Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” | In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” |
Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. | Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. |
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The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. | The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall. |
We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though he is just and righteous, he does not destroy us. | The Almighty —we cannot find him; he is great in power and justice, and abundant righteousness he will not violate. |
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” | For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. |
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” | But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” |