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Matthew

Tells the story of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection, emphasizing fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and connecting Him as the Messiah.

Chapter 19

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1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

*Then, after Jesus finished speaking, he left Galilee and went to the areas near Judaea, on the other side of the Jordan River.

2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

*Many people followed him, and he healed them there.

3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

*The Pharisees approached him, trying to trick him, and asked if it's okay for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.

4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

*He replied, "Didn't you read that the one who created them initially made them as males and females?"

5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

*He said, "Because of this, a person will leave their parents and be joined with their partner. The two of them will become one body."

6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

*Because they are now one, not two. So, whatever God has joined together, people should not separate.

7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

*They ask him, "Why did Moses tell people to write a document for ending the marriage and to send her away?"

8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

*He tells them, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives due to your hard hearts; however, it wasn't like this from the start.

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

*I tell you that if someone leaves their spouse unless it's because of sexual misconduct, and then marries someone else, they commit adultery. And the person who marries the one who was left behind also commits adultery.

10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

*His followers ask him, "If a person's situation with their spouse is like this, then it's not a good idea to get married."

11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

*But Jesus told them, Not everyone can understand this idea; only those who are able will get it.

12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

*Some people are born without the ability to have children. Others become unable to have children because of other people. And some choose not to have children for the sake of God's kingdom. Anyone who can accept this should do so.

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

*Then, small kids were brought to him for him to touch them and pray. But the disciples told them to stop.

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

*But Jesus said, don't stop little kids, let them come to me; because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them.

15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

*He touched them and then left that place.

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

*And suddenly, someone asked him, Kind teacher, what should I do to live forever?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

*He asked, "Why do you call me good?" Only God is good. If you want to truly live, follow God's rules.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

*He asks, Which one? Jesus replies, Don't kill, don't cheat, don't steal, and don't lie.

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

*Respect your dad and mom, and love your neighbor just like you love yourself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

*The young man asks, "I've done all of this since I was young. What more do I need?"

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

*Jesus told him, "To be perfect, first give away your possessions to help the poor, then you'll have treasure in heaven. After that, come with me."

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

*But when the young man heard those words, he left feeling sad because he had many valuable things.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

*Then Jesus told his followers, "I promise you the truth: It is very hard for a wealthy person to go to heaven's kingdom."

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

*I repeat: it's harder for a camel to squeeze through a tiny hole than for a wealthy person to enter heaven.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

*When Jesus' followers heard this, they were extremely surprised and asked, "Who, then, can be saved?"

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

*But Jesus saw them and told them, "This is hard for people, but easy for God because God can do anything."

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

*Then Peter replied, "We left everything to follow you. So, what will we get as a result?"

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

*Jesus told them, "I truly say, those who follow me will one day sit on twelve thrones with me. We'll judge the twelve tribes of Israel together."

29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

*Whoever leaves home, family, or land for my sake will be rewarded a hundred times over and have eternal life.

30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

*However, those who are initially in front will end up behind, while those who start last will ultimately be in front.

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* work in progress, there will be mistakes

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