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: Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10
The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.
***
Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.
desert = מִדְבָּר = miḏbār Blue Letter Bible wilderness; uninhabited land, wilderness large tracts of wilderness; sterile, sandy country; fit for feeding flocks, pasture
parched land = צִיָּה = ṣîyâ Blue Letter Bible dryness, drought, desert; aridity; solitary place
exult = שׂוּשׂ = śûś Blue Letter Bible rejoice, exult, display joy; to be bright, i.e. cheerful:—be glad; make mirth
steppe = עֲרָבָה = ʿărāḇâ Blue Letter Bible wilderness; desert plain; arid steppe; an arid, sterile region; champaign
rejoice = גִּיל = giyl Blue Letter Bible exult, be glad, delight; be joyful; leap for joy, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion); leaping and palpitation of the heart
bloom = פָּרַח = pāraḥ Blue Letter Bible to bud, sprout, send out shoots, blossom; to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); abundantly; break out, burst forth; abroad, spring up; put forth/make buds, leaves, flowers
rejoice—see above
joyful = גִּילָה = gîlâ Blue Letter Bible exultation, shouting
song = רָנַן = ranan Blue Letter Bible to overcome; to cry out, shout for joy, give a ringing cry; triumph
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
splendor = הָדָר = hāḏār Blue Letter Bible ornament, splendour, honour; majesty; glory; beauty, comeliness, excellency; adorning
glory—see above
splendor—see above
strengthen = חָזַק = ḥāzaq Blue Letter Bible to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute; to make strong; to restore to strength, give strength; sustain, encourage; make bold; to repair; to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support; to hold, contain; to put forth strength, use one's strength; to withstand; to hold strongly with; to strengthen oneself; causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify; recovery from illness; courageous, confident;devote oneself to; to be urgent, pressing; to tie fast, bind
make firm = אָמֵץ = 'āmēṣ Blue Letter Bible to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard; to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure; to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to; to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong; fortify, harden, increase; strong in the feet, swift footed; restore
say = אָמַר = 'āmar Blue Letter Bible certify; declare; command, to promise, to intend; to avow, to avouch; bear forth, bring to light; to speak, utter; say in one's heart, think
heart= לֵב = lēḇ Blue Letter Bible inner man, mind, will, understanding; midst; soul; mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory; inclination, resolution, determination (of will); conscience; seat of appetites, emotions, passions, courage; feelings, the will and even the intellect; the centre of anything
be strong—see “strengthen” above
fear = יָרֵא = yārē' Blue Letter Bible to fear, revere, be afraid; to stand in awe of, be awed; reverence, honour, respect; tremble for joy
vindication = nāqām = nāqām Blue Letter Bible vengeance; revenge; avenged
recompense = גְּמוּל = gᵊmûl Blue Letter Bible dealing, recompense, benefit; treatment; that which he hath given; reward; work
Then = אָז = 'āz Blue Letter Bible then, at that time; temporal expressions: then (past); then, if, then (future); logical expressions: in that case, that (being so); after that; thereupon; with an accompanying logical force, implying the fulfilment of a condition: then = if or when this has been done; expressing logical sequence strictly; at that time or place; therefore; beginning; from; hitherto; now; of old; once; since; then; at which time; yet
eyes = עַיִן = ʿayin Blue Letter Bible eye; before my eyes; set one eyes on; spring, fountain
blind = עִוֵּר = ʿiûēr Blue Letter Bible blind (literally or figuratively); the helpless, groping; the dull, unreceptive; ignorant
opened = פָּקַח = pāqaḥ Blue Letter Bible to open (the eyes); to open (the senses, especially the eyes); to be observant; restore sight; to enable to see things otherwise hidden
cleared = פָּתַח = pathach Blue Letter Bible to be opened; be thrown open; be let loose,
to free, to loosen; ungird, unstop, have vent; speak, utter words; open one’s hand; begin; lead in; engrave, carve
sing—see “song” above
ransomed = פָּדָה = pāḏâ Blue Letter Bible to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver; to release, preserve; loose, set free; let go
return = שׁוּב = shuwb Blue Letter Bible to return, turn back; to restore, refresh, repair; to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish; to bring back to mind; to turn one’s self
singing = רִנָּה = rinnâ Blue Letter Bible ringing cry; in proclamation, joy, praise; cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph
everlasting = 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
joy = שִׂמְחָה = śimḥâ Blue Letter Bible mirth, gladness; gaiety, pleasure; glad result, happy issue; blithesomeness or glee; to be very joyful
Joy—see above
gladness = שָׂשׂוֹן = śāśôn Blue Letter Bible joy, exultation, rejoicing; cheerfulness; welcome; gladness, mirth
sorrow = יָגוֹן = yāḡôn Blue Letter Bible grief, sorrow, anguish; affliction
sighing = אֲנָחָה = 'ănāḥâ Blue Letter Bible sighing, groaning (expression of grief or physical distress); mourning
flee = נוּס = nûs Blue Letter Bible to flee; to take flight; depart, disappear; to fly; on horseback; to drive hastily; to cause to disappear
Other scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:
Wisdom Principles--Rely on God, not Material Power or Wealth
***
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and save us.
The LORD God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Lord, come and save us.
The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just; the LORD protects strangers.
R. Lord, come and save us.
The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations.
R. Lord, come and save us.
come = בּוֹא = bô' Blue Letter Bible to go in, enter, come, go, come in; to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring upon; carry; fetch; follow; entering into specific relations; walk, associate with
save = יָשַׁע = yāšaʿ Blue Letter Bible to be liberated, be saved, be delivered; to save from moral troubles; to give victory to; to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; to free or succor; defend, help, preserve, rescue
keeps = שָׁמַר = šāmar Blue Letter Bible to keep, guard, observe, give heed; retain, treasure up (in memory); preserve; attend to
faith = אֱמֶת = 'ĕmeṯ Blue Letter Bible firmness, faithfulness, truth; sureness, reliability; stability, continuance; certainty, truth, trustworthiness; perpetuity; fidelity
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
secures = עָשָׂה = ʿāśâ Blue Letter Bible to do, fashion, accomplish, make; work, make, produce; to deal (with); to act, act with effect, effect; attend to, put in order; to observe, celebrate; accomplish, advance; follow, fulfill; be industrious, labor; yield; produce by labor
justice = מִשְׁפָּט = mishpat Blue Letter Bible judgment, justice, ordinance; act of deciding a case; process, procedure, litigation (before judges); right, rectitude; proper, fitting; that which is just, lawful
oppressed = עָשַׁק = ʿāšaq Blue Letter Bible to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort, exploit, deceive
gives = נָתַן = nāṯan Blue Letter Bible to give, bestow, grant; consecrate, devote, dedicate; entrust, give over, deliver up; yield, produce; be (healed); pour; print; teach; to apply the heart to; to constitute, to make a thing like or similar to
food = לֶחֶם = leḥem Blue Letter Bible bread, food, grain; loaf, meat, victuals
hungry = רָעֵב = rāʿēḇ Blue Letter Bible hunger bitten, hungry, failing of strength, stricken with hunger
sets [] free = נָתַר = nāṯar Blue Letter Bible to loose, let loose, undo, be free, be loose; to unfasten, loosen; to set free, unbind; shake, spring up; shake off, untie; drive asunder, leap; undo; jump; tremble, palpitate
captives = אָסַר = 'āsar Blue Letter Bible to tie, bind, imprison; harness; to be imprisoned, bound; to be taken prisoner; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense; bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep; order; put in bonds
gives sight = פָּקַח = pāqaḥ Blue Letter Bible to open (the eyes); to open (the senses, especially the eyes); to be observant; restore sight; to enable to see things otherwise hidden
blind = עִוֵּר = ʿiûēr Blue Letter Bible blind (literally or figuratively); the helpless, groping; the dull, unreceptive; ignorant
raises = 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
loves = אָהַב = 'ahab Blue Letter Bible human love for another, includes family, and sexual; act of being a friend; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); to desire, breathe after; to delight; to be verdant, to germinate
just = צַדִּיק = ṣadîq Blue Letter Bible lawful, righteous; righteous (in government); righteous (in conduct and character); righteous (as justified and vindicated by God); honest, virtuous, pious
protects = שָׁמַר = šāmar Blue Letter Bible to keep, guard, observe, give heed; retain, treasure up (in memory); preserve; attend to
strangers = גָּר = gār Blue Letter Bible sojourner; a temporary inhabitant; a newcomer lacking rights; foreigners; alien; guest; a person living outside of his native country; temporary dweller, new-comer
fatherless = יָתוֹם = yāṯôm Blue Letter Bible an orphan, fatherless; helpless, exposed to injury
widow = אַלְמָנָה = 'almānâ Blue Letter Bible widow; desolate place; of those snatched away by pestilence or the sword; imprisoned concubines; helpless, exposed to oppression & harsh treatment
sustains = עוּד = ʿûḏ Blue Letter Bible to restore, relieve; to bear witness, testify, say again and again; to protest, affirm solemnly, warn, exhort or enjoin solemnly, admonish, charge; to return, repeat, go about, do again; to surround, go round and round; to encompass, restore; lift up
wicked = רָשָׁע = rāšāʿ Blue Letter Bible guilty one, one guilty of crime; hostile to God; against God or man; morally wrong; ungodly; unrighteous
thwarts = עָוַת = ʿāvaṯ Blue Letter Bible wrest; overthrow; to be bent, be crooked, bend, make crooked, pervert; subvert; turn upside down; to bend, make crooked; falsifying; overthrow
reign = מָלַךְ = mālaḵ Blue Letter Bible to be or become king or queen; to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; to be king; to counsel, advise
forever—see above
God = אֱלֹהִים = 'ĕlōhîm Blue Letter Bible rulers, judges; divine ones; god, goddess; godlike one; deities
generations = דּוֹר = dôr Blue Letter Bible period, age, generation (period of time); generation (those living during a period); generation (characterized by quality, condition, class of men); dwelling-place, habitation; a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; circuit of the years of life; forever and ever; including both past and future
Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:
Wisdom Principles--caring for the weak & vulnerable
Wisdom Principles--Don't Discriminate Against Foreigners
Wisdom Principles--God is a Refuge for Those Who Love Him
Wisdom Principles--We must strive for fair justice, to maintain the rule of law for all
Wisdom Principles--Rely on God, not Material Power or Wealth
***
Reading 2: James 5:7-10
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.
See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
patient = μακροθυμέω =makrothymeō Blue Letter Bible to be long-tempered; to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart; to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles; to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; to be mild and slow in avenging; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish; forbearing; patiently endure; suffereth long; bear up into; endure hardness; to bear with; that quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; the opposite of anger; is associated with mercy, and is used of God; does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency; is associated with hope; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon to be long-suffering; persevere; bear patiently; bear up!
coming = παρουσία = parousia Blue Letter Bible presence with; coming, arrival, advent; being near; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon presence; arrival, esp. visit of a royal or official personage; occasion; official visits; the Advent; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon (alternate definition)to be present
Lord = κύριος = kyrios Blue Letter Bible Lord, 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
farmer = γεωργός = geōrgos Blue Letter Bible from ge, "land, ground," and ergo(or erdo), "to do"; a land-worker, i.e. farmer; a husbandman; a tiller of the ground; a vine dresser; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon tilling the ground; fertilizing; husbandman; vine-dressers, gardeners, etc; the peasantry
waits = ἐκδέχομαι = ekdechomai Blue Letter Bible await, expect; to receive, accept; look for; to accept from some source, i.e. (by implication) to await; reaching out in readiness to receive something; look for; expect eagerly; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon take or receive from another; wait for, expect
precious = τίμιος = timios Blue Letter Bible of great price, precious, costly; held in honor, esteemed, very dear; valuable, honorable; held in honour, esteemed, especially dear; held as of great price; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon valued; worthy; valuable, prized; of high price, costly, dear; honour, honourable, more full of honour
fruit = καρπός = karpos Blue Letter Bible that which is produced by the inherent energy of a living organism; the visible expression of power working inwardly and invisibly; advantage, profit; sanctification; that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result; work, act, deed; utility; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon the fruits of the earth, corn, harvest, produce; taxes paid in kind; seed with seed-vessel; returns, profits; reward
patient—see above
firm = στηρίζω = stērizō Blue Letter Bible place firmly, set fast, fix; to strengthen, make firm; to render constant, confirm one's mind; to turn resolutely in a certain direction; establish, steadfastly set, strengthen; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon make fast, prop, fix; ground, establish for oneself; to be firmly set or fixed, stand fast; get a firm footing; light heavily on it; fix, settle, determine
coming—see above
Lord—see above
at hand = ἐγγίζω = engizō Blue Letter Bible approach; draw nigh, come near to; be at hand; to join one thing to another; to turn one's thoughts to God, to become acquainted with him
complain = στενάζω = stenazō Blue Letter Bible Sigh; murmur; pray inaudibly;work out with labor, be sore troubled; being grieved; be angry with; in straits; grudge; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon sigh deeply; bemoan, bewail
judged = κρίνω = krinō Blue Letter Bible to call in question; to distinguish, choose, give an opinion upon, judge, to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong; to rule, govern; to separate, choose; to go to law; to dispute, to contend together, of warriors and combatants; put asunder; to condemn, damn, sentence; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon separate, put asunder, distinguish; pick out, choose; decide disputes; adjudge; judge of, estimate; expound, interpret in a particular way; decide in favour of, prefer, choose; question, accuse, bring to trial; pass sentence upon, condemn
Judge = κριτής = kritēs Blue Letter Bible one who passes or arrogates to himself judgment on anything; an arbiter; the leaders or rulers of the Israelites; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon judge, umpire
standing = ἵστημι = histēmi Blue Letter Bible to stand, to make to stand; to set; appoint, establish; to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set; hold up; to set or place in a balance; to weigh; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon make to stand; set up; place; appoint; establish, institute; place in the balance, weigh
example = ὑπόδειγμα = hypodeigma Blue Letter Bible what is shown below or privately; a sign suggestive of anything, the delineation or representation of a thing; a figure, copy; an example for imitation; that which is shown; representation, figure, copy; an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively, specimen, adumbration); a sign suggestive of anything; pattern; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon sign, token, indication; illustration, picture showing how something is to be done; pattern; example, instance
suffering = κακοπάθεια = kakopatheia Blue Letter Bible the suffering of evil, i.e. trouble, distress, afflicted; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon distress, misery; strain, stress; present unmerited sufferings; laborious toil, perseverance
patience = μακροθυμία = makrothymia Blue Letter Bible forbearance, longsuffering; endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance; slowness in avenging wrongs; shown in bearing troubles and ills; R. Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament patience in respect of persons; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon long-suffering, patience; forbearance
prophets = προφήτης = prophētēs Blue Letter Bible one who speaks forth or openly; a proclaimer of a divine message; interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things; one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration; an inspired speaker; an interpreter or spokesman for God; one through whom God speaks; one who speaks forth by divine inspiration; a man filled with the Spirit of God, who by God's authority and command in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges the salvation of men; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon one who speaks for a god and interprets his will to man; interpreter, expounder of the will gods; minister and interpreter; expounder, declarer, proclaimer; possessor of oracular powers; harbinger; herald; revealer of God's will; inspired preacher and teacher; organ of special revelations from God; foreteller, prophet of future event
spoke = λαλέω = laleō Blue Letter Bible To say, utter, talk; to utter a voice or emit a sound; to utter articulate sounds; to use words in order to declare one's mind and disclose one's thoughts; preach; tell; promulgate; converse; commanding; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon talk, chat; speak
Lord—see above
Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:
Wisdom Principles--Rely on God, not Material Power or Wealth
Wisdom Principles--We Grow in Godliness Over Time, Gradually
Wisdom Principles--Restrain Your Speech
Wisdom Principles--Avoid Gossip & Slander
***
Alleluia: Isaiah 61:1 (cited in Luke 4:18)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
spirit = רוּחַ = rûaḥ Blue Letter Bible, mind, spirit; animation, vivacity, vigour; courage; that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation; unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse; courage; desire; seat or organ of mental acts; the rational mind; intellect; seat of moral character; energy and executive and administrative power; energy of life; wind, breath; breath of air in motion; vital principle; endowing men with various gifts; spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals); inspiring, impelling, imparting power; endowing men with various gifts; a mode of thinking or acting; a disposition; a word of command
upon = עַל = ʿal Blue Letter Bible upon; beside; in addition to; together with; with; beyond, over (of excess); above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence); around (of contiguity or proximity); down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion); state of resting on; wearing or clothed with; something superadded; covering, protecting; surpassing, going beyond; a cause of; unto or towards; burden; incumbent on; in the manner of, in accordance with; elevation or pre-eminence; together with
anointed = מָשַׁח = māšaḥ Blue Letter Bible to smear, anoint, spread a liquid; to consecrate, inaugurate; paint; stroke, draw the hand over; spread out, expand
bring glad tidings = בָּשַׂר = basar Blue Letter Bible to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, show forth; gladden with good news; receive good news; to be fresh, i.e. full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news); bear or receive glad tidings
poor = עָנָו = ʿānāv Blue Letter Bible poor, humble, afflicted, meek; lowly; miserable
***
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"
Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
heard = ἀκούω = akouō Blue Letter Bible harkin to; to attend to, consider what is or has been said; to understand, perceive the sense of what is said; to give ear to a teaching or a teacher; to comprehend; to perceive anyone's voice; to yield to, hear and obey; have regard to; to perceive the distinct words of a voice; to yield obedience to the voice; to perceive in the soul; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon hearken, give ear; listen to; obey; hear and understand
works = 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
sent = πέμπω = pempō Blue Letter Bible send; to bid a thing to be carried to one; to send (thrust or insert) a thing into another; to dispatch from the subjective view or point of departure; transmit; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon send; send to, against, for a purpose
blind = τυφλός = typhlos Blue Letter Bible blind; mentally blind; opaque (as if smoky); darkened by smoke; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon blind; lacking vision; blind to; dark, dim, obscure
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 35:5) = עִוֵּר = ʿiûēr Blue Letter Bible blind (literally or figuratively); the helpless, groping; the dull, unreceptive; ignorant
Regain sight = 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
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 35:5 = פָּקַח = pāqaḥ Blue Letter Bible to open (the eyes); to open (the senses, especially the eyes); to be observant; restore sight; to enable to see things otherwise hidden
lame = χωλός = chōlos Blue Letter Bible crippled, maimed; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon lame in the feet; halting, limping; defective
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 35:6) = פִּסֵּחַ = pissēaḥ Blue Letter Bible lame
walk = περιπατέω = peripateō Blue Letter Bible to make one's way, progress; “to walk,” is sometimes used of the state in which one is living, or of that to which a person is given; to regulate one's life; to conduct one's self; to pass one's life; deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary); go, be occupied with; to make a due use of opportunities; to frequent, stay in; the garment one is clothed in; to associate with one, to be one's companion, used of one's followers and votaries; the standard according to which one governs his life; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon walk up and down, as in a cloister; traverse; walk about while teaching, discourse
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 35:6) = דָּלַג = dālaḡ Blue Letter Bible leap, leap over; spring
cleansed = καθαρίζω = katharizō Blue Letter Bible to make clean; purging; make free from admixture; to free from defilement of sin and from faults; to consecrate, dedicate; purify; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon prune away; clear ground of weeds
deaf = κωφός = kōphos Blue Letter Bible blunted or dulled; blunted in tongue, dumb, in hearing, deaf; blunted (or lamed) in tongue, dumb; deaf, dumb, speechless; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon blunt, dull, obtuse; mute, noiseless; deaf and dumb; vacant, lack-lustre; senseless, unmeaning, obscure; less acutely
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 35:6) = אִלֵּם = 'illēm Blue Letter Bible mute, silent, dumb, unable to speak, speechless
hear = ἀκούω = akouō Blue Letter Bible harkin to; to attend to, consider what is or has been said; to understand, perceive the sense of what is said; to give ear to a teaching or a teacher; to comprehend; to perceive anyone's voice; to yield to, hear and obey; have regard to; to perceive the distinct words of a voice; to yield obedience to the voice; to perceive in the soul; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon hearken, give ear; listen to; obey; hear and understand
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 35:6) = רָנַן = ranan Blue Letter Bible to overcome; to cry out, shout for joy, give a ringing cry; triumph
dead = νεκρός = nekros Blue Letter Bible one that has breathed his last, lifeless; deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell; destitute of life, without life, inanimate; destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative
raised = ἐγείρω = egeirō Blue Letter Bible to arouse, cause to rise; to awake; to raise up, produce, cause to appear; bring before the public; rouse from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; raise up one “down” with disease, lying sick; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon awaken, rouse, stir up; prick up; keep awake
poor = πτωχός = ptōchos Blue Letter Bible one who crouches and cowers; reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms; destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour; lowly, afflicted, destitute; helpless, powerless to accomplish an end; destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture; absolute or public mendicancy; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon Beggarly
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 61:1) = עָנָו = ʿānāv Blue Letter Bible poor, humble, afflicted, meek; lowly; miserable
Good news proclaimed = εὐαγγελίζω = euangelizō Blue Letter Bible to bring, declare, preach, or show good or glad tidings; to bring good news
AND
(Hebrew from Isaiah 61:1)= בָּשַׂר = basar Blue Letter Bible to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, show forth; gladden with good news; receive good news; to be fresh, i.e. full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news); bear or receive glad tidings
Blessed = μακάριος = makarios Blue Letter Bible the highest good; happy;supremely blest; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon blessed, happy; bliss
take offense = σκανδαλίζω = skandalizō Blue Letter Bible Offend; stumble; a stumbling block or impediment in the way; to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey; to cause to fall away; to be offended in one, i.e. to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority; to cause one to judge unfavorably or unjustly of another; to cause one displeasure at a thing; to make indignant; to be displeased, indignant; entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon cause to stumble, give offence or scandal
go out = ἐξέρχομαι = exerchomai Blue Letter Bible to come forth from physically; to go out of an assembly, i.e. forsake it; to go or come forth of; depart; escape; get out; leave a place of their own accord; expelled or cast out; of those who come forth, or are let go, from confinement in which they have been kept; to go forth from one's power, escape from it in safety; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon go or come out of; withdraw from
see = θεάομαι = theaomai Blue Letter Bible to behold, view attentively, contemplate; wondering regard; careful contemplation; view attentively, to see with admiration, desire, or regard; behold, look upon, view attentively, contemplate; learn by looking, to see with the eyes, to perceive; look closely at; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon gaze at, behold, mostly with a sense of wonder; reconnoiter; contemplate; see clearly; view as spectators, esp. in the theatre, but also, onlookers, bystanders
go out—see above
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
go out—see above
see—see above
prophet = προφήτης = prophētēs Blue Letter Bible one who speaks forth or openly; a proclaimer of a divine message; interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things; one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration; an inspired speaker; an interpreter or spokesman for God; one through whom God speaks; one who speaks forth by divine inspiration; a man filled with the Spirit of God, who by God's authority and command in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges the salvation of men; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon one who speaks for a god and interprets his will to man; interpreter, expounder of the will gods; minister and interpreter; expounder, declarer, proclaimer; possessor of oracular powers; harbinger; herald; revealer of God's will; inspired preacher and teacher; organ of special revelations from God; foreteller, prophet of future event
more than = περισσός = perissos Blue Letter Bible exceedingly; over and above, more than is necessary, superadded; supremely; superior, extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon; pre-eminence, superiority, advantage, more eminent, more remarkable, more excellent; beyond measure, more, superfluous; superior and advantageous; exceedingly; superabundantly; exceeding highly; more than sufficient, over and above, abundant; preeminence; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon beyond the regular number or size, prodigious; out of the common, extraordinary, strange; with signal knowledge; striking; extraordinary, remarkable; beyond others; more than sufficient, superfluous; extraordinarily, exceedingly; abundantly
prophet—see above
written = γράφω = graphō Blue Letter Bible to write, with reference to the form of the letters; to express in written characters; to write, with reference to the contents of the writing; to "grave", especially to write; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon scratch, graze; marked or drawn signs; represent by lines, draw, paint; express by written characters, write; inscribe; write for oneself or for one's own use, note down
Behold = ἰδού = idou = ē-dü' Blue Letter Bible to see; calling attention to what may be seen or heard; bidding the reader or hearer to attend to what is said; observe or consider; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon lo, behold, see here; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, An Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon(alternate definition) to see, perceive, behold; to look at; to see mentally
AND
(Hebrew from Malachi 3:1) = הִנֵּה = hinnê Blue Letter Bible behold, lo, see; pointing to; points generally to some truth either newly asserted, or newly recognized; serves to introduce a solemn or important declaration
sending = ἀποστέλλω = apostellō Blue Letter Bible to order (one) to go to a place appointed; to send away; to send forth; set apart; to send out (properly, on a mission); sent with commissions, or things intended for someone
AND
(Hebrew from Malachi 3:1) = שָׁלַח = šālaḥ Blue Letter Bible stretch out; extend, direct; to shoot forth (of branches); reach forth; sow, spread, stretch forth; to send, send away; to let loose; to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out or away; to let go, set free; to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled; forsake, give (up); eave, let depart; drive cattle to pasture
messenger = ἄγγελος = angelos Blue Letter Bible a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God; one of that host of heavenly spirits that, according alike to Jewish and Christian opinion, wait upon the monarch of the universe, and are sent by him to earth, now to execute his purposes; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon messenger, envoy; one that announces or tells; semi-divine being
AND
(Hebrew from Malachi 3:1) = מַלְאָךְ = mal'āḵ Blue Letter Bible messenger, representative; one sent
prepare = κατασκευάζω = kataskeuazō Blue Letter Bible to prepare, establish, furnish; build; make ready; furnish, equip; construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning and equipping with all things necessary; prepare thoroughly by external equipment; ordain; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon equip, furnish fully; construct, build; prepare, arrange, establish; train, make ready for
AND
(Hebrew from Malachi 3:1) = פָּנָה = pānâ Blue Letter Bible to turn toward or from or away; to turn and do; to approach; make clear, clear away; to face; turn and look; regard; look for; turn away, put out of the way, make clear, clear away things scattered about, make orderly; to turn oneself; to direct one’s course, to intend, to propose to oneself
way = ὁδός = hodos Blue Letter Bible way, path, road; highway; used of a traveler's way; journey; a course of conduct; a way (i.e. manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding; the way in which one walks; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon way, road; course, channel of a river; way or manner; course; method, system
AND
(Hebrew from Malachi 3:1) = דֶּרֶךְ = dereḵ Blue Letter Bible way, road, distance, journey, manner; path; mode; manner, habit, way; course of life; mode of action
greater = μέγας = megas Blue Letter Bible high, mighty; eminent for ability, virtue, authority, power; things esteemed highly for their importance: of great moment, of great weight, importance; things to be esteemed highly for their importance; a thing to be highly esteemed for its excellence: excellent; splendid, prepared on a grand scale, stately; God's preeminent blessings; strong; large; used of intensity and its degrees; distinguished; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon mighty; strong; of great importance; impressive; big; full grown; vast, high; very much, exceedingly
least = μικρός = mikros Blue Letter Bible small, little; less; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon petty, trivial, slight; small, lesser importance
kingdom = βασιλεία = basileia Blue Letter Bible sovereignty, royal power, dominion; denoting the ... people over whom a king rules; the right or authority to rule; reign; royal power and dignity; the rule of God; God's rule, the divine administration; the universe subject to God's sway, God's royal domain; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon dominion; being ruled by a king; reign
heaven = οὐρανός = ouranos Blue Letter Bible the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it; the universe, the world; the aerial heavens or sky, the region where the clouds and the tempests gather, and where thunder and lightning are produced; the sidereal or starry heavens; the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings; Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon vault or firmament of heaven; sky; heaven, as the seat of the gods, outside or above this skyey vault
greater—see above
Scriptures addressing similar principles are collected at:
Wisdom Principles--God’s Ways Give Security
Wisdom Principles--Rely on God, not Material Power or Wealth
Fear does not equal Failure and Doubt does not equal Disqualification
***
What these readings tell us about God’s nature/our relationship with Him:
The desert and the parched land will exult
the steppe will rejoice and bloom.
They will bloom with abundant flowers
rejoice with joyful song.
they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
the ears of the deaf be cleared
then will the lame leap like a stag
then the tongue of the mute will sing.
Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing
crowned with everlasting joy
they will meet with joy and gladness
sorrow and mourning will flee
God keeps faith forever
secures justice for the oppressed
gives food to the hungry
sets captives free
gives sight to the blind
raises up those who were bowed down.
loves the just
The fatherless and the widow he sustains
the way of the wicked he thwarts
The LORD shall reign forever
through all generations
Lord, come and save us
the coming of the Lord.
the coming of the Lord is at hand.
you may not be judged
Do not complain… about one another, that you may not be judged.
the Judge is standing before the gates.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor
the blind regain their sight
the lame walk
lepers are cleansed
the deaf hear
the dead are raised
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them
blessed is the one who takes no offense at me
I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
What these readings tell us to do:
Strengthen the hands that are feeble
make firm the knees that are weak
say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.
secure[] justice
give[] food to the hungry.
set[] captives free
give[] sight to the blind
raise[] up those who were bowed down.
[be] just
The fatherless and the widow [] sustain
ask “Lord, come and save us”
Be patient
Wait[] for the precious fruit
Be[] patient be patient
Make your hearts firm
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord
bring glad tidings to the poor
heard … the works of the Christ
sent … to Jesus with [a] question
takes no offense at me
go out to the desert to see
go out to see
What these readings tell us to not to do:
[be] wicked
Complain … about one another
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