wills 42 months]</n> was also given to it (or: And so, a right from out of Being was allowed for it to suddenly form, construct and create <n>[over a period of]</n> forty-two months).


text:
So it opened (or: at once opens) its mouth unto blasphemies (injurious slander) toward God, to blaspheme (misrepresent and hinder the light of) His Name and His Tabernacle: those continuously tabernacling (or: camping in tents; living in the Tabernacle) within the atmosphere (or: heaven).


text:
Next it was (or: is) given to it to wage war (or: was allowed to do battle) with the set-apart folks (holy people) and to overcome them. And authority was given (or: Then right and privilege from out of its being was allowed) to it upon every tribe and people and tongue and multitude (nation; ethnic group).


text:
And all those continually dwelling upon the earth (or: Land) will proceed worshiping it – concerning which folks, their name has not been written within the scroll of (or: which is) "The Life of the little Lamb" – the One having been slaughtered from a casting-down of <n>[the]</n> ordered arrangement (world of culture, religion, government and economics; or: from <n>[the]</n> world's founding).


text:
If anyone (or: a certain one) <n>[is; is destined]</n> into captivity, into captivity he is repeatedly (continuously; presently) departing <n>[Griesbach's text adds sunagei, so would read: If anyone is continuously gathering (bringing together) a captive host, into captivity he is proceeding to undergo]</n>. If anyone (or: a certain one) is continually killing with a sword, it is necessary for him to be killed with a sword. The patient and persistent endurance (or: the steadfast, humble and supportive remaining-under) and the reliability and faith of the set-apart ones (or: trust and loyal confidence of the holy folks) continually exists here.


text:
Next I saw another little animal (little creature or beast), progressively stepping up out of the midst of the Land (or: earth), and it had two horns like a little lamb, yet it was, and continued, speaking as <n>[the]</n> dragon,


text:
and it is continually exercising (doing, performing, executing) all the authority of the first little animal (or: little wild beast) within its presence (before it; in its sight), and it repeatedly makes the Land (or: forms the earth) and those dwelling in her, to the end that they would (or: may) worship the first little animal (little creature or wild beast) whose death blow was cured (or: treated).


text:
And it is continually making (doing; constructing; performing; producing) great signs (wonders; miracles; marks; inscriptions), to the end that it may even repeatedly make (a) fire to continuously (or: repeatedly) descend from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven) into the Land (or: earth) within the presence of (in sight of) the people (or: humans).


text:
It also continually leads astray (causes to wander; deceives) those <n>[other MSS read: Mine]</n> who are continuously dwelling upon the Land (or: earth), because of the signs which it was (or: is) given to it to perform (or: allowed to do, make or construct) in the presence of (before; in sight of) the <n>[first]</n> little animal (little creature or wild beast). <n>[It is]</n> constantly saying – to those habitually dwelling upon the Land (or: earth) – to make (or: construct) an image (likeness; resemblance; an icon) to (or: for) the little animal (little wild beast) which continuously has the blow (wound; stripe) of the sword, yet lives.


text:
And it was given to it (or: allowed for her) to give spirit (breath; a spirit) to the image (or: icon) of the <n>[first]</n> little animal (little wild beast) so that the image (or: icon) of the little animal can both speak and can cause (or: make it; arrange) that whoever would not worship the image of the <n>[first]</n> little animal would (or: should) be killed.


text:
And so it is continually making (causing; forming) all (everyone) – the little (small; = insignificant) ones and the great ones, the rich ones and the poor ones, the free ones and the slaves – to the end that they could (would; may; <n>[some MSS: it will]</n> give to them an imprinted mark-effect (an engraved work; emblem; result of sculpting; carve-effect <n>[note: same root from which we get the word "character"]</n>) upon their right hand, or upon their foreheads,


text:
even to the end that a certain one would continually be unable (or: not anyone would be continually able) to buy or to sell if <n>[he or she is]</n> not the one continuously having the imprinted mark-effect (engraving; carve-effect) or the name of the little animal, or the number of its name.


text:
Here is Wisdom! The one having a mind must calculate (compute by pebbles) the number of the little animal, for it is man's number (or: <n>[the]</n> number of mankind; a number pertaining to humanity; a man's number): his number <n>[is]</n> 666.


text:
Later I saw this – so consider! The little Lamb <n>[is; was]</n> standing (or: having made a stand) upon Mount Zion (or: the mountain, Zion), and with Him <n>[are]</n> one hundred forty-four thousand: folks continuously having His Name, and (or: even) His Father's Name, having been written upon their foreheads.


text:
Then I heard a voice (or: sound) out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), as a voice (or: sound) of many waters, and as a voice (or: sound) of a great thunder. And the voice (sound) which I heard <n>[was]</n> as lyre-singers, continuously playing their lyres (or: harps).


text:
And they repeatedly sing a new song (or: ode) before the throne, and in the presence of the four living ones and the old folks (or: elders). And no one was able to learn the song (or: ode) except the one hundred forty-four thousand – those having been bought from the Land (or: earth).


text:
These are those who were (or: are) not stained (polluted, contaminated) with women, for they are (or: exist being) virgins. These are the folks continuously following The little Lamb wherever He progressively leads <n>[other MSS: wherever He may habitually depart]</n>. These were (or: are) bought from humanity, a first-fruit in God (for God; to God; by God), even in (for; to; by) the little Lamb.


text:
And falsehood was (or: is) not found within their mouth, for they are (or: exist being) without blemish (are flawless, blameless and without defect).


text:
Next I saw an agent (or: messenger; <n>[other MSS: another agent/messenger]</n>) continuously flying within mid-heaven, having eonian good news (or: a message of goodness and well-being pertaining to the ages and having the character and quality of the Age), to proclaim the good news upon those situated (or: habitually sitting down) upon the Land (or: earth), and upon every multitude (nation; ethnic group), tribe, tongue, and people,


text:
repeatedly saying in a great (loud) voice, "You people should reverence (or: Be respecting and fearing) God, and give glory to Him (or: grant Him a reputation; give a good opinion in Him), because the hour of His deciding (judging; judicial process; making-distinction-between) came (or: went; comes), and you must worship the One making (the Maker; the One constructing and forming) the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven) and the earth (or: land; ground) and the sea and springs of water."


text:
And then another, a second agent (or: messenger), followed, repeatedly saying, "It fell (or: It falls)! Babylon the Great fell (or: falls), because it has caused all nations (all ethnic groups and multitudes) to drink out of the wine of the strong passion (violent breathing) of her prostitution (or: = idolatry; or: sexual acts contrary to the Mosaic Law)."


text:
And another, a third agent (or: messenger), followed them, repeatedly saying in a great voice, "If any one is continuously worshiping the little wild animal, and its image, and is continuously receiving an imprinted mark upon his forehead or upon his hand,


text:
"he or she will also proceed drinking out of the wine of God's rushing emotion (strong passion; anger) – of the one having been mixed undiluted within the cup of His inherent fervor (natural bent; impulse; indignation; wrath). And he will proceed being examined (scrutinized with the touchstone to test his "mettle") within Fire and Deity (or: in union with Fire, even Divine qualities) in the presence of (before; in the sight of) the set-apart agents, and in the presence of (before) the little Lamb."


text:
And so the smoke of their examination and testing by the touchstone continually ascends on into ages of the ages. And those continually worshiping the little animal and its image – and if any one continually receives the imprinted mark (carve-effect) of its name – they, continually, are not having rest day and night <n>[comment: day and night are representations of time elapsing on earth]</n>.


text:
Here (or: In this place) exists (or: is) the persistent and patient endurance (the steadfast, humble remaining-under for support) of the set-apart folks (or: from the saints) – the people continually keeping watch upon (guarding, observing, having custody over) God's implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward purposed directives) and the faith of Jesus (or: the trust pertaining to Jesus; the loyalty belonging to Jesus; the faith which belongs to and comes from Jesus; the conviction which is Jesus; the reliability of and from Jesus).


text:
Next I heard a voice out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), saying, "Write: 'From the present moment (from this time; from now; henceforth) the dead ones <n>[are]</n> blessed (happy) folks – those continuously dying within the Lord!'" "Yes, indeed, " the Spirit continues saying, "to the end that they may rest themselves from out of their wearisome labor (travail; toilsome exhaustion), for their works (actions; deeds) are continually following together with them." <n>[Sinaiticus & <i>p</i>47 omit nai, "yes, indeed, " so an alternate rendering would be: "Happy {are} the dead ones – those continuously dying in the Lord! Henceforth, the Spirit says that they may rest, for their actions follow with them.”]</n>


text:
And I saw, and look: a bright, white cloud. And upon the cloud One like a son of man (= a human; or: = the eschatological Messiah figure) continually sitting, having a golden wreath upon His head and a sharp sickle (instrument for cutting off, cropping and harvesting) in his hand.


text:
Then another agent (or: messenger) came forth out of the Temple, repeatedly crying out in a great voice to the One sitting upon the cloud, "You must send Your sickle and You must reap (gather in the harvest), because the hour to reap comes (or: came), because the harvest of the Land (or: earth) is dried (parched; withered; thus: = ripened)."


text:
And the One continuously sitting upon the cloud cast (or: thrusts) His sickle upon the Land (or: earth) – and the Land (or: earth) was reaped!


text:
Next another agent came out of the Temple <n>[which is]</n> resident within the atmosphere (or: within the midst of the heaven), he, too, having a sharp sickle.


text:
Then another agent, having authority upon the Fire, came forth out of the altar and uttered (or: utters) a sound by a great outcry to the one continuously holding the sharp sickle, "You must send your sharp sickle and you must gather (pick) the clusters of the Land's (or: earth's) vineyard (grapevine), because her grapes are in their prime (are at the peak of ripeness)."


text:
And so the agent cast (or: thrusts) his sickle into the Land (or: earth), and picks (gathers) the vineyard of the Land and he casts <n>[it; them]</n> into the great wine-press (trough; tub) of God's strong passion (rushing emotion; or: anger).


text:
Then the wine-press (or: trough) was trodden (or: is trod as a path) outside of the City, and blood came (or: comes; goes) forth from out of the trough (or: wine-press) up to the horses' bridle – from a thousand six hundred stadia (a fixed standard of measure; a racecourse; a stadium).


text:
Next I saw another sign in the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven) – great and wonderful (marvelous): seven agents continuously holding the last seven plagues (smitings, strokes), because within them God’s strong passion (or: fury; wrath) is (or: was) brought to its goal (has been brought to its purpose; is completed; is finished, was ended; has accomplished its destiny).


text:
And I saw as it were a glassy (crystalline) sea having been mixed with Fire, and the folks (or: those) continually overcoming (being progressively victorious; presently conquering) – from out of <n>[the power and influence of]</n> the little wild animal (creature; beast), and from out of <n>[the nature of]</n> its image, and from out of <n>[the identity of]</n> the number of its name – standing (or: having made a stand) upon the glassy (crystalline) sea, continuously holding God’s lyres (harps).


text:
And they repeatedly sing the song (or: ode) of Moses, God’s slave, as well as (or: even) the song (or: ode) of the little Lamb, saying, "O Lord <n>[= O Yahweh]</n>, The All-Strong (Omnipotent, Almighty) God, Your acts (works) <n>[are]</n> great ones, and wonderful ones (marvelous ones)! The King of the nations (multitudes, ethnic groups; <n>[Sinaiticus & <i>p</i>45 read: King of the ages]</n>)! Your ways (roads, paths) <n>[are]</n> just ones (fair and equitable ones in accord with the Way pointed out) and true (or: real) ones!


text:
"O Lord <n>[= O Yahweh]</n>, who may by no means (or: who may in no way) fear You and glorify (bring good reputation to) Your Name? Because <n>[You]</n> only (alone; without accompaniment) <n>[are]</n> appropriately pious, sanctioned, and benign <n>[Vat. 2066 reads: Set-apart (Holy)]</n>. Because the multitudes (nations: ethnic groups) WILL continue arriving, and they WILL continue worshiping in Your presence (in Your sight; before You). Because the results of Your righteousness (effects of Your fairness and equity, just decrees and decisions; actions according to the Way pointed out, results of justification, actualization of justice and rightwising of relationships) are manifested (or: were brought to light; were made to appear)."


text:
Later, after these things, I saw, and the Temple (Divine habitation; sanctuary), which equates to the Tabernacle of the Witness (or: whose source and origin was the tent of testimony and evidence), was opened up within the midst of the atmosphere (or: centered in, and in union with, heaven),


text:
and the seven agents – those continuously holding the seven plagues (smitings) – came out of the Temple, being clothed with bright, clean (unsoiled, pure) linen <n>[other MSS: liqon, stone]</n>, and having been bound with a girdle around the breasts <n>[with]</n> golden girdles.


text:
Then one out of the four living ones gave (or: gives) to the seven agents seven golden bowls (or: shallow cups) continuously brimming (being full) of the strong passion (rushing emotion; or: fury; anger) of the God Who is continuously living on into the ages of the ages (or: from God, the One continuously living <n>[and proceeding]</n> into the <n>[most significant]</n> eons of <n>[all of]</n> the eons).


text:
And then the Temple was made full of smoke from out of God’s glory, and from out of His power (or: ability) and no one had power (or: was able) to enter into the Temple until the seven plagues (blows; smitings) of the seven agents would (or: can) be brought to their purposed goal and completed.


text:
And I heard a great Voice out of the Temple, saying to the seven agents, "You must go (depart) and you must pour out the seven bowls (shallow cups) of God’s strong passion (fury; rushing emotion; anger) into the Land (or: earth)."


text:
Then the first one went forth and poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) upon the Land (or: ground; earth) – and a bad and malignant, festering wound (or: ulcer) came to be upon those people having the imprinted mark (engraving; carve-effect) of the little wild animal (creature; beast), even upon those continuously worshiping its image (or: likeness).


text:
Then the second one poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) into the sea – and it came to be blood as of a dead person, and every living soul within the sea died.


text:
Then the third one poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) into the rivers (or: streams) and into the springs (or: fountains) of the waters – and they became blood.


text:
And I heard the Agent of the Waters saying, "You are continually a Just One (a Righteous One; One Who observes the way pointed out), the One continuously existing (or: being), even the One Who was continuously existing, the appropriately pious, sanctioned, benign One, because You suddenly judge (or: judged) these,


text:
"because they poured (or: pour) out <n>[the]</n> blood of the set-apart folks and of the prophets, and You gave (or: give) them blood to drink: they are deserving <n>[this]</n>!" <n>[note: see <a class='xref' href='bLuke 11:50-51'>Luke 11:50-51</a>]</n>


text:
Then I heard the Altar saying, "Yes indeed, O Lord <n>[= O Yahweh]</n>, the All-Strong (Omnipotent; Almighty) God, Your decisions (separations; judgings) are true and real ones, and fair (equitable; just; right) ones."


text:
Next the fourth one poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) upon the sun – and it was given to him to burn the people (the humans; mankind) in Fire.


text:
And so the people (the humans) were burned <n>[with]</n> great heat, and they blasphemed (spoke insultingly of; slandered; misrepresented; vilified; hindered the Light of) the Name of God – the One having authority upon these plagues – and they did (or: do) not change their minds (their way of thinking) to give Him glory (or: to have a good opinion of Him).


text:
Next the fifth one poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) upon the throne of the little wild animal (creature; beast) – and its kingdom (or: reign) came to being made dark (or: had been darkened), and they were biting their tongues from the painful labor (misery; travail; hard toil),


text:
and they blasphemed (abusively slander; hindered the light of; vilify) God with reference to the atmosphere (or: heaven’s God; the God of the atmosphere; God, Who is heaven; the God from the sky) from out of the midst of their painful labor and from out of their festering wounds (ulcers), and did not (or: do not) change their mind (their way of thinking) from out of their works (or: actions).


text:
Next the sixth one poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) upon the great river Euphrates, and its water was (or: is) dried up, to the end that the way (road, path) of the kings – the ones from the risings of <n>[the]</n> sun (or: = the east) – may be prepared (made ready).


text:
And I saw – out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the little wild animal (creature; beast), and out of the mouth of the false prophet – three unclean spirits (or: impure attitudes), as frogs


text:
– for they are spirits (or: breath-effects; attitudes) of demons (a Hellenistic concept and term: = from animistic influences), continually doing (making; constructing; performing) signs – which are continuously going out (marching forth) upon the kings of the whole inhabited land, to assemble them (bring them together) into the battle (combat, war) of that great Day of the All-Strong (Omnipotent) God.


text:
Consider! I continually (or: repeatedly) am coming as a thief! The one continually watching (or: in wakeful vigilance) and keeping guard upon his garments <n>[is; will be]</n> blessed (or: a happy person), to the end that he may not be continually walking about (or: roaming; = living his life) naked so that they may continually see (or: observe) his indecency (condition of being without proper form, shape or character; shame; ungracefulness). <n>[note: see <a class='xref' href='b1 Thes. 5:2'>1 Thes. 5:2</a>; <a class='xref' href='bMatt. 24:43'>Matt. 24:43</a>; <a class='xref' href='b2 Pet. 3:10'>2 Pet. 3:10</a>; <a class='xref' href='b2 Cor. 5:3'>2 Cor. 5:3</a>]</n>


text:
And He gathered (or: assembles) them together into the place being called, in the Hebrew, Armageddon <n>[= the hill of Megiddo; some MSS: Mageddon]</n>.


text:
Next the seventh one poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) upon the air – and a great voice came (or: goes) forth from the Temple of the atmosphere (or: heaven) <n>[other MSS: out of the temple from the throne; other MSS: out of the temple of God]</n>, from the throne, repeatedly saying, "It has come to be (or: He has been birthed; It has come into existence; It has occurred)!"


text:
Then lightnings and voices and thunders came to be (occurred), and a great shaking (= an earthquake) came to be (occurred), such as had not come to be (or: did not happen) since (or: from of which <n>[time]</n>) the humans came to be (or: mankind was birthed) upon the Land (or: ground; earth) – a shaking (quake) of such magnitude, so very great!


text:
And the Great City came to be <n>[divided]</n> into three parts, and the cities of the nations (multitudes; ethnic groups) fell, and then Babylon the Great (or: the Great Babylon) was called to mind (or: is remembered) in the presence of (before; in the sight of) God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the strong passion (rushing emotion; fury; anger) of His inherent fervor (natural impulse; mental bent and disposition; personal emotion; indignation; wrath).


text:
and hail, great (large) as weighing a talent (about 70 pounds), is continuously coming down (descending) out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven) upon the people (the humans; mankind). And the men blasphemed (abusively slander; misrepresented and hindered the light of) God from out of the midst of the plagues (or: blows) of the hail, because Her plague (smiting; blow) is exceeding great.


text:
Next one of the seven agents – the ones holding the seven bowls – came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here! I will show (point out to) you the effect of the judgment (the result of the administering of justice; the effect of the judicial decision and equitable sentence) of the Great Prostitute – the one continuously sitting upon the many waters,


text:
"with whom the kings of the Land (or: earth) commit (or: committed) prostitution (or: fornication) – and those continually dwelling down upon the Land (or: earth) <n>[that]</n> are (or: were) made drunk from out of the wine of her prostitution." <n>[note: see <a class='xref' href='bIsa. 1:21'>Isa. 1:21</a>; comment: prostitution can be a symbol of idolatry]</n>


text:
And he carried me away, in spirit (or: within <n>[the]</n> Spirit; in union with a Breath-effect), into a desert. And I saw a woman continuously sitting (or: seated) upon a crimson (or: scarlet) little wild animal (or: beast), <n>[which was]</n> continuously loaded (freighted) with names of blasphemy (which hinder light; of injurious, abusive slander; or: from a misrepresented image), having seven heads and ten horns.


text:
The woman also had been clothed <n>[with]</n> purple and crimson (scarlet). And having been adorned (overlaid; gilded) with gold and precious stones and pearls, she is continuously holding in her hand a golden cup (goblet) <n>[which]</n> is continuously loaded (freighted; brimming) with abominations (detestable things) and the unclean things (impure aspects) of her prostitutions.


text:
And upon her forehead, a name having been written: A MYSTERY (A SECRET; a matter that to gain the knowledge of which initiation is necessary) – BABYLON the GREAT: The Mother of the Prostitutes and of The Abominations (Detestable Things) of The Land (or: from the earth).


text:
Then I saw the woman, being continuously drunk from out of the blood of the set-apart folks and from out of the blood of the witnesses of Jesus, and seeing her I wondered (marveled) a great wonder (or: I wondered, “ <n>[It is]</n> a great marvel!”).


text:
And the agent said to me, "Why do (or: did) you wonder (marvel)? I will proceed declaring to you the secret of the woman and of the little wild animal <n>[which is]</n> continuously bearing her aloft, <n>[and]</n> which has the seven heads and the ten horns.


text:
"The little wild animal (beast) which you saw was existing, and does not exist (is not), and is about to repeatedly climb up (ascend) out of the Deep, and to repeatedly lead under (or: go away) into loss (destruction; state of being lost). And those continually dwelling down upon the Land (earth) – whose names have not been written upon the little Scroll of THE LIFE from <n>[the]</n> casting-down (foundation) of <n>[the]</n> world (ordered system) – will continue wondering (marvel), continually observing (beholding) the little wild animal, that it was continuously existing (it was), and it does not exist (is not), and it will proceed being present (exist alongside).


text:
"Here <n>[is]</n> The Mind: the one continuously having (holding) Wisdom (or: Here <n>[is]</n> the mind <n>[which]</n> has wisdom): The seven heads are seven mountains, where the woman continuously sits upon them,


text:
"and they are seven kings: five fell, the one is (exists), the other one came not as yet, and when he may come it is necessary for him to remain (abide) a little while (or: briefly).


text:
"And the little wild animal which was existing, and does not exist, it is also itself <n>[the]</n> eighth, and is (exists) out of the seven, and progressively leads under (goes away) into loss (destruction; state of being lost).


text:
"And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who do not yet receive a kingdom, but they are continually receiving authority AS kings <n>[for]</n> one hour with the little wild animal.


text:
"These continually hold (or: have) one opinion (or: thought; resolve), and they continually give their power (or: ability) and authority to the little wild animal.


text:
"These will proceed waging war (or: do battle) with the little Lamb, and the little Lamb will progressively overcome (subdue; conquer) them because He is LORD of lords and KING of kings, and the ones with Him are CALLED ONES and CHOSEN ONES and FAITHFUL ONES (or: trusting folks; people filled with faith; loyal ones)."


text:
Then he is saying to me, "The waters which you saw (or: see), where the Prostitute continually sits, are peoples and crowds (mobs) and multitudes (nations; ethnic groups) and tongues (languages).


text:
"And the ten horns which you saw (or: see) – even the little wild animal – these will continue hating (regarding with ill will) the Prostitute, and <n>[she]</n> being made desolate (having been laid waste), they will also proceed making her naked and will progressively eat her flesh (= physical form) and then they will proceed burning her down in a fire.


text:
"For God gave (or: gives) into their hearts to do Hisopinion (thought; resolve; purpose), even to form (make; do) one opinion (thought; resolve), and to give their kingdom to the little wild animal (beast) UNTIL God’s Words (the Words of God) shall be completed (finished; ended; perfected; brought to their purposed and destined goal).


text:
"And the woman, which you saw, is the Great City – the one continuously having a kingdom (or: reigning with dominion) upon (over) the kings of the Land (earth)."


text:
After these things I saw another Agent progressively descending out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), continuously having great authority (or: privilege from out of Being), and the Land (or: ground; or: earth) was lighted (illuminated) by His glory (or: His manifestation which called forth praise; or: the splendor which was Him).


text:
Then He uttered (or: suddenly utters) a cry in a strong voice, repeatedly saying, "She falls (She fell)! Babylon the Great falls (fell) and becomes (became; comes to be; is birthed) an abode (dwelling) of demons (or: animistic influences) and a confine (ward, prison, a place of keeping watch over) of every impure attitude (unclean spirit) and a preserve (a keep; a cage; a guard-house) of every unclean and hated bird,


text:
"because all the multitudes (nations; ethnic groups) have drunk <n>[other MSS read: fallen]</n> from out of the wine of the strong passion of her prostitution, and the kings of the Land (earth) commit (committed) prostitution (fornication; = idolatry) with her, and the merchants (those who travel by sea for trade) of the Land (earth) are (or: became) rich from out of the power (or: ability) of her headstrong pride and wanton luxury (or: reveling)."


text:
Next I heard another Voice from out of the atmosphere (sky; heaven), repeatedly saying, "Come out of her (or: Go forth from out of her midst) My people, so that you may not jointly participate with (be a partner with; fellowship together with) her sins (failures; occasions of missing the mark), and so that you may not receive from out of her plagues (blows),


text:
"because her sins (failures) are glued together (joined; adhered so as to be heaped, built or piled) as far as the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven). And God remembers (called to mind) her unjust effects (injuries done; misdeeds; unjust acts; ill-gotten gains; things contrary to the way pointed out).


text:
"Pay (Render; Give away; Give back) to her as she also (even as she) paid (or: pays), and double to her doubles <n>[other MSS: double the doubles]</n> according to her works (acts). In the cup which she mixes (blended), mix (blend) double for her.


text:
"As much as she glorified (or: glorifies) herself and indulged (lives in proud luxury), so much give to her examination (testing) by the touchstone and mourning (grief; sadness; sorrow), because within her heart she is continually saying, 'I continually sit as a queen, and I am not a widow; I may by no means see mourning (grief; sadness; sorrow; misery).'


text:
"On account of this, in (or: within) one day her plagues (blows) will progressively arrive: death, mourning (grief) and famine. And she will proceed being burned down (consumed) within fire, because the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n>, the God judging her, <n>[is]</n> strong!


text:
"And the kings of the Land (earth) – those committing prostitution (or: acts of fornication) with her and indulging (living in proud and wanton luxury) – will proceed weeping and lamenting (smiting or cutting themselves in wearisome labor) upon (over) her when they may be observing (or: seeing) the smoke of her burning,


text:
"standing away, at a distance, on account of the fear of her examination (testing) by the touchstone, repeatedly saying, 'Woe, tragic <n>[is]</n> the great city! Babylon, the strong city! Because in one hour your judging came!'


text:
"And the merchants (sea traders) of the Land (or: earth) <n>[are]</n> continually weeping and mourning upon (over) her, because no one continues buying their cargo (merchandise) any longer:


text:
"a cargo of gold, and of silver, and of precious stones, and of pearls, and of fine cotton, and of purple, and of silk, and of scarlet (crimson), and every aromatic (thyme or citron) wood, and every ivory utensil (or: vessel), and every utensil (vessel) <n>[made]</n> out of precious wood and of copper (or: bronze) and of iron and of shining marble,


text:
"also cinnamon <n>[grown in Arabia & Syria]</n> and amomum <n>[fragrant white vine from India]</n>, and incenses and essential oil <n>[aromatic juices from trees; used for anointing]</n> and frankincense <n>[from Mt. Lebanon and Arabia]</n>, and wine and olive oil, and the finest flour, and grain and cattle and sheep and horses and four-wheeled chariots (carriages; coaches), even bodies and souls (or: = lives) of people.


text:
"And the fruit season (or: autumn; ripe fruits) of your soul’s earnest desire (yearning) went away (passes away) from you, and all the fat (sumptuous) things and the bright, shining things destroyed themselves (became lost; perished) from you, and no longer may you by any means find <n>[other MSS: will they continue finding]</n> them.


text:
"The merchants of these things – those becoming rich from her – will proceed standing away at a distance, because of the fear of her testing (examination) with the touchstone, continually weeping and mourning,


text:
"saying repeatedly, 'Woe, tragic <n>[is]</n> the great city – the one being clothed in fine cotton and purple and crimson (scarlet), and being overlaid (gilded; adorned) in gold and precious stone and pearls – because in one hour so much wealth (so great riches) is (or: was) laid waste (made desolate; made as a desert).'


text:
"And every navigator (helmsman; one who steers), and everyone repeatedly (habitually) sailing upon a place, and sailors (ship men; seamen; mariners), and as many as are continually working the sea, stand (or: stood) away at a distance,


text:
"and, continuously observing the smoke of her burning, they were crying out, repeatedly saying, 'What <n>[exists]</n> like the Great City?'


text:
"And they cast dust (loose earth) upon their heads, and were uttering cries, continually weeping and mourning, repeatedly saying, 'Woe, tragic <n>[is]</n> the Great City in which all those having ships in the sea became rich from out of her valuable merchandise (or: preciousness; estimated worth; imputed value), because in one hour she was laid waste (made like a desert).'


text:
"Continually rejoice (be made glad) upon her, O Atmosphere (Sky; Heaven), even the set-apart ones and the envoys and the prophets, because God decided and executed (or: judges; makes a distinction by separating) your sentence (effect of judgment; law-suit; decision-result) from out of her."


text:
And one strong agent lifts (took up; carried away) a stone as great as a millstone, and casts (or: cast) <n>[it]</n> into the sea, saying, "Thus, by violence (or: impetuous motion) Babylon the Great City will be cast (thrown) and may by no means any longer be found (or: be yet found).


text:
"And a sound (voice) of lyre-players/singers and of musicians and of flutists and of trumpeters may by no means be heard in YOU any more (yet; further), and every technician (craftsman, artist) of every trade (craft; art) may by no means be yet (any longer) found within YOU. And a sound of a millstone may by no means be yet found in YOU,


text:
"and a light of a lamp may by no means any longer shine within YOU; and a voice of a bridegroom and of a bride may by no means any longer be heard in YOU, because YOUR merchants were the great ones of the Land (or: earth) because all the multitudes (nations) were (are) deceived (led astray; caused to wander) in YOUR employment of drugs (sorcery; enchantments)."


text:
And within her was (or: is) found blood of prophets and of set-apart folks – even of all those having been slaughtered upon the Land (or: earth). <n>[comment: <i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='bMatt. 23:34-38'>Matt. 23:34-38</a>]</n>


text:
After these things I heard – as it were a great voice of a large crowd – folks in the atmosphere (or: heaven) repeatedly saying, "Hallelujah (Praise Yahweh)!: the Deliverance (Salvation) and the Glory and the Power of, from and which is our God!


text:
"Because His judgings (decisions and administrations of justice; judicial processes; separations and evaluations according to the Way pointed out) <n>[are]</n> true ones and fair (equitable; just; rightwised) ones, because He judged (or: judges) the Great Prostitute – anyone who was spoiling (ruining; corrupting) the Land (or: earth) within her prostitution (or: fornication; = idolatry) – and He restored a rightwised situation of equity in fairness for (or: avenges; vindicates; executes the right for) the blood of His slaves from out of her hand."


text:
Then a second time they have said, "Praise Yahweh (Hallelujah)!" And so the smoke from her goes on rising up on into (or: progressively ascends into the midst of) the ages of the ages (or: crowning time-periods of the ages; indefinite eras which comprise the ages).


text:
Then the twenty-four elders (old people) and the four living ones fall (or: fell) down and worship (ed) the God continuously sitting upon the throne, repeatedly saying, "Amen (Make it so; So be it). Praise Yahweh (Hallelujah)!"


text:
And a Voice from out of the throne came forth, saying, "Habitually praise our God, all His slaves and the people continually fearing, revering and respecting Him – the small ones and the great ones."


text:
Next I heard as a voice of a large crowd, and as a sound of many waters, even as a sound of strong thunders saying, "Praise Yahweh (Hallelujah)! Because the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> our God, the Almighty, reigns!


text:
"We should (or: may) continually rejoice (be glad; be full of joy), and we should continually celebrate (exult), and we should <n>[other MSS: we will continue to]</n> give the glory to Him, because the wedding (marriage festival) of the little Lamb came (or: comes) and His Wife made (or: makes) herself ready (prepares herself)."


text:
Then it was (or: is) granted (or: given) to her to the end that she may clothe herself with bright and clean fine cotton (or: she may cast bright, pure, fine linen around her) – for the fine cotton (or: linen) represents the effects of right relationship and equity in the life of the Way pointed out (or: the results of being rightwised; the actualizations of justice; consequences of justice rendered from being turned in the right direction; the effects of having been placed in the Path pointed out; or: the just awards) of the set-apart folks (pertaining to the saints; from the sacred people).


text:
And then he is saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed (Happy) ones <n>[are]</n> the folks having been called (the summoned ones; those being invited) into the wedding supper (meal) of the little Lamb.'" He also is saying to me, "These are the true Words of (or: real thoughts and messages from) God!"


text:
And so I fell before his feet to worship him, and he is saying to me, "See and perceive! No! (= Don't do that!) I am your fellow-slave and <n>[am]</n> from among your brothers (or: = even belonging to <n>[a group of]</n> your fellow believers) – the ones constantly holding (having) the witness of (or: the testimony pertaining to, and the evidence about) Jesus – Give worship to God! You see, the evidence of (or: testimony pertaining to; witness about) Jesus is the spirit of The Prophecy (or: For the Breath-effect which is prophecy is the evidence for, and comes from, Jesus)."


text:
Then I saw the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), having been opened – and consider! A bright, white horse. And the One continually sitting upon it being constantly called "Faithful (Full of Faith; To Be Trusted; Trustworthy; Loyal) and True (or: Real), " and He is continuously judging (making decisions and separations) and battling (making war) in fairness (within equitable dealings; in justice and right relations which accord with the Way pointed out; also: = in union with covenant).


text:
And His eyes <n>[are]</n> a flame of fire; and upon His head <n>[are]</n> many diadems (kingly bands), having a name having been written <n>[other MSS: having names written, and a name]</n> which no one knows except Himself,


text:
and having been clothed (or: cast around) with a garment having been dipped in blood (or: dyed with blood), and His Name is being called "The Word of God (God’s Logos; The Message from God; God’s Idea)."


text:
And the armies in the atmosphere (or: heaven) – ones having been clothed with (invested with; entered within) clean (or: pure) bright, white fine cotton – continued following Him upon bright, white horses.


text:
Also, a sharp two-edged broadsword repeatedly goes out (issues forth; proceeds) from His mouth, to the end that in it He may smite (or: strike) the multitudes (nations; ethnic groups). And He will continue shepherding them with an iron staff. Furthermore He is continually treading, <n>[as on a path]</n>, (or: trampling) the tub (the wine vat) of the wine of the strong passion of the internal swelling fervor (natural impulse; mental bent; personal emotion; or: indignation; wrath) of the All-Strong (Almighty) God.


text:
And upon His garment and upon <n>[His]</n> thigh He has a Name having been written: "King of kings and Lord of lords."


text:
Next I saw one agent standing in the sun. And he cried with a great voice, repeatedly saying to all the birds continuously flying in mid-heaven, "Come! Be gathered together into God’s great supper (meal taken at evening),


text:
"so that you may eat kings' flesh and military commanders' (commanders of 1000 men; tribunes) flesh, even the flesh of strong ones, and the flesh of horses and of those sitting on them; both flesh of all free ones and of slaves; even of little ones and of great ones."


text:
And I saw the little wild animal (creature; beast), and the kings of the Land (earth), and their armies, having been gathered (assembled) to make war (or: do battle) with the One continually sitting upon the horse, and with His army.


text:
And yet the little wild animal (beast) was pressed and caught (or: is arrested), and with him the false prophet (the lying prophet) – the one that did (or: who does) the signs in his presence (or: before him), in which he led astray (or: he deceives) the folks taking the imprinted mark (carve-effect) of the little wild animal, and continually worshiping its image – the two were cast (or: thrown) into the lake (or: basin; artificial pool; marshy area) of the Fire: the one continuously burning within the midst of <n>[the]</n> Deity (or: the lake of the fire which constantly burns in union with the Divine Nature).


text:
And the remaining ones (the rest; the ones left) were killed off in the broadsword coming out of the mouth of Him who is continuously sitting upon the horse. And all the birds were fed until satisfied from out of their flesh.


text:
Next I saw an Agent progressively descending out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), continually holding (or: presently having) the key of the Deep (or: the abyss) and <n>[there was]</n> a great chain upon His hand.


text:
And He seizes (or: put a power-hold on) the dragon, the primeval (ancient; original) serpent, who is a false accuser and the adversary (or: a devil, even satan), and He binds (or: bound) it (or: him) "a thousand years."


text:
Then He casts (or: threw) it (or: him) into the Deep (or: abyss) and He closes (or: shut; locked) and seals (or: stamped with a seal) over upon it (or: him), to the end that it (or: he) can no longer (or: would not still) deceive (lead astray; cause to wander) the multitudes (the nations; the non-Israelites; the ethnic groups), until the thousand years may be ended (finished, completed, perfected; brought to the destined goal; can have its purpose fulfilled). After these <n>[events; things]</n>, it is necessary for it to be loosed <n>[for]</n> a little time.


text:
And I saw thrones – and they sit (or: sat; are seated) upon them, and judgment-effects (decision-results; judicial process and verdict) is given by them (or: authority to judge was given to them; decisions and separations are made by them) – and souls (inner lives) of those being ones having been cut with an axe (= beheaded) because of the testimony (witness) of (or: pertaining to; from) Jesus, and because of the Word of and from God – even those (or: also the ones) who do not (or: did not) worship the little wild animal (or: beast), nor its image, and do not (or: did not) take (or: receive) the imprinted mark (engraving; carve-effect; result of sculpting) upon their forehead and upon their right hand – and they live and reign (or: lived and reigned) with the Christ (the Anointed One) one thousand <n>[other MSS: the thousand]</n> years.


text:
But the remaining (the rest) of the dead ones do not (did not) live until the thousand years may be ended (finished; concluded; caused to reach the purposed and destined goal). This <n>[living and reigning with Christ is (or: This thousand years represents)]</n> the first resurrection. (or: The first rising up <n>[is]</n> this:)


text:
Blessed and happy and set-apart (holy) <n>[is]</n> the one holding (or: having) a divided part (a piece) within the first resurrection (rising up) – upon these the second death has no authority (does not continue holding right or privilege), but rather, they will continue being priests belonging to God and to the Christ (or: priests pertaining to God and the Anointed One; or: God’s, even Christ’s, priests; or: priests from God and Christ), and they will continue reigning with Him a <n>[other MSS: the]</n> thousand years.


text:
Then, when the thousand years may be ended <n>[other MSS: after the thousand years]</n>, the adversary (satan) will proceed being loosed from out of its prison (his place of being watched and guarded),


text:
and it (or: he) will continue going forth (or: come out) to deceive (lead astray) those <n>[other MSS: all the]</n> nations (multitudes; ethnic groups) within the four corners of the Land (or: earth) – "Gog and Magog" <n>[Ezk 38:2]</n> – to gather them together into the battle (or: war): their number <n>[being]</n> as the sand of the sea.


text:
And they ascended (or: climb up) upon the breadth of the Land (or: earth) and came around (or: surround) the encampment (or: fortress) of the set-apart (holy) folks, even the Beloved City <n>[other MSS: even the city of the set-apart ones]</n>. Then fire descends (or: came down) from God, out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), and devours them (eats them down).


text:
And so the devil (slanderer; accuser; one who thrusts-through or causes division), the one continuously deceiving them (repeatedly leading them astray) is cast (or: was thrown) into the lake (or: basin; artificial pool; marshy area) of the Fire and Deity (or: which is Fire, even Devine Nature) where the little wild animal and the false prophet also <n>[are; presently exist]</n>. And they will be examined and tested by the touchstone day and night, on into the ages of the ages (or: – the place where even the small beast and the lying prophet will also experience hard situations <n>[that lead]</n> into the indefinite time periods of the eons).


text:
Next I saw a great bright, white throne, and the One continuously sitting upon it from Whose face the earth (or: ground; Land) and the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven) flee (or: at once fled). And a place is not found for them (or: And then no position was discovered by them or found in them).


text:
Then I saw the dead folks – the great ones and the little ones – standing before the throne. And scrolls are (or: were) opened up. And then another scroll is opened up, which is of (or: the one pertaining to; or: from) The Life. And the dead ones are judged (were evaluated) from out of the things having been written within the scrolls, according to their works (down from their actions; on the level of their deeds).


text:
And the sea gives (or: suddenly gave) <n>[up; back]</n> the dead folks within it, and death and the Unseen give (or: = the grave gave) <n>[up; back]</n> the dead folks within them. And they are judged (evaluated) according to their works (in correspondence with their actions; in line with their deeds).


text:
Next the Death and the Unseen (or: = the grave) are cast (or: were thrown) into the lake (or: basin; artificial pool) of the Fire (or: the marshy area where there is fire). This is the second death: the lake of the Fire (or: the basin which is fire).


text:
So if anyone is not found (or: was not found) written within the scroll of The Life, he is cast (or: was thrown) into the lake of the Fire (or: the artificial pool having the character and quality of the Fire; the marshy area from the Fire; the shallow basin, where there is fire).


text:
Then I saw "a new (new in nature; different from the usual; better than the old; superior in value and attraction; new in quality) atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven) and a new Land (or: earth)" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 65:17'>Isa. 65:17</a>; 66:22]</n>, for you see, actually, the first (former; preceding; earlier) atmosphere (or: heaven) and the first (former, preceding) Land (or: earth; soil; ground) went away (or: passed away), and the sea does not exist any longer.


text:
And then I saw the set-apart (or: holy) city, a new Jerusalem, continuously (or: progressively) descending from out of the atmosphere (or: presently stepping down out of the midst of the sky; or: steadily stepping in accord, forth from heaven), <n>[coming]</n> from God, being prepared (having been made ready) as a bride, being arranged (having been set in order; adorned; decorated) for (or: by) her man (husband; a male person of full age and stature).


text:
Next I heard a great voice from out of the throne <n>[other MSS: atmosphere; heaven]</n> saying, "Consider! God's tent (the Tabernacle of God) <n>[is]</n> with mankind (the humans), 'and He will continue living in a tent (dwell in a Tabernacle) with them, and they will continue being (will constantly exist being) His people, and God Himself will continue being with them <n>[some MSS add: their God]</n>.' <n>[<a class='xref' href='bLev. 26:11-12'>Lev. 26:11-12</a>; <a class='xref' href='bIsa. 7:14'>Isa. 7:14</a>; 8:8, 10; <a class='xref' href='bJer. 31:33'>Jer. 31:33</a>; Ezk. 37:27; <a class='xref' href='b2 Chr. 6:18'>2 Chr. 6:18</a>]</n>


text:
"And He will continue anointing (or: progressively smear or wipe away) every tear from their eyes. And death will no longer continue existing (or: the death shall proceed being no more) – neither will mourning (sadness; grief), nor an outcry, nor hard work (painful toil; misery) continue existing any longer (<n>[they]</n> will continue being no more), because the FIRST THINGS went (or: passed) away."


text:
And then the One (or: He <n>[who is]</n>) continuously sitting upon the throne said, "Consider this! I am presently making all things new (or: habitually creating everything <n>[to be]</n> new and fresh; progressively forming <n>[the]</n> whole anew; or, reading panta as masculine: periodically making all humanity new; progressively creating every person anew; constantly constructing all people fresh and new; continuously renewing everyone)!" Next He is saying <n>[to me]</n>, "Write, because these words are dependable (or: faithful) ones and true ones (ones full of faith and realities)."


text:
Then He said to me, "They have come into being (been born; come to be) and stand accomplished (are produced) <n>[Concordant Gr. Text reads, with Sinaiticus: I have become (been born)!; Griesbach reads gegone: It has been done; Rotherham simply says: Accomplished; Barclay, Young, Beck, NASB, NKJV, Amplified all read w/Griesbach; Weymouth, Williams, Wuest, Robertson & Vincent read w/the Nestle-Aland & Metzger Text, gegonan (3rd. per. pl.)]</n>! I am the Alpha and the Omega: The Beginning (Origin; Source; Headship; First Principle) and The End (The Goal; Consummation; The Finished Product; The Destiny; The Purpose). "To him who is continuously thirsty, I will continue giving from out of the spring (or: fountain) of the Water of the Life, as an undeserved (free) gift (or: I will freely continue giving...).


text:
"The one habitually overcoming will proceed inheriting (acquiring by lot) these things, and I will continue being a God for him (in him; to him) and he will continue being a son <n>[Griesbach reads: the son]</n> for Me (in Me; to Me).


text:
"But for the timid (cowardly) folks and for faithless ones (unbelieving people) and for abominable folks (detestable ones) and for murderers, and for prostitutes and for sorcerers (enchanters; users of drugs) and for idolaters and for all the liars (the false ones): their portion <n>[of the inheritance?]</n> <n>[is]</n> within the lake (or: basin; artificial pool; marshy area) continuously burning with Fire and Deity, which is the Second Death."


text:
And one of the seven agents – the ones holding (having) the seven shallow bowls: the ones being continuously full of (or: brimming with) the seven plagues – came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here! I will proceed in showing you the Bride, the Wife of the little Lamb."


text:
Next he carried (or: carries) me away, in spirit (or: in the midst of a Breath-effect), upon a great and high mountain, and showed (points out to) me the set-apart (or: holy) city, Jerusalem, progressively (or: habitually; or: presently) descending out of the atmosphere (or: heaven), from God


text:
– continuously having (holding; or: = bringing with it) the glory of God (God’s glory; God’s reputation; or: God’s appearance; or: the opinion from God), her illuminator (that which gives her light; the cause of her light) – like a most precious stone, as a jasper stone being continuously crystal-clear,


text:
continuously having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and upon the gates twelve agents, and names <n>[Sinaiticus adds: of them]</n> having been inscribed (engraved; imprinted) upon <n>[them]</n>, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:


text:
from the east (a rising) three gates; from the north three gates; from the south three gates; from the west (a sinking) three gates.


text:
And the wall of the City continuously has twelve foundations, and upon them twelve names of the twelve emissaries of the little Lamb.


text:
And he who is speaking with me was holding and continues having a measure, a golden reed, so that he may measure the City – even her gates and her walls.


text:
And the City is lying (or: is continually being laid) square (four-angled; four-cornered), and her length <n>[is]</n> even as much as the width. And he measured (or: measures) the City with the reed upon twelve thousand race-courses (stadiums; fixed standards of measure): her length and width and height are equal.


text:
And he measured her wall: one hundred forty four cubits – (a) human’s measure, which is an agent's <n>[measure]</n>.


text:
And that which was built within her wall is jasper, and the City <n>[is]</n> pure (clear; clean; cleansed) gold like pure (clear, clean) crystal (or: glass),


text:
and the foundations of the wall of the city are ones having been set in order (made a system, a world; adorned) with every precious stone. The first foundation: jasper; the second, sapphire (or: lapis lazuli); the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;


text:
the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius (or: carnelian); the seventh, chrysolite (or: topaz); the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz (or: peridot); the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth (jacinth); the twelfth, amethyst.


text:
And the twelve gates <n>[are]</n> twelve pearls – each one of the several gates was <n>[made]</n> out of one pearl. And the broad place (street; plaza; square) of the City <n>[is]</n> pure (clean, clear; cleansed) gold, as a translucent crystal (or: transparent glass).


text:
And I did not see an inner sanctuary <n>[= the holy place, or places, of the Temple]</n> within her, for the Lord <n>[=Yahweh]</n>, Almighty (All-Strong) God, even the little Lamb, is her inner sanctuary (or: dwelling place).


text:
And the City continually has no need of the sun nor of the moon, to the end that they may (should) continually shine for her, for the Glory of God illuminates (enlightens; gives light to) her, and her lamp <n>[is]</n> the little Lamb.


text:
And the multitudes (nations; people groups; ethnic groups; or: non-Jews) will continue walking about (i.e., living their lives) by means of her Light. And the kings of the Land (or: earth) continually carry (bring; bear) their glory <n>[Codex Vaticanus adds: and honor]</n> into her.


text:
And her gates shall by no means be closed (or: locked) <n>[by]</n> day, for night will not be in that place (or: for there will not be night there).


text:
And they will continue carrying (or: bringing) the glory (or: reputation; notion; opinion; appearance; imagination) and the honor (or: value; worth; respect) of and from the multitudes (nations; non-Jews; ethnic groups) into her.


text:
And under no circumstances may anything common (profane; ceremonially unclean) – even the one continuously making an abomination and a lie – enter into her, except the ones having been written (or: being engraved) within the scroll of “The Life of the little Lamb” (or: the little Lamb’s scroll of “The Life”).


text:
And he showed (points out to) me a river of "water of life" (or: Life's water; or: water which is Life), bright (resplendent, glistening, clear, sparkling) as crystal (clear ice), continuously flowing (issuing) forth from out of God's – even the little Lamb's – throne!


text:
Within the midst of her broad place (plaza; square; street), and on each side of the river, <n>[is]</n> a tree (a wood; timber; a log; same word used in <a class='xref' href='bGen. 2:9'>Gen. 2:9</a>, LXX; figure for “the cross” in the NT) of life periodically producing twelve fruits, continually yielding (or: giving away) according to each month, and the leaves of the tree (wood; timber) <n>[are given]</n> for (or: into) service (nurture, care; healing or medical service; a body of household attendants) of the multitudes (nations; Gentiles; non-Jews; ethnic groups).


text:
And every curse will no longer exist. And God's throne – even the Little Lamb's – will continue being (or: existing) within Her <n>[i.e., the City]</n>, and His slaves will continue rendering sacred service to Him,


text:
And night will no longer continue existing. And so they continuously have no need of the light of a lamp, or even the light of the sun, because <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> God will continue giving light upon (or: will constantly illuminate) them, and they will continue reigning (performing as kings) on into the ages of the ages (or: the indefinite time periods of the eons).


text:
Then he said to me, "These words are faithful ones and true ones, and the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n>, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent (or: sends) His agent with a commission (as an envoy) to show (point out; exhibit) to His slaves things which of necessity must (it is binding to) come into being (be birthed; happen, occur) in speed (swiftness, quickness, – so Lexicons; but Wuest, Williams, Barclay, Lattimore, Beck, Goodspeed, NEB translate this phrase: soon; others give: shortly).


text:
"And consider this! I am continuously (habitually; repeatedly) coming quickly (swiftly). Blessed (Happy) <n>[is]</n> the one continuously keeping (actively observing; watching over) the words (or: messages; thoughts and ideas) of the prophecy of this scroll."


text:
And I, John, <n>[am]</n> the person progressively hearing and seeing these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship in front of the feet of the agent <n>[who]</n> is progressively exhibiting (pointing out) these things to me.


text:
And he is saying to me, "See! No! I am your fellow-slave, even of (belonging to; from among) your brothers – of (or: belonging to and from among) the prophets and of those continuously keeping and observing the words of this scroll. Worship God!”


text:
Next he is saying to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the season (fitting situation) is progressively near (or: continues existing close at hand).


text:
"The one continuously acting unjustly (unfairly; inequitably; contrary to the Way pointed out; also: = living out of covenant) must yet (or: still) act unjustly (unfairly; = apart form covenant); and the filthy one must yet (still) be filthy; and the just one (fair and equitable one; = the one in covenant) must yet (still) do justice (behave fairly and deal equitably in rightwised, covenant relationships); and the set-apart (holy) person must yet (or: still) be set apart (or: made holy)."


text:
"Consider this! I am continuously (habitually; progressively) coming quickly (swiftly), and My wage (reward for work; compensation; recompense) <n>[is]</n> with Me, to give back (give away; render; pay) to each one as his work is (= what he deserves).


text:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning (Origin; Source; Headship) and the End (Goal; Finished Product; Purposed Destiny).


text:
"Blessed (Happy) folks <n>[are]</n> the ones (folks; people) continually washing their garments (equipment) <n>[other MSS: continually doing His inner goals]</n>, to the end that their authority (or: right; privilege) will continue being over (or: upon) the tree (pole) of The Life, and they may enter into the City by the gates.


text:
"Outside <n>[are]</n> the dogs and the sorcerers (users of drugs) and the fornicators (male prostitutes) and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone continuously fond of (being friendly to) and constantly practicing (making; doing) falsehood (deception; a lie).


text:
"I, Jesus, sent (or: send) My agent to bear witness to you people <n>[concerning]</n> these things <n>[being imposed]</n> upon the called-out communities (or: to testify these things to, by or in you, over the <n>[situation of the]</n> summoned-forth assemblies). I am (I continuously exist being) the Root and the Offspring (Race; Genus) of David, The Bright (Radiant) Morning Star.


text:
"And now the Spirit (Breath-effect) and the Bride are continuously saying, 'Be repeatedly and/or progressively coming!' Then let the one continuing to listen and hear say, 'Be continuously coming!' And so let the person constantly thirsting continuously come; let the one habitually willing (or: intending; desiring) at once take (or: receive with the hand) Water of Life freely (or: as a free gift)."


text:
I am continuously testifying (repeatedly witnessing) to (or: in) everyone <n>[who is]</n> habitually hearing the words (or: messages) of the prophecy of this scroll: If ever anyone should overlay (place upon; thus: add) upon them, God will overlay (impose; add) upon him those plagues having been written within this scroll.


text:
And if anyone should take away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of the Life, and out of (or: forth from) the set-apart City – of (or: pertaining to) the things being written within this scroll.


text:
The One continuously testifying these things is saying, "Yes, I am continuously (or: habitually; repeatedly; or: presently) coming quickly (swiftly; promptly)!" Amen (So be it; It is so; Count on it). Be continuously coming (or: repeatedly coming and going), Lord Jesus!


text:
The Grace and favor of the Lord Jesus <n>[is]</n> with everyone (or: all humanity; <n>[other MSS read: ... with all of you; ... with the set-apart ones; ... with all the set-apart folks]</n>). Count on it (or: It is so; Amen). <n>[written circa A.D. 68-70 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


