This translation is from the New American Bible. The bolded hyperlinks will take you to additional translations. The entire chapter is included to provide context.
Information about the meaning the original Hebrew or Greek of what seem to be key words is provided in blue. It is provided beneath the specific reading the words are in.
Collections of or meditations on scriptures dealing with principles similar to those addressed in particular readings are hyperlinked after those readings.
Excerpts collected in yellow at the end of this post tell us something about God’s nature or our relationship to Him.
Excerpts collected in green at the end of this post tell us about something God wants us to do.
Excerpts collected in red at the end of this post tell us about something God does not want us to do.
Reading 1: Wisdom 11:22-12:22
Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth.
But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people's sins that they may repent.
For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned.
And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?
But you spare all things, because they are yours, O LORD and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things!
Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD!
mercy = ἐλεέω = eleeō Blue Letter Bible to have mercy (eleos, "mercy"), to show kindness, by beneficence, or assistance, is translated "have compassion;” to help one afflicted or seeking aid; to bring help to the wretched; to compassionate; to succor the afflicted; granting even to the unworthy favor, benefits, opportunities, and particularly salvation by Christ; such sympathy as manifests itself in act, less frequently in word
all = πᾶς = pas Blue Letter Bible radically means "all." Used without the article it means "every," every kind or variety; any and every, of every kind, all manner of; in every way or particular; the whole; each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything; thoroughly, whatsoever; all manner of; the highest degree, the maximum; always; in everything, in every way, on every side, in every particular or relation; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon when used of a number, all; when of one only, the whole; all, the whole; every; all things as a unity, as a totality; all kinds of things; in all points, entirely, wholly; in every way, by all means, altogether
can do = δύναμαι = dynamai Blue Letter Bible to be able, to have power; to be capable, strong and powerful; to be able or possible; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon to be able, strong enough to do; having influence; to be able, dare, bear to do a thing
sins = ἁμάρτημα = hamartēma Blue Letter Bible an act of disobedience to Divine law; sin, evil deed; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon failure, fault; sinful action
repent = μετάνοια = metanoia Blue letter Bible afterthought, change of mind; not simply a change of [] mind, but such a change as would reverse the effects of his [] previous state of mind; a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done; compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision); the change of mind of those who have begun to abhor their errors and misdeeds, and have determined to enter upon a better course of life, so that it embraces both a recognition of sin and sorrow for it and hearty amendment; that change of mind by which we turn from, desist from, etc.; the improved spiritual state resulting from deep sorrow for sin; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon change of mind or heart, repentance, regret, correction
love = ἀγάπη = agape Blue Letter Bible affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon the love of husband and wife; brotherly love, charity
loathe = βδελύσσῃ Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon feel a loathing; to be sick; cause to stink, make loathsome or abominable
rebuke = ἐλέγχεις Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon disgrace, put to shame; cross-examine, question; accuse one of doing; test, bring to the proof; bring convincing proof; refute, confute; put right, correct, prove by a reductio ad impossibile; expose; betray a weakness
warn = νουθετεῖς Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon put in mind; admonish, warn, rebuke; chastise
remind = ὑπομιμνῄσκω Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon put one in mind or remind one of; bring to one's mind, mention, suggest; call to mind, remember; make mention
abandon = ἀπαλλαγέντες Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon set free, deliver from a thing; release; put away from, remove from; remove; get rid of; bring to an end; release, discharge; get off free, escape; escape; be acquitted; remove, depart from; to be removed from, free from the imputation of; depart from, leave off from; have done, cease; to depart from enmity, i.e. to be reconciled, settle a dispute; recover from an ailment
believe = πιστεύσωσιν Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon trust, put faith in, rely on; believe; entertain a confident opinion; enjoy his confidence; entrust something to another
Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:
Wisdom Principles—God Loves and Calls Us to Him, In Spite of our Sin
Wisdom Principles—Rebuke & Openness to Correction
***
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
R. (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever.
Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Praise, extol = רוּם = rûm Blue Letter Bible to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted; to lift up; exalt; set on high; hold up; raise, rear, cause to grow
name = שֵׁם = šēm Blue Letter Bible name; reputation, fame, glory; honor, authority, character; renown, report
forever = עוֹלָם = ôlām Blue Letter Bible long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient; forever, always; perpetuity; continuous existence, perpetual; everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity; time out of mind (past or future); always; unending
ever = עַד = עַד Blue Letter Bible perpetuity, for ever, continuing future; eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), perpetually; during lifetime; continuously
bless = בָּרַךְ = bāraḵ Blue Letter Bible to kneel; praise, salute; celebrate, adore
every= כֹּל = kol Blue Letter Bible the whole; any, each, every, anything; totality, everything, of all kinds, every sort
day = יוֹם = yôm Blue Letter Bible day, time, year; a working day, a day's journey; the heat of the day; day time, daily; perpetually; lifetime; daily duties, observances, etc.
bless—see above
praise = הָלַל = halal Blue Letter Bible to shine; to flash forth light; to praise, boast, be boastful; be commended; glory; rave, celebrate; to be clear, to be brilliant; to sing; to make bright or shining
name—see above
forever—see above
ever—see above
gracious = חַנּוּן = ḥannûn Blue Letter Bible gracious; benignant, hearing the cry of the vexed debtor
merciful = רַחוּם = raḥûm Blue Letter Bible compassionate; full of compassion
slow = אָרֵךְ = 'ārēḵ Blue Letter Bible patient, slow to anger; longsuffering; patient of spirit
anger = אַף = 'ap̄ Blue Letter Bible anger, wrath; ire; nostril, nose, face
great = גָּדוֹל = gāḏôl Blue Letter Bible great (in any sense); large (in magnitude and extent); in importance; great, distinguished (of men); mighty; noble; distinguished
kindness = חֶסֶד = ḥeseḏ Blue Letter Bible goodness, kindness, faithfulness; favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy; kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy; lovely appearance; of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures; redemption from enemies and troubles; in preservation of life from death; in quickening of spiritual life; in redemption from sin; in keeping the covenants; fidelity; abundant, plenteous in kindness (goodness); greatness of thy mercy; everlasting; plural mercies, deeds of kindness, the historic displays of lovingkindness; desire, ardor; zeal; benignity, benevolence, pity, mercy; grace
good = טוֹב = ṭôḇ Blue Letter Bible good, pleasant, agreeable; excellent; rich, valuable in estimation; appropriate, becoming; happy, prosperous, kind, benign; right (ethical); welfare, prosperity, happiness
all—see “every” above
compassionate = רַחַם = raḥam Blue Letter Bible womb, pity, mercy; tender love; grace, favor; tender affection
all—see “every” above
works = מַעֲשֶׂה = maʿăśê Blue Letter Bible deed, thing done, act; work, labour; undertaking, enterprise; achievement; thing made; product
give you thanks = יָדָה = yāḏâ Blue Letter Bible to throw, shoot, cast; laud, praise; to profess, confess; to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands); (make) confess(-ion); praise, celebrate
faithful =חָסִיד = ḥāsîḏ Blue Letter Bible kind, godly, holy one, saint, pious; merciful, gracious
bless—see above
discourse = אָמַר = 'āmar Blue Letter Bible certify; declare; to command, to promise, to intend; to avow, to avouch; bear forth, bring to light; to speak, utter; to say in one's heart, to think
glory = כָּבוֹד = kāḇôḏ Blue Letter Bible glory, honour, glorious, abundance; weight, but only figuratively in a good sense; heaviness; splendor or copiousness; dignity of position; reputation, of character; majesty
kingdom = מַלְכוּת = malḵûṯ Blue Letter Bible royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power; realm; empire
speak = דָּבַר = dabar. Blue Letter Bible to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing; to speak with one another, talk; answer; pronounce; teach; use (entreaties), utter; to lead, to guide; to direct a people; admonish; to speak kindly, console; to speak friendly, peaceably with anyone; to announce welfare
might = גְּבוּרָה = gᵊḇûrâ Blue Letter Bible strength, might; valor, bravery; mighty deeds; force, mastery; power; fortitude; military virtue
lifts up = סָמַךְ = sāmaḵ Blue Letter Bible to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon; to support or brace oneself; refresh, revive; bear up, stand fast; to be propped
falling = נָפַל = nāp̄al Blue Letter Bible to fall, lie, be cast down, fail; to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out; to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to; lost; overthrow, overwhelm, perish; rot; decay; fall away, desert; fall by accident; violent death; fall into someone’s hand
raises up = זָקַף = zāqap̄ Blue Letter Bible Comfort; raise (up)
bowed down = כָּפַף = kāp̄ap̄ Blue Letter Bible bend down, bow down, be bent, be bowed; to bow oneself down; to curve; hollow; arched; submit oneself
Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:
Wisdom Principles—God Loves and Calls Us to Him, In Spite of our Sin
Wisdom Principles--Caring for the Weak & Vulnerable
***
Reading 2: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12:2
We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a "spirit," or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
always = πάντοτε = pantote Blue Letter Bible at all times; evermore
pray = προσεύχομαι = proseuchomai Blue Letter Bible supplicate; worship; pray earnestly for, make prayer; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon offer prayers, worship or vows
worthy = ἀξιόω = axioō Blue Letter Bible to think meet, fit, right; to judge worthy, deem, deserving; to deem entitled or fit; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon think worthy of a reward; esteem, honour; think fit, expect, require that; think one has a right to receive; make a claim.
calling = κλῆσις = klēsis Blue Letter Bible invitation; divine invitation; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon invitation
powerfully = δύναμις = dynamis Blue Letter Bible ability; force, inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth; moral power and excellence of soul; might; power for performing miracles; R. Trench, New Testament Synonyms outcomings of that mighty power of God; powers being by Him lent to those who were his witnesses and ambassadors; pointing ... to new and higher forces ... which have entered and are working in this lower world of ours; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon might; strength, power, ability to do anything; influence, authority; faculty, capacity
fulfillment = πληρόω = plēroō Blue Letter Bible to fulfill, to complete, carry out to the full; complete; to make full, to fill to the full; to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally; to render full, i.e. to complete; to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim; to consummate, to make complete in every particular, to render perfect; to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking); to carry into effect, bring to realization, realize; to perform, execute; to fulfill; to cram; to fill, diffuse throughout one's soul; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon full of; fill full, gorge, satiate, glut; consecrate; make full or complete; fulfill
every = πᾶς = pas Blue Letter Bible radically means "all." Used without the article it means "every," every kind or variety; any and every, of every kind, all manner of; in every way or particular; the whole; each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything; thoroughly, whatsoever; all manner of; the highest degree, the maximum; always; in everything, in every way, on every side, in every particular or relation; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon when used of a number, all; when of one only, the whole; all, the whole; every; all things as a unity, as a totality; all kinds of things; in all points, entirely, wholly; in every way, by all means, altogether
good = ἀγαθωσύνη = agathōsynē Blue Letter Bible uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness; virtue or beneficence; Jerome distinguishes between kindness and goodness in that the former describes the kindlier aspects of "goodness," the latter includes also the sterner qualities by which doing "good" to others is not necessarily by gentle means; a kindly activity on behalf of others;
purpose = εὐδοκία = eudokia Blue Letter Bible resolve; will, choice; willingness; good will, kindly intent, benevolence; delight, pleasure, satisfaction; a gracious purpose; desire; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon good will; contentment; object of desire
effort = ἔργον = ergon Blue Letter Bible work, employment, task; business, employment, that which any one is occupied; that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking; to work; toil (as an effort or occupation); any product whatever, anything accomplished by hand, art, industry, mind; a benefaction; what harmonizes with the order of society, a good deed, noble action; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon works of industry; tillage, tilled lands; occupations; deed, action; that which is wrought or made, work; result of work, profit or interest; business; hard work, difficult to do
faith = πίστις = pistis Blue Letter Bible firm persuasion, a conviction; trust; an assurance; trust and holy fervor; a strong and welcome conviction; belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence); the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things; a power that seizes upon the soul; fidelity, faithfulness; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon trust; persuasion of a thing, confidence, assurance; credit
name = ὄνομα = onoma Blue Letter Bible all that a "name" implies, of authority, character, rank, majesty, power, excellence, etc.; of everything that the "name" covers; the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.
glorified = ἐνδοξάζομαι = endoxazomai Blue Letter Bible to exhibit one's glory; adorn with glory
in = ἐν = en Blue Letter Bible in, by, with, among, under, at, near, by; in the presence of; within, in the course of; motion into something, entering into, mingling in; that which one either leads or brings with him, or with which he is furnished or equipped; the instrument or means by or with which anything is accomplished; aided by one, by the intervention or agency of someone, by (means of) one; the state or condition in which anything is done or anyone exists, acts, suffers; the form in which anything appears or is exhibited; the measure or standard; the things in (with) which one is busied; that in which other things are contained and upheld, as their cause and origin; that which gives opportunity; to exchange one thing for another; remaining, staying, continuing in some place, state, or condition; that in which any person or thing is inherently fixed, implanted, or with which it is intimately connected; of the whole in which a part inheres; of a person to whom another is wholly joined and to whose power and influence he is subject, so that the former may be likened to the place in which the latter lives and moves; ingrafted; in fellowship and union with; spiritual fellowship or union with; to be in the power of, be actuated by, inspired by; give self wholly to; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon in, within, surrounded by; in the number of, amongst; in the presence of; in one's hands, within one's reach or power; depends on, rests with; implying both motion to and subsequent position in a place; in the practice of
in accord with = κατά = kata Blue Letter Bible after the manner; in accordance with; down from; through out; according to; toward, along; by; after the manner of; through, throughout; with regard to, of; like as; as respects; with regard to; in reference to; according to anything as a standard, agreeably to; in proportion to, according to the measure of; through, on account of, from, owing to (in accordance with i. e. in consequence of, by virtue of; in (or after) the same (or this) manner; from, down from, from a higher to a lower place; in succession, in course; after, behind; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon denoting motion from above, down from; down upon or into; in respect of, concerning; distributively, of a whole divided into parts; fitness or conformity, in accordance with; in relation to, concerning; corresponding with, after the fashion of
grace = χάρις = charis Blue Letter Bible beneficial, beneficent; that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness; good will, loving-kindness, favour; liberality; kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved; favors even upon the ill-deserving; merciful kindness; aid or succor; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon kindness, goodwill, for or towards one; partiality, favour; boon; Richard Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament that property in a thing which causes it to give joy; the favour and grace and goodness of man to man, to setting forth the favour, grace and goodness of God to man, and thus, of necessity, of the worthy to the unworthy, of the holy to the sinful; it is conferred freely, with no expectation of return, and finding its only motive in the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver
Lord = κύριος = kyrios Blue Letter Bible variously translated in the NT, "'Lord,' 'master,' 'Master,' 'owner,' 'Sir;' one who has the disposal of anything; one to whom service is due on any ground; one who exercises power; he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; the sovereign, prince, chief; a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence; supreme in authority; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon supreme power, authority; one invested with authority
shaken = σαλεύω = saleuō Blue Letter Bible the action of stormy wind; to render insecure, stir up; a motion produced by winds, storms, waves, etc.; to agitate or shake to cause to totter; stir up ; to shake down, overthrow, to cast down from one's (secure and happy) state; to move, agitate the mind, to disturb one; agitate, rock, disturb, incite, cause to totter; shake thoroughly; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon cause to rock, make to vibrate or oscillate; to be shaken to and fro, waver, totter, reel; to be loosened; stir, move; move up and down, roll, toss, esp. of ships in a stormy sea or persons in them; to be unstable; oscillate; roll like a ship, roll in one's walk
alarmed = θροέω = throeō Blue Letter Bible to cry aloud, make a noise by outcry; to trouble, frighten; to be troubled in mind, to be frightened, alarmed; clamor, tumult; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon cry aloud; speak, say; tell out, utter aloud; scare, terrify; to be stirred, moved
***
Alleluia: John 3:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him … might have eternal life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
loved = ἀγαπάω = agapaō Blue Letter Bible to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly; to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing; to take pleasure in the thing, prize it above other things, be unwilling to abandon it or do without it; to welcome with desire, long for; to be full of good-will and exhibit the same; to have a preference for, wish well to, regard the welfare of; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon greet with affection, show affection for; persuade, entreat; to be fond of, prize, desire; to be well pleased, contented; Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words "Love can be known only from the actions it prompts *** this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects; It was an exercise of the [] will in deliberate choice, made without assignable cause”
world = κόσμος = kosmos Blue Letter Bible the world, or the universe, as that which is Divinely arranged; order, arrangement, ornament, adornment; the human race, mankind, the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human race; the present condition of human affairs; the sum of temporal possessions, the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc.; the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family; world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly; the majority of men in a place, the multitude or mass (as we say the public); Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon the natural order; order; good order, good behaviour, discipline; ornament, decoration; honour, credit; world-order, universe; earth, as opp. Heaven
give = δίδωμι = didōmi Blue Letter Bible bestow, the implied idea being that of giving freely; grant; offer; yield, produce; to supply, furnish, necessary things; to furnish, endue; to cause, profuse, give forth from one's self; minister; to give one to someone to care for his interests; give up for; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon give freely, to be ready to give, offer; provide well for
only = μονογενής = monogenēs Blue Letter Bible the term is one of endearment, as well as of singleness; single of its kind, only used of only sons or daughters (viewed in relation to their parents); Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon the only member of a kin or kind; only, single; unique; one and the same blood; having one form for all genders; grows only in one place; in a unique manner
son = υἱός = yhios Blue Letter Bible a descendant, one of the posterity of any one; one who depends on another or is his follower, equivalent to pupils; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon child; term of affection; inheritors of the nature of
everyone = πᾶς = pas Blue Letter Bible radically means "all," every kind or variety; any, all manner of; in every way or particular; the whole; each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything; thoroughly, whatsoever; all manner of; the highest degree, the maximum; always; in everything, in every way, on every side, in every particular or relation; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon when used of a number, all; when of one only, the whole; all, the whole; every; all things as a unity, as a totality; all kinds of things; in all points, entirely, wholly; in every way, by all means, altogether
believes = πιστεύω = pisteuō Blue Letter Bible to be persuaded of, and hence, to place confidence in, to trust, signifies, in this sense of the word, reliance upon, not mere credence; to entrust, commit to; to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in; the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul; credit; to have a faith directed unto, believing or in faith to give oneself up to; to commit oneself trustfully; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon trust, put faith in, rely on; comply; feel confident that a thing is
in = εἰς = eis Blue Letter Bible unto the end; continual; into, unto, to, towards, for, among; directed toward, or looks to; in reference to something; with respect to, in reference to; as regards; the end which a thing is adapted to attain; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon towards, in regard to
have = ἔχω = echo Blue Letter Bible able, having ability; to have, hold; own, possess; possession; ability; reign; to hold fast, keep; to have a thing in readiness, have at hand, have in store; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon possess; keep, have charge of; possess mentally, understand; hold; keep in a certain direction; hold in, stay, keep back; keep away from; hold in guard, keep safe; keep in a condition or place; have means or power; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon (alternate) bear, carry, bring
eternal = αἰώνιος = aiōnios Blue Letter Bible describes duration, either undefined but not endless or undefined because endless; without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be; without beginning; without end, never to cease, everlasting; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well); eternal, forever, everlasting; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon lasting for an age; perpetual, eternal; holding an office or title for life, perpetual
life = ζωή = zōē Blue Letter Bible the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate; of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical; life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon living, i.e. one's substance, property; way of life
Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:
Wisdom Principles—God Loves and Calls Us to Him, In Spite of our Sin
***
Gospel: Luke 19:1-10
At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone
I shall repay it four times over."
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
seeking = ζητέω = zeteo. Blue Letter Bible to seek after, endeavor; inquire for; require, demand; strive after, endeavor, to desire; metaphorically, to "seek" by thinking, to "seek" how to do something; strive after, desire; to seek (i. e. in order to find out) by thinking, meditating, reasoning; to inquire into; to seek in order to find; to crave, demand something from someone; aim at; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English LexiconInquire for; search after, search out; inquire into, investigate, examine; require, demand; desire; feel the want of
see = ὁράω = horaō Blue Letter Bible to see with the eyes; to see with the mind, to perceive, know; to take heed, beware; to care for, pay heed to; to attend to; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon take, pay, or give heed; behold, perceive, observe; look out for, provide
ran = προτρέχω = protrechō Blue letter Bible to run forward; outrun, outstrip, precede, run before; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon run forward or forth; run in advance of, outrun
ahead = ἔμπροσθεν = emprosthen Blue Letter Bible before, in front, in the sight, in the presence of a person; that local region which is in front of a person or thing; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon before, in front, in front of
climbed = ἀναβαίνω = anabainō Blue Letter Bible to go up, to ascend; climbing up; to come upon, to arrive in a place; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon go up, mount; embark; Georg Autenrieth, A Homeric Dictionary go up, ascend (to); goes abroad among’ men; embark
see—see above
came = ἔρχομαι = erchomai Blue Letter Bible denoting either "to come, or to go," signifies the act, in contrast with heko, which stresses the arrival; to come from one place to another; to come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence; to come to a thing; to go; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon start, set out; come or go; to go a journey; any kind of motion
looked up = ἀναβλέπω = anablepō Blue Letter Bible to look up; to recover (lost) sight; see; receive sight; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon look up, esp. as a mark of confidence; look up at; cast up a glance of fire; recover one's sight; open one's eyes; revive,
said = λέγω = legō Blue Letter Bible to say, to ask; commanding, or bidding; to call, to call by name; pronouncing, telling or relating; to gather, reckon, account; to tell; affirm over, maintain; to exhort, advise, to command, direct; to call by name, to call, name; to "lay" forth; to asseverate, affirm, aver, maintain; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon to say, speak; declare; to tell one to do; to speak to the point or purpose; to speak (emphatically)
come down = καταβαίνω = katabainō Blue Letter Bible To come down; to descend; fall, fell; to go down, come down, descend; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon go or come down from; condescend
quickly = σπεύδω = speudō Blue Letter Bible earnestly desiring; to haste, make haste; urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon get going, urge on, hasten; seek eagerly, strive after; promote or further zealously; press or urge on; exert oneself, strive eagerly or anxiously; to be anxious; show eagerness ; to be troubled in mind, harassed
today = σήμερον = sēmeron Blue Letter Bible this (very) day; day (or night current or just passed); today; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon to-day
stay = μένω = menō Blue Letter Bible continue; dwell; endure; stand; tarry; not to depart; to continue to be present; to remain as one, not to become another or different; to wait for, await one; to sojourn, tarry, to tarry as a guest, lodge; to maintain unbroken fellowship with one, adhere to his party; to be constantly present to help one; to put forth constant influence upon one; to dwell as it were within him, to be continually operative in him by his divine influence and energy; to be rooted as it were in him, knit to; to persevere; cleave, hold fast to; to be held, or kept, continually; not to perish, to last, to endure; be still in possession; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon stand fast; stay at home, stay where one is; lodge, tarry; to be lasting, remain, stand; fixed, stable, permanent; abide; await, expect
received = ὑποδέχομαι = hypodechomai Blue Letter Bible to receive under one's roof, receive as a guest, entertain hospitably; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon receive into one's house, welcome; entertain; host; take up, take on board; take up a burden, admit patiently, submit to; admit, allow; accept as a responsibility, take in charge; take over, receive as agent; undertake, promise; Georg Autenrieth, A Homeric Dictionary receive, esp. of friendly, hospitable welcome; receive silently, submit to, endure; undertake, promise
joy = χαίρω = chairō Blue Letter Bible be glad, conveys the thought of joy or cheer; to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon rejoice at, take pleasure in a thing, express one's joy by laughter, being glad, delight in doing, hail, welcome, joyful
grumble = διαγογγύζω = diagongyzō Blue Letter Bible to murmur; indignantly complaining; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon mutter or murmur among themselves
stay = κατάλυμα = katalyma Blue Letter Bible guest space; an inn, lodging-place; from καταλύω (put up for the night,[where] the straps and packs of the beasts of burden are unbound and taken off; or, more correctly from the fact that the travelers’ garments, tied up when he is on the journey, are unloosed); Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon lodging, billet, provision of quarters
Today—see above
salvation = σωτηρία = sōtēria Blue Letter Bible deliverance, preservation, salvation; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon deliverance, preservation; a way or means of safety; keeping safe, preservation; security, guarantee for safety
come = γίνομαι = ginomai Blue Letter Bible to become, to take place, is sometimes suitably translated arise; to become, to come into existence; to begin to be, come to pass, happen; to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage; to be made, finished; be fulfilled; happen; be performed; be wrought; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon come into being; take place, come to pass; to be under control of
house = οἶκος = oikos Blue Letter Bible family; the members of a household or family; stock, family, descendants of one; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon a reigning house; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon(alternate meaning) to be like, look like; considered like; to be analogous to; beseem, befit; seeming like, like
come—see “came” above
seek—see “seeking” above
save = σῴζω = sōzō Blue Letter Bible To heal, make whole; to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue; preserve; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon to save, keep; to save from death, keep alive, preserve; to keep safe; to keep in mind, remember; to carry off safe, rescue from danger
lost = ἀπόλλυμι = apollymi Blue Letter Bible to destroy, destroy utterly, kill; to perish; to put out of the way entirely, abolish, put an end to ruin; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively; to cause its emptiness to be perceived; to be blotted out, to vanish away; The idea is not extinction but ruin, loss, not of being, but of well-being; mar; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon destroy utterly, kill; demolish, lay waste; waste; ruin a woman; lose; perish
Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected or considered at:
Wisdom Principles—God Loves and Calls Us to Him, In Spite of our Sin
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What these readings tell us about God’s nature/our relationship to Him:
Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth.
you have mercy on all, because you can do all things
you overlook people's sins that they may repent.
how could a thing remain, unless you willed it;
you spare all things, because they are yours
LORD and lover of souls
your imperishable spirit is in all things!
you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you
my king and my God
my king and my God.
The LORD is gracious
merciful
slow to anger
of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
compassionate toward all his works
my king and my God
The LORD is faithful in all his words
holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
raises up all who are bowed down.
my king and my God
God may make you worthy of his calling
powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith
in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
loved the world
gave his only Son
everyone who believes in him might have eternal life
Jesus looked up
He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner
the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost
What these readings tell us to do:
repent
abandon[] wickedness
believe in [God]
praise your name for ever
extol you
bless your name forever and ever
Every day will I bless you
praise your name forever and ever
praise your name for ever
praise your name for ever
give you thanks
faithful ones bless you.
discourse of the glory of your kingdom
speak of your might
praise your name for ever
my king and my God
praise your name for ever
always pray
[be] worthy of his calling
the name of our Lord Jesus [] be glorified in you, and you in him
believe[] in him
seeking to see who Jesus was
ran ahead and climbed … in order to see Jesus
come down quickly
he came down quickly
received him with joy
What these readings tell us not to do:
be shaken out of your minds suddenly
grumble
