不认识圣经，就是不认识基督，不认识基督，就是不认识基督所建立的天主教会。
旧约·创世纪
共50章:
前编太古史
第一章
天地万物的创造
1:1 在起初天主创造了天地。
1:2
大地还是混沌空虚，深渊上还是一团黑暗，天主的神在水面上运行。
1:3
天主说：「有光!」就有了光。
1:4
天主见光好，就将光与黑暗分开。
1:5
天主称光为「昼，」称黑暗为「夜。」过了晚上，过了早晨，这是第一天。
1:6 天主说：「在水与水之间要有穹苍，将水分开!」事就这样成了。
1:7 天主造了穹苍，分开了穹苍以下的水和穹苍以上的水。
1:8 天主称穹苍为「天，」天主看了认为好。过了晚上，过了早晨，这是第二天。
1:9 天主说：「天下的水应聚在一处，使旱地出现!」事就这样成了。
1:10 天主称旱地为「陆地，」称水汇合处为「海洋。」天主看了认为好。
1:11 天主说：「地上要生出青草，结种子的蔬菜，和各种结果子的树木，在地上的果子内都含有种子!」事就这样成了。
1:12 地上就生出了青草，各种结种子的蔬菜，和各种结果子的树木，果子内都含有种子。天主看了认为好。
1:13 过了晚上，过了早晨，这是第三天。
1:14 天主说：「在天空中要有光体，以分别昼夜，作为规定时节和年月日的记号。
1:15 要在天空中放光，照耀大地!」事就这样成了。
1:16 天主于是造了两个大光体：较大的控制白天，较小的控制黑夜，并造了星宿。
1:17 天主将星宿摆列在天空，照耀大地，
1:18 控制昼夜，分别明与暗。天主看了认为好。
1:19 过了晚上，过了早晨，这是第四天。
1:20 天主说：「水中要繁生蠕动的生物，地面上、天空中要有鸟飞翔!」事就这样成了。
1:21 天主于是造了大鱼和水中各种孳生的蠕动生物以及各种飞鸟。天主看了认为好。
1:22 遂降福它们说：「你们要孳生繁殖，充满海洋；飞鸟也要在地上繁殖!」
1:23 过了晚上，过了早晨，这是第五天。
1:24 天主说：「地上要生出各种生物，即各种牲畜、爬虫和野兽!」事就这样成了。
1:25 天主于是造了各种野兽、各种牲畜和地上所有的各种爬虫。天主看了认为好。
1:26 天主说：「让我们照我们的肖像，按我们的模样造人，叫他管理海中的鱼、天空的飞鸟、牲畜、各种野兽、在地上爬行的各种爬虫。」
1:27 天主于是照自己的肖像造了人，就是照天主的肖像造了人：造了一男一女。
1:28 天主降福他们说：「你们要生育繁殖，充满大地，治理大地，管理海中的鱼、天空的飞鸟、各种在地上爬行的生物!」
1:29 天主又说：「看，全地面上结种子的各种蔬菜，在果内含有种子的各种果树，我都给你们作食物；
1:30 至于地上的各种野兽，天空中的各种飞鸟，在地上爬行有生魂的各种动物，我把一切青草给它们作食物。」事就这样成了。
1:31 天主看了他所造的一切，认为样样都很好。过了晚上，过了早晨，这是第六天。
第二章(25)
安息日
2:1 这样，天地和天地间的一切点缀都完成了。
2:2 到第七天天主造物的工程已完成，就在第七天休息，停止了所作的一切工程。
2:3 天主降福了第七天，定为圣日，因为这一天，天主停止了他所行的一切创造工作：
2:4 这是创造天地的来历。
人与乐园
在上主天主创造天地时，
2:5 地上还没有灌木，田间也没有生出蔬菜，因为上主天主还没有使雨降在地上，也没有人耕种土地，
2:6 有从地下涌出的水浸润所有地面。
2:7 上主天主用地上的灰土形成了人，在他鼻孔内吹了一口生气，人就成了一个有灵的生物。
2:8 上主天主在伊甸东部种植了一个乐园，就将他形成的人安置在里面。
2:9 上主天主使地面生出各种好看好吃的果树；生命树和知善恶树在乐园中央。
2:10 有一条河由伊甸流出灌溉乐园，由那里分为四支：
2:11 第一支名叫丕雄，环流产金的哈威拉全境；
2:12 那地方的金子很好，那里还产真珠和玛瑙；
2:13 第二支河名叫基红，环流雇士全境；
2:14 第三支河名叫底格里斯，流入亚述东部；第四支河即幼发拉的。
2:15 上主天主将人安置在伊甸的乐园内，叫他耕种，看守乐园。
2:16 上主天主给人下令说：「乐园中各树上的果子，你都可吃，
2:17 只有知善恶树上的果子你不可吃，因为那一天你吃了，必定要死。」
造女人立婚姻
2:18 上主天主说：「人单独不好，我要给他造个与他相称的助手。」
2:19 上主天主用尘土造了各种野兽和天空中的各种飞鸟，都引到人面前，看他怎样起名；凡人给生物起的名字，就成了那生物的名字。
2:20 人遂给各种畜牲、天空中的各种飞鸟和各种野兽起了名字；但他没有找着一个与自己相称的助手。
2:21 上主天主遂使人熟睡，当他睡着了，就取出了他的一根肋骨，再用肉补满原处。
2:22 然后上主天主用那由人取来的肋骨，形成了一个女人，引她到人前，
2:23 人遂说：「这才真是我的亲骨肉，她应称为「女人，」因为是由男人取出的。」
2:24 为此人应离开自己的父母，依附自己的妻子，二人成为一体。
2:25 当时，男女二人都赤身露体，并不害羞。
第三章(24)
原祖违命
3:1 在上主天主所造的一切野兽中，蛇是最狡猾的。蛇对女人说：「天主真说了，你们不可吃乐园中任何树上的果子吗？」
3:2 女人对蛇说：「乐园中树上的果子，我们都可吃；
3:3 只有乐园中央那棵树上的果子，天主说过，你们不可以吃，也不可摸，免得死亡。」
3:4 蛇对女人说：「你们决不会死!
3:5 因为天主知道，你们那天吃了这果子，你们的眼就会开了，将如同天主一样知道善恶。」
3:6 女人看那棵果树实在好吃好看，令人羡慕，且能增加智慧，遂摘下一个果子吃了，又给了她的男人一个，他也吃了。
3:7 于是二人的眼立即开了，发觉自己赤身露体，遂用无花果树叶，编了个裙子围身。
3:8 当亚当和他的妻子听见了上主天主趁晚凉在乐园中散步的声音，就躲藏在乐园的树林中，怕见上主天主的面。
3:9 上主天主呼唤亚当对他说：「你在那里？」
3:10 他答说：「我在乐园中听到了你的声音，就害怕起来，因为我赤身露体，遂躲藏了。」
3:11 天主说：「谁告诉了你，赤身露体？莫非你吃了我禁止你吃的果子？」
3:12 亚当说：「是你给作伴的那个女人给了我那树上的果子，我才吃了。」
3:13 上主天主遂对女人说：「你为什么作了这事？」女人答说：「是蛇哄骗了我，我才吃了。」
处罚与预许
3:14 上主天主对蛇说：「因你做了这事，你在一切畜牲和野兽中，是可咒骂的；你要用肚子爬行，毕生日日吃土。
3:15 我要把仇恨放在你和女人，你的后裔和她的后裔之间，她的后裔要踏碎你的头颅，你要伤害他的脚跟。」
3:16 后对女人说：「我要增加你怀孕的苦楚，在痛苦中生子；你要依恋你的丈夫，也要受他的管辖。」
3:17 后对亚当说：「因为你听了你妻子的话，吃了我禁止你吃的果子，为了你的缘故，地成了可咒骂的；你一生日日劳苦才能得到吃食。
3:18 地要给你生出荆棘和蒺藜 ，你要吃田间的蔬菜；
3:19 你必须汗流满面，才有饭吃，直到你归于土，因为你是由土来的；你既是灰土，你还要归于灰土。」
被逐出乐园
3:20 亚当给自己的妻子起名叫厄娃，因为她是众生的母亲。
3:21 上主天主为亚当和他的妻子做了件皮衣，给他们穿上；
3:22 然后上主天主说：「看，人已相似我们中的一个，知道了善恶；如今不要让他伸手再摘取生命树上的果子，吃了活到永远。」
3:23 上主天主遂把他赶出伊甸乐园，叫他耕种他所由出的土地。
3:24 天主将亚当逐出了以后，就在伊甸乐园的东面，派了「革鲁宾」和刀光四射的火剑，防守到生命树去的路。
第四章(26)
杀弟之罪
4:1 亚当认识了自己的妻子厄娃，厄娃怀了孕，生了加音说：「我赖上主获得了一个人。」
4:2 以后她生了加音的弟弟亚伯尔；亚伯尔牧羊，加音耕田。
4:3 有一天，加音把田地的出产作祭品献给天主；
4:4 同时亚伯尔献上自己羊群中最肥美而又是首生的羊；上主惠顾了亚伯尔和他的祭品，
4:5 却没有惠顾加音和他的祭品；因此加音大怒，垂头丧气。
4:6 上主对加音说：「你为什么发怒？为什么垂头丧气？
4:7 你若做得好，岂不也可仰起头来？你若做得不好，罪恶就伏在你门前，企图对付你，但你应制服它。」
4:8 事后加音对他弟弟亚伯尔说：「我们到田间去!」当他们在田间的时候，加音就袭击了弟弟亚伯尔，将他杀死。
4:9 上主对加音说：「你弟弟亚伯尔在那里？」他答说：「我不知道，难道我是看守我弟弟的人？」
4:10 上主说：「你作了什么事？听!你弟弟的血由地上向我喊冤。
4:11 你现在是地上所咒骂的人，地张开口由你手中接收了你弟弟的血，
4:12 从此你即使耕种，地也不会给你出产；你在地上要成个流离失所的人。」
4:13 加音对上主说：「我的罪罚太重，无法承担。
4:14 看你今天将我由这地面上驱逐，我该躲避你的面，在地上成了个流离失所的人；那麽凡遇见我的，必要杀我。」
4:15 上主对他说：「决不这样，凡杀加音的人，一定要受七倍的罚。」上主遂给加音一个记号，以免遇见他的人击杀他。
4:16 加音就离开上主的面，住在伊甸东方的诺得地方。
加音的后代
4:17 加音认识了自己的妻子，她怀了孕，生了哈诺客。加音建筑了一座城，即以他儿子的名字，给这城起名叫「哈诺客。」
4:18 哈诺客生了依辣得；依辣得生了默胡雅耳；默胡雅耳生了默突沙耳；默突沙耳生了拉默客。
4:19 拉默客娶了两个妻子：一个名叫阿达，一个名叫漆拉。
4:20 阿达生了雅巴耳，他是住在帐幕内畜牧者的始祖。
4:21 他的弟弟名叫犹巴耳，他是所有弹琴吹箫者的始祖。
4:22 同时漆拉也生了突巴耳加音，他是制造各种铜铁器具的匠人。突巴耳加音有个姊妹名叫纳阿玛。
4:23 拉默客对自己的妻子说：「阿达和漆拉倾听我的声音，拉默客的妻子，静聆我的言语：因我受伤，杀了一成年；因我受损，杀了一青年；
4:24 杀加音的受罚是七倍，杀拉默客的是七十七倍。」
舍特的子孙
4:25 亚当又认识了自己的妻子，她生了个儿子，给他起名叫舍特说：「天主又赐给了我一个儿子，代替加音杀了的亚伯尔。」
4:26 舍特也生了一个儿子，给他起名叫厄诺士。那时人才开始呼求上主的名。
第五章(32)
洪水前亚当的后代
5:1 以下是亚当后裔的族谱：当天主造人的时候，是按天主的肖像造的，
5:2 造了一男一女，且在造他们的那一天，降福了他们，称他们为「人。」
5:3 亚当一百三十岁时，生了一个儿子，也像自己的模样和肖像，给他起名叫舍特。
5:4 亚当生舍特后，还活了八百年，生了其他的儿女。
5:5 亚当共活了九百三十岁死了。
5:6 舍特一百零五岁时，生了厄诺士。
5:7 舍特生厄诺士后，还活了八百零七年，生了其他的儿女。
5:8 舍特共活了九百一十二岁死了。
5:9 厄诺士九十岁时生了刻南。
5:10 厄诺士生刻南后，还活了八百一十五年，生了其他的儿女。
5:11 厄诺士共活了九百零五岁死了。
5:12 刻南七十岁时，生了玛拉肋耳。
5:13 刻南生玛拉肋耳后，还活了八百四十年，生了其他的儿女。
5:14 刻南共活了九百一十岁死了。
5:15 玛拉肋耳六十五岁时，生了耶勒得。
5:16 玛拉肋耳生耶勒得后，还活了八百三十年，生了其他的儿女。
5:17 玛拉肋耳共活了八百九十五岁死了。
5:18 耶勒得一百六十二岁时，生了哈诺客。
5:19 耶勒得生哈诺客后，还活了八百年，生了其他的儿女。
5:20 耶勒得共活了九百六十二岁死了。
5:21 哈诺客六十五岁时，生了默突舍拉。哈诺客常与天主往来。
5:22 哈诺客生默突舍拉后，还活了三百年，生了其他的儿女。
5:23 哈诺客共活了三百六十五岁。
5:24 哈诺客时与天主往来，然后就不见了，因为天主将他提去。
5:25 默突舍拉一百八十七岁时，生了拉默客。
5:26 默突舍拉生了拉默客后，还活了七百八十二年，生了其他的儿女。
5:27 默突舍拉共活了九百六十九岁死了。
5:28 拉默客一百八十二岁时，生了一个儿子，
5:29 给他起名叫诺厄说：「这孩子要使我们在上主诅咒的地上，在我们做的工作和劳苦上，获得欣慰!」
5:30 拉默客生诺厄后，还活了五百九十五年，生了其他的儿女。
5:31 拉默客共活了七百七十七岁死了。
5:32 诺厄五百岁时，生了闪、含、和耶斐特。
第六章(22)
人类的败坏
6:1 当人在地上开始繁殖，生养女儿时，
6:2 天主的儿子见人的女儿美丽，就随意选取，作为妻子。
6:3 上主于是说：「因为人既属于血肉，我的神不能常在他内；他的寿数只可到一百二十岁。」
6:4 当天主的儿子与人的儿女结合生子时，在地上已有一些巨人，(以后也有，)他们就是古代的英雄，着名的人物。
上主决意消灭世界
6:5 上主见人在地上的罪恶重大，人心天天所思念的无非是邪恶；
6:6 上主遂后悔在地上造了人，心中很是悲痛。
6:7 上主于是说：「我要将我所造的人，连人带野兽、爬虫和天空的飞鸟，都由地面上消灭，因为我后悔造了他们。」
6:8 惟有诺厄在上主眼中蒙受恩爱。
诺厄建造方舟
6:9 以下是诺厄的小史：诺厄是他同时代惟一正义齐全的人，常同天主往来。
6:10 他生了三个儿子：就是闪、含、和耶斐特。
6:11 大地已在天主面前败坏，到处充满了强暴。
6:12 天主见大地已败坏，因为凡有血肉的人，品行在地上全败坏了，
6:13 天主遂对诺厄说：「我已决定要结果一切有血肉的人，因为他们使大地充满了强暴，我要将他们由大地上消灭。
6:14 你要用柏木造一只方舟，舟内建造一些舱房，内外都涂上沥青。
6:15 你要这样建造：方舟要有三百肘长，五十肘宽，三十肘高。
6:16 方舟上层四面做上窗户，高一肘，门要安在侧面；方舟要分为上中下三层。
6:17 看我要使洪水在地上泛滥，消灭天下一切有生气的血肉；凡地上所有的都要灭亡。
6:18 但我要与你立约，你以及你的儿子、妻子和儿媳，要与你一同进入方舟。
6:19 你要由一切有血肉的生物中，各带一对，即一公一母，进入方舟，与你一同生活；
6:20 各种飞鸟、各种牲畜、地上所有的各种爬虫，皆取一对同你进去，得以保存生命。
6:21 此外，你还应带上各种吃用的食物，贮存起来，作你和他们的食物。」
6:22 诺厄全照办了；天主怎样吩咐了他，他就怎样做了。
第七章(24)
洪水灭世
7:1 上主对诺厄说：「你和你全家进入方舟，因为在这一世代，我看只有你在我面前正义。
7:2 由一切洁净牲畜中，各取公母七对；由那些不洁净的牲畜中，各取公母一对；
7:3 由天空的飞鸟中，也各取公母七对；好在全地面上传种。
7:4 因为还有七天，我要在地上降雨四十天四十夜，消灭我在地面上所造的一切生物。」
7:5 诺厄全照上主吩咐他的做了。
7:6 当洪水在地上泛滥时，诺厄已六百岁。
7:7 诺厄和他的儿子，他的妻子和他的儿媳，同他进了方舟，为躲避洪水。
7:8 洁净的牲畜和不洁净的牲畜，飞鸟和各种在地上爬行的动物，
7:9 一对一对地同诺厄进了方舟；都是一公一母，照天主对他所吩咐的。
7:10 七天一过，洪水就在地上泛滥。
7:11 诺厄六百岁那一年，二月十七日那天，所有深渊的泉水都冒出，天上的水闸都开放了；
7:12 大雨在地上下了四十天四十夜。
7:13 正在这一天，诺厄和他的儿子闪、含、耶斐特，他的妻子和他的三个儿媳，一同进了方舟。
7:14 他们八口和所有的野兽、各种牲畜、各种在地上爬行的爬虫、各种飞禽，
7:15 一切有生气有血肉的，都一对一对地同诺厄进了方舟。
7:16 凡有血肉的，都是一公一母地进了方舟，如天主对诺厄所吩咐的。随后上主关了门。
7:17 洪水在地上泛滥了四十天；水不断增涨，浮起了方舟，方舟遂由地面上升起。
7:18 洪水汹涌，在地上猛涨，方舟漂浮在水面上。
7:19 洪水在地上一再猛涨，天下所有的高山也都没了顶；
7:20 洪水高出淹没的群山十有五肘。
7:21 凡地上行动而有血肉的生物：飞禽、牲畜、野兽，在地上爬行的爬虫，以及所有的人全灭亡了；
7:22 凡在旱地上以鼻呼吸的生灵都死了。
7:23 这样，天主消灭了在地面上的一切生物，由人以至于牲畜、爬虫以及天空中的飞鸟，这一切都由地上消灭了，只剩下诺厄和同他在方舟内的人物。
7:24 洪水在地上泛滥了一百五十天。
第八章(22)
洪水退落
8:1 天主想起了诺厄和同他在方舟内的一切野兽和牲畜，遂使风吹过大地，水渐渐退落；
8:2 深渊的泉源和天上的水闸已关闭，雨也由天上停止降落，
8:3 于是水逐渐由地上退去；过了一百五十天，水就低落了。
8:4 七月十七日，方舟停在阿辣辣特山上。
8:5 洪水继续减退，直到十月；十月一日，许多山顶都露出来。
8:6 过了四十天，诺厄开了在方舟上做的窗户，
8:7 放了一只乌鸦；乌鸦飞去又飞回，直到地上的水都干了。
8:8 诺厄等待了七天，又放出了一只鸽子，看看水是否已由地面退尽。
8:9 但是，因为全地面上还有水，鸽子找不着落脚的地方，遂飞回方舟；诺厄伸手将它接入方舟内。
8:10 再等了七天，他由方舟中又放出一只鸽子，
8:11 傍晚时，那只鸽子飞回他那里，看，嘴里衔着一根绿的橄榄树枝；诺厄于是知道，水已由地上退去。
8:12 诺厄又等了七天再放出一只鸽子；这只鸽子没有回来。
诺厄出方舟
8:13 诺厄六百零一岁，正月初一，地上的水都干了，诺厄就撤开方舟的顶观望，看见地面已干。
8:14 二月二十七日，大地全干了。
8:15 天主于是吩咐诺厄说：
8:16 「你和你的妻子、儿子及儿媳，同你由方舟出来；
8:17 所有同你在方舟内的有血肉的生物：飞禽、牲畜和各种地上的爬虫，你都带出来，叫他们在地上滋生，在地上生育繁殖。」
8:18 诺厄遂同他的儿子、妻子及儿媳出来；
8:19 所有的爬虫、飞禽和地上所有的动物，各依其类出了方舟。
8:20 诺厄给上主筑了一座祭坛，拿各种洁净的牲畜和洁净的飞禽，献在祭坛上，作为全燔祭。
8:21 上主闻到了馨香，心里说：「我再不为人的缘故咒骂大地，因为人心的思念从小就邪恶；我也再不照我所作的打击一切生物了，
8:22 只愿大地存在之日，稼穑寒暑，冬夏昼夜，循环不息。」
第九章(29)
人类复兴
9:1 天主降福诺厄和他的儿子们说：「你们要滋生繁殖，充满大地。
9:2 地上的各种野兽，天空的各种飞鸟，地上的各种爬虫和水中的各种游鱼，都要对你们表示惊恐畏惧：这一切都已交在你们手中。
9:3 凡有生命的动物，都可作你们的食物；我将这一切赐给你们，有如以前赐给你们蔬菜一样；
9:4 凡有生命，带血的肉，你们不可吃；
9:5 并且，我要追讨害你们生命的血债：向一切野兽追讨，向人，向为弟兄的人，追讨人命。
9:6 凡流人血的，他的血也要为人所流，因为人是照天主的肖像造的。
9:7 你们要生育繁殖，在地上滋生繁衍。」
天主与诺厄立约
9:8 天主对诺厄和他的儿子们说：「
9:9 看，我现在与你们和你们未来的后裔立约，
9:10 并与同你们在一起的一切生物：飞鸟、牲畜和一切地上野兽，即凡由方舟出来的一切地上生物立约。
9:11 我与你们立约：凡有血肉的，以后决不再受洪水湮灭，再没有洪水来毁灭大地。」
9:12 天主说：「这是我在我与你们以及同你们在一起的一切生物之间，立约的永远标记：
9:13 我把虹霓放在云间，作我与大地之间立约的标记。
9:14 几时我兴云遮盖大地，云中要出现虹霓，
9:15 那时我便想起我与你们以及各种属血肉的生物之间所立的盟约：这样水就不会再成为洪水，毁灭一切血肉的生物。
9:16 几时虹霓在云间出现，我一看见，就想起在天主与地上各种属血肉的生物之间所立的永远盟约。」
9:17 天主对诺厄说：「这就是我在我与地上一切有血肉的生物之间，所立的盟约的标记。」
诺厄的诅咒与降福
9:18 诺厄的儿子由方舟出来的，有闪、含、和耶斐特。含是客纳罕的父亲。
9:19 这三人是诺厄的儿子；人类就由这三人分布天下。
9:20 诺厄原是农夫，遂开始种植葡萄园。
9:21 一天他喝酒喝醉了，就在自己的帐幕内脱去了衣服。
9:22 客纳罕的父亲含看见了父亲赤身露体，遂去告诉外面的两个兄弟。
9:23 闪和耶斐特二人于是拿了件外衣，搭在肩上，倒退着走进去，盖上父亲的裸体。他们的脸背着，没有看见父亲的裸体。
9:24 诺厄醒了后，知道了小儿对他作的事，
9:25 就说：「客纳罕是可咒骂的，给兄弟当最下贱的奴隶。」
9:26 又说：「上主，闪的天主，应受赞美，客纳罕应作他的奴隶。
9:27 愿天主扩展耶斐特，使他住在闪的帐幕内；客纳罕应作他的奴隶。」
9:28 洪水以后，诺厄又活了三百五十年。
9:29 诺厄共活了九百五十岁死了。
第十章(32)
诺厄三子的后裔
10:1 以下是诺厄的儿子闪、含、和耶斐特的后裔。洪水以后，他们都生了子孙。
10:2 耶斐特的子孙：哥默尔、玛哥格、玛待、雅汪、突巴耳、默舍客和提辣斯。
10:3 哥默尔的子孙：阿市革纳次、黎法特和托加尔玛。
10:4 雅汪的子孙：厄里沙、塔尔史士、基廷和多丹。
10:5 那些分布于岛上的民族，就是出于这些人：以上这些人按疆域、语言、宗族和国籍，都属耶斐特的子孙。
10:6 含的子孙：雇士、米兹辣殷、普特、和客纳罕。
10:7 雇士的子孙：色巴、哈威拉、撒贝达、辣阿玛和撒贝特加。辣阿玛的子孙：舍巴和德丹。
10:8 雇士生尼默洛得，他是世上第一个强人。
10:9 他在上主面前是个有本领的猎人，为此有句俗话说：「如在上主面前，有本领的猎人尼默洛得。」
10:10 他开始建国于巴比伦、厄勒客和阿加得，都在史纳尔地域。
10:11 他由那地方去了亚述，建设了尼尼微、勒曷波特城、
10:12 加拉和在尼尼微与加拉之间的勒森(尼尼微即是那大城。)
10:13 米兹辣殷生路丁人、阿纳明人、肋哈宾人、纳斐突歆人、
10:14 帕特洛斯人、加斯路人和加非托尔人。培肋舍特人即出自此族。
10:15 客纳罕生长子漆冬，以后生赫特、
10:16 耶步斯人、阿摩黎人、基尔加士人、
10:17 希威人、阿尔克人、息尼人、
10:18 阿尔瓦得人、责玛黎人、和哈玛特人；此后，客纳罕的宗族分散了，
10:19 以致客纳罕人的边疆，自漆冬经过革辣尔直到迦萨，又经过索多玛、哈摩辣、阿德玛和责波殷，直到肋沙。
10:20 以上这些人按疆域、语言、宗族和国籍，都属含的子孙。
10:21 耶斐特的长兄，即厄贝尔所有子孙的祖先闪，也生了儿子。
10:22 闪的子孙：厄蓝、亚述、阿帕革沙得、路得和阿兰。
10:23 阿兰的子孙：伍兹、胡耳、革特尔和玛士。
10:24 阿帕革沙得生舍拉；舍拉生厄贝尔。
10:25 厄贝尔生了两个儿子：一个名叫培肋格，因为在他的时代世界分裂了；他的兄弟名叫约刻堂。
10:26 约刻堂生阿耳摩达得、舍肋夫、哈匝玛委特、耶辣、
10:27 哈多兰、乌匝耳、狄刻拉、
10:28 敖巴耳、阿彼玛耳、舍巴、
10:29 敖非尔、哈威拉和约巴布：以上都是约刻堂的子孙。
10:30 他们居住的地域，从默沙经过色法尔直到东面的山地：
10:31 以上这些人按疆域、语言、宗族和国籍，都属闪的子孙：
10:32 以上这些人按他们的出身和国籍，都是诺厄子孙的家族；洪水以后，地上的民族都是由他们分出来的。
第十一章(32)
巴贝耳塔
11:1 当时全世界只有一种语言和一样的话。
11:2 当人们由东方迁移的时候，在史纳尔地方找到了一块平原，就在那里住下了。
11:3 他们彼此说：「来，我们做砖，用火烧透。」他们遂拿砖当石，拿沥青代灰泥。
11:4 然后彼此说：「来，让我们建造一城一塔，塔顶摩天，好给我们作记念，免得我们在全地面上分散了!」
11:5 上主遂下来，要看看世人所造的城和塔。
11:6 上主说：「看，他们都是一个民族，都说一样的语言。他们如今就开始做这事；以后他们所想做的，就没有不成功的了。
11:7 来，我们下去，混乱他们的语言，使他们彼此语言不通。」
11:8 于是上主将他们分散到全地面，他们遂停止建造那城。
11:9 为此人称那地为「巴贝耳，」因为上主在那里混乱了全地的语言，且从那里将他们分散到全地面。
闪族的家谱
11:10 以下是闪的后裔：洪水后两年，闪正一百岁，生了阿帕革沙得；
11:11 生阿帕革沙得后，闪还活了五百年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:12 阿帕革沙得三十五岁时，生了舍拉；
11:13 生舍拉后，阿帕革沙得还活了四百零三年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:14 舍拉三十岁时，生了厄贝尔；
11:15 生厄贝尔后，舍拉还活了四百零三年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:16 厄贝尔三十四岁时生了培肋格；
11:17 生培肋格后，厄贝尔还活了四百三十年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:18 培肋格三十岁时，生了勒伍；
11:19 生勒伍后，培肋格还活了二百零九年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:20 勒伍三十二岁时，生了色鲁格；
11:21 生色鲁格后，勒伍还活了二百零七年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:22 色鲁格三十岁时，生了纳曷尔；
11:23 生纳曷尔后，色鲁格还活了二百年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:24 纳曷尔活到二十九岁时，生特辣黑；
11:25 生特辣黑后，纳曷尔还活了一百一十九年，也生了其他的儿女。
11:26 特辣黑七十岁时，生了亚巴郎、纳曷尔和哈郎。
特辣黑的后裔
11:27 以下是特辣黑的后裔：特辣黑生了亚巴郎、纳曷尔和哈郎；哈郎生了罗特。
11:28 哈郎在他的出生地，加色丁人的乌尔，死在他父亲特辣黑面前。
11:29 亚巴郎和纳曷尔都娶了妻子：亚巴郎的妻子名叫撒辣依；纳曷尔的妻子名叫米耳加，她是哈郎的女儿；哈郎是米耳加和依色加的父亲。
11:30 撒辣依不生育，没有子女。
11:31 特辣黑带了自己的儿子亚巴郎和孙子，即哈郎的儿子罗特，并儿媳，即亚巴郎的妻子撒辣依，一同由加色丁的乌尔出发，往客纳罕地去；他们到了哈兰，就在那里住下了。
11:32 特辣黑死于哈兰，享寿二百零五岁。
后编圣祖史(12-50)
第十二章(20)
亚巴郎蒙召
12:1 上主对亚巴郎说：「离开你的故乡、你的家族和父家，往我指给你的地方去。
12:2 我要使你成为一个大民族，我必降福你，使你成名，成为一个福源。
12:3 我要降福那祝福你的人，咒骂那咒骂你的人；地上万民都要因你获得祝福。」
12:4 亚巴郎遂照上主的吩咐起了身，罗特也同他一起走了。亚巴郎离开哈兰时，已七十五岁。
12:5 他带了妻子撒辣依、他兄弟的儿子罗特和他在哈兰积蓄的财物，获得的仆婢，一同往客纳罕地去，终于到了客纳罕地。
12:6 亚巴郎经过那地，直到了舍根地摩勒橡树区；当时客纳罕人尚住在那地方。
12:7 上主显现给亚巴郎说：「我要将这地方赐给你的后裔。」亚巴郎就在那里给显现于他的上主，筑了一座祭坛。
12:8 从那里又迁移到贝特耳东面山区，在那里搭了帐幕，西有贝特耳，东有哈依；他在那里又为上主筑了一座祭坛，呼求上主的名。
12:9 以后亚巴郎渐渐移往乃革布区。
亚巴郎去埃及
12:10 其时那地方起了饥荒，亚巴郎遂下到埃及，寄居在那里，因为那地方饥荒十分严重。
12:11 当他要进埃及时，对妻子撒辣依说：「我知道你是个貌美的女人；
12:12 埃及人见了你，必要说：这是他的妻子；他们定要杀我，让你活着。
12:13 所以请你说：你是我的妹妹，这样我因了你而必获优待，赖你的情面，保全我的生命。」
12:14 果然，当亚巴郎一到了埃及，埃及人就注意了这女人实在美丽。
12:15 法郎的朝臣也看见了她，就在法郎前赞她美丽；这女人就被带入法郎的宫中。
12:16 亚巴郎因了她果然蒙了优待，得了些牛羊、公驴、仆婢、母驴和骆驼。
12:17 但是，上主为了亚巴郎的妻子撒辣依的事，降下大难打击了法郎和他全家。
12:18 法郎遂叫亚巴郎来说：「你对我作的是什么事？为什么你没有告诉我，她是你的妻子？
12:19 为什么你说：她是我的妹妹，以致我娶了她做我的妻子？现在你的妻子在这里，你带她去罢!」
12:20 法郎于是吩咐人送走了亚巴郎和他的妻子以及他所有的一切。
第十三章(18)
亚巴郎回贝特耳
13:1 亚巴郎带了妻子和他所有的一切，与罗特一同由埃及上来，往乃革布去。
13:2 亚巴郎有许多牲畜和金银。
13:3 他由乃革布逐渐往贝特耳移动帐幕，到了先前他在贝特耳与哈依之间，支搭帐幕的地方，
13:4 亦即他先前筑了祭坛，呼求上主之名的地方。
亚巴郎与罗特分离
13:5 与亚巴郎同行的罗特，也有羊群、牛群和帐幕，
13:6 那地方容不下他们住在一起，因为他们的产业太多，无法住在一起。
13:7 牧放亚巴郎牲畜的人与牧放罗特牲畜的人，时常发生口角－－当时客纳罕人和培黎齐人尚住在那里。
13:8 亚巴郎遂对罗特说：「在我与你，我的牧人与你的牧人之间，请不要发生口角，因为我们是至亲。
13:9 所有的地方不是都在你面前吗？请你与我分开。你若往左，我就往右；你若往右，我就往左。」
13:10 罗特举目看见约但河整个平原，直到左哈尔一带全有水灌溉，－－这是在上主消灭索多玛和哈摩辣以前的事，－－有如上主的乐园，有如埃及地。
13:11 罗特选了约但河的整个平原，遂向东方迁移；这样，他们就彼此分开了：
13:12 亚巴郎住在客纳罕地；罗特住在平原的城市中，渐渐移动帐幕，直到索多玛。
13:13 索多玛人在上主面前罪大恶极。
13:14 罗特与亚巴郎分离以后，上主对亚巴郎说：「请你举起眼来，由你所在的地方，向东西南北观看；
13:15 凡你看见的地方，我都要永远赐给你和你的后裔。
13:16 我要使你的后裔有如地上的灰尘；如果人能数清地上的灰尘，也能数清你的后裔。
13:17 你起来，纵横走遍这地，因为我要将这地赐给你。」
13:18 于是亚巴郎移动了帐幕，来到赫贝龙的玛默勒橡树区居住，在那里给上主筑了一座祭坛。
第十四章(24)
亚巴郎突袭获胜
14:1 那时史纳尔王阿默辣斐耳，厄拉撒尔王阿黎约客，厄兰王革多尔老默尔，哥因王提达耳，
14:2 兴兵攻击索多玛王贝辣，哈摩辣王彼尔沙，阿德玛王史纳布，责波殷王舍默贝尔及贝拉即左哈尔王。
14:3 那些王子会合于息丁山谷，即今日的盐海。
14:4 他们十二年之久隶属于革多尔老默尔，在十三年上就背叛了。
14:5 在十四年上，革多尔老默尔率领与他联盟的君王前来，在阿市塔特卡尔那殷击败了勒法因，在哈木击败了组斤，在克黎雅塔殷平原击败了厄明，
14:6 在曷黎人的色依尔山击败了曷黎人，一直杀到靠近旷野的厄耳帕兰；
14:7 然后回军转到恩米市帕特，即卡德士，征服了阿玛肋克人的全部领土，也征服了住在哈匝宗塔玛尔的阿摩黎人。
14:8 索多玛王哈摩辣王，阿德玛王，责波殷王和贝拉即左哈尔王于是出来，在息丁山谷列阵，
14:9 与厄兰王革多尔老默尔，哥因王提达耳，史纳尔王阿漠辣斐耳和厄拉撒尔王阿黎约客交战：四个王子敌对五个王子。
14:10 息丁山谷遍地是沥青坑；索多玛王和哈摩辣王逃跑时都跌在坑里；其余的人都逃到山里去了。
14:11 那四个王子劫走了索多玛和哈摩辣所有的财物和一切食粮，
14:12 连亚巴郎兄弟的儿子罗特和他的财物也带走了，因为那时他正住在索多玛。
14:13 有个逃出的人跑来，将这事告诉了希伯来人亚巴郎，他那时住在阿摩黎人玛默勒的橡树区；这阿摩黎人原是亚巴郎的盟友厄市苛耳和阿乃尔的兄弟。
14:14 亚巴郎一听说他的亲人被人掳去，遂率领家生的步兵三百一十八人，直追至丹。
14:15 夜间又和自己的仆人分队袭击，将他们击败，直追至大马士革以北的曷巴，
14:16 夺回了所有的财物，连他的亲属罗特和他的财物，以及妇女和人民都夺回来了。
默基瑟德降福亚巴郎
14:17 亚巴郎击败革多尔老默尔和与他联盟的王子回来时，索多玛王出来，到沙委山谷，即「君王山谷」迎接他。
14:18 撒冷王默基瑟德也带了饼酒来，他是至高者天主的司祭，
14:19 祝福他说：「愿亚巴郎蒙受天地的主宰，至高者天主的降福!
14:20 愿将你的敌人交于你手中的至高者的天主受赞美!」亚巴郎遂将所得的，拿出十分之一，给了默基瑟德。
14:21 索多玛王对亚巴郎说：「请你将人交给我，财物你都拿去罢!」
14:22 亚巴郎却对索多玛王说：「我向上主、至高者天主、天地的主宰举手起誓：
14:23 凡属于你的，连一根线，一根鞋带，我也不拿，免得你说：我使亚巴郎发了财。
14:24 除仆从吃用了的以外，我什么也不要；至于与我同行的人阿乃尔、厄市苛耳和玛默勒所应得的一分，应让他们拿去。」
第十五章(21)
上主与亚巴郎立约
15:1 这些事以后，有上主的话在神视中对亚巴郎说：「亚巴郎，你不要怕，我是你的盾牌；你得的报酬必很丰厚!」
15:2 亚巴郎说：「我主上主!你能给我什么？我一直没有儿子；继承我家业的是大马士革人厄里则尔。」
15:3 亚巴郎又说：「你既没有赐给我后裔，那麽只有一个家仆来作我的承继人。」
15:4 有上主的话答覆他说：「这人决不会是你的承继人，而是你亲生的要做你的承继人。」
15:5 上主遂领他到外面说：「请你仰观苍天，数点星辰，你能够数清吗？」继而对他说：「你的后裔也将这样。」
15:6 亚巴郎相信了上主，上主就以此算为他的正义。
15:7 上主又对他说：「我是上主，我从加色丁人的乌尔领你出来，是为将这地赐给你作为产业。」
15:8 亚巴郎说：「我主上主!我如何知道我要占有此地为产业？」
15:9 上主对他说：「你给我拿来一只三岁的母牛，一只三岁的母山羊，一只三岁的公绵羊，一只斑鸠和一只雏鸽。」
15:10 亚巴郎便把这一切拿了来，每样从中剖开，将一半与另一半相对排列，只有飞鸟没有剖开。
15:11 有鸷鸟落在兽尸上，亚巴郎就把它们赶走。
15:12 太阳快要西落时，亚巴郎昏沉地睡去，忽觉阴森万分，遂害怕起来。
15:13 上主对亚巴郎说：「你当知道，你的后裔必要寄居在异邦，受人奴役虐待四百年之久。
15:14 但是，我要亲自惩罚他们所要服事的民族；如此你的后裔必要带着丰富的财物由那里出来。
15:15 至于你，你要享受高寿，以后平安回到你列祖那里，被人埋葬。
15:16 到了第四代，他们必要回到这里，因为阿摩黎人的罪恶至今尚未满贯。」
15:17 当日落天黑的时候，看，有冒烟的火炉和燃着的火炬，由那些肉块间经过。
15:18 在这一天，上主与亚巴郎立约说：「我要赐给你后裔的这土地，是从埃及河直到幼发拉的河，
15:19 就是刻尼人、刻纳次人、卡德摩尼人、
15:20 赫特人、培黎齐人、勒法因人、
15:21 阿摩黎人、客纳罕人、基尔加士人和耶步斯人的土地。」
第十六章(16)
依市玛耳诞生
16:1 亚巴郎的妻子撒辣依，没有给他生孩子，她有个埃及婢女，名叫哈加尔。
16:2 撒辣依就对亚巴郎说：「请看，上主既使我不能生育，你可去亲近我的婢女，或许我能由她得到孩子。」亚巴郎就听了撒辣依的话。
16:3 亚巴郎住在客纳罕地十年后，亚巴郎的妻子撒辣依将自己的埃及婢女哈加尔，给了丈夫亚巴郎做妾。
16:4 亚巴郎自从同哈加尔亲近，哈加尔就怀了孕；她见自己怀了孕；就看不起自己的主母。
16:5 撒辣依对亚巴郎说：「我受羞辱是你的过错。我将我的婢女放在你怀里，她一见自己怀了孕，便看不起我。愿上主在我与你之间来判断!」
16:6 亚巴郎对撒辣依说：「你的婢女是在你手中；你看怎样好，就怎样待她罢!」于是撒辣依就虐待她，她便由撒辣依面前逃跑了。
16:7 上主的使者在旷野的水泉旁，即在往叔尔道上的水泉旁，遇见了她，
16:8 对她说：「撒辣依的婢女哈加尔!你从那里来，要往那里去？」她答说：「我由我主母撒辣依那里逃出来的。」
16:9 上主的使者对她说：「你要回到你主母那里，屈服在她手下。」
16:10 上主的使者又对她说：「我要使你的后裔繁衍，多得不可胜数。」
16:11 上主的使者再对她说：「看，你已怀孕，要生个儿子；要给他起名叫依市玛耳，因为上主俯听了你的苦诉。
16:12 他将来为人，像头野驴；他要反对众人，众人也要反对他；他要冲着自己的众兄弟支搭帐幕。」
16:13 哈加尔遂给那对她说话的上主起名叫「你是看顾人的天主，」因为她说：「我不是也看见了那看顾人的天主吗？」
16:14 为此她给那井起名叫拉海洛依井。这井是在卡德士与贝勒得之间。
16:15 哈加尔给亚巴郎生了一个儿子，亚巴郎给哈加尔所生的儿子，起名叫依市玛耳。
16:16 哈加尔给亚巴郎生依市玛耳时，亚巴郎已八十六岁。
第十七章(27)
立割损礼
17:1 亚巴郎九十九岁时，上主显现给他，对他说：「我是全能的天主，你当在我面前行走，作个成全的人。
17:2 我要与你立约，使你极其繁盛。」
17:3 亚巴郎遂俯伏在地；天主又对他说：
17:4 「看，是我与你立约：你要成为万民之父；
17:5 以后，你不再叫做亚巴郎，要叫做亚巴辣罕，因为我已立定你为万民之父，
17:6 使你极其繁衍，成为一大民族，君王要由你而出。
17:7 我要在我与你和你历代后裔之间，订立我的约，当作永久的约，就是我要做你和你后裔的天主。
17:8 我必将你现今侨居之地，即客纳罕全地，赐给你和你的后裔做永久的产业；我要作他们的天主。」
17:9 天主又对亚巴郎说：「你和你的后裔，世世代代应遵守我的约。
17:10 这就是你们应遵守的，在我与你们以及你的后裔之间所立的约：你们中所有的男子都应受割损。
17:11 你们都应割去肉体上的包皮，作为我与你们之间的盟约的标记。
17:12 你们中世世代代所有的男子，在生后八日都应受割损；连家中生的，或是用钱买来而不属你种族的外方人，都应受割损。
17:13 凡在你家中生的，和你用钱买来的奴仆，都该受割损。这样，我的约刻在你们肉体上作为永久的约。
17:14 凡未割去包皮，未受割损的男子，应由民间铲除；因他违犯了我的约。」
应许生子
17:15 天主又对亚巴郎说：「你的妻子撒辣依，你不要再叫她撒辣依，而要叫她撒辣。
17:16 我必要降福她，使她也给你生个儿子。我要降福她，使她成为一大民族，人民的君王要由她而生。
17:17 亚巴郎遂俯在地笑起来，心想：「百岁的人还能生子吗？撒辣已九十岁，还能生子？」
17:18 亚巴郎对天主说：「只望依市玛耳在你面前生存就够了!」
17:19 天主说：「你的妻子撒辣确要给你生个儿子，你要给他起名叫依撒格；我要与他和他的后裔，订立我的约当作永久的约。
17:20 至于依市玛耳，我也听从你；我要降福他，使他繁衍，极其昌盛。他要生十二个族长，我要使他成为一大民族。
17:21 但是我的约，我要与明年此时撒辣给你生的依撒格订立。」
17:22 天主同亚巴郎说完话，就离开他上升去了。亚巴郎全家男子受割损
17:23 当天，亚巴郎就照天主所吩咐的，召集他的儿子依市玛耳以及凡家中生的，和用钱买来的奴仆，即自己家中的一切男子，割去了他们肉体上的包皮。
17:24 亚巴郎受割损时，已九十九岁；
17:25 他的儿子，依市玛耳受割损时，是十三岁。
17:26 亚巴郎和他的儿子依市玛耳在同日上受了割损。
17:27 他家中所有的男人，不论是家中生的，或是由外方人那里用钱买来的奴仆，都与他一同受了割损。
第十八章(33)
天主显现给亚巴郎
18:1 天正热的时候，亚巴郎坐在帐幕门口，上主在玛默勒橡树林那里，给他显现出来。
18:2 他举目一望，见有三人站在对面。他一见就由帐幕门口跑去迎接他们，俯伏在地，
18:3 说：「我主如果我蒙你垂爱，请你不要由你仆人这里走过去，
18:4 我叫人拿点水来，洗洗你们的脚，然后在树下休息休息。
18:5 你们既然路过你仆人这里，等我拿点饼来，吃点点心，然后再走。」他们答说：「就照你所说的做罢!」
18:6 亚巴郎赶快进入帐幕，到撒辣前说：「你快拿三斗细面，和一和，作些饼。」
18:7 遂又跑到牛群中，选了一头又嫩又肥的牛犊，交给仆人，要他赶快煮好。
18:8 亚巴郎遂拿了凝乳和牛奶，及预备好了的牛犊，摆在他们面前；他们吃的时候，自己在树下侍候。
18:9 他们对他说：「你的妻子撒辣在那里？」他答说：「在帐幕里。」
18:10 其中一位说：「明年此时我必回到你这里，那时，你的妻子撒辣要有一个儿子。」辣其时正在那人背后的帐幕门口窃听。
18:11 亚巴郎和撒辣都已年老，年纪很大，而且撒辣的月经早已停止。
18:12 撒辣遂心里窃笑说：「现在，我已衰老，同我年老的丈夫，还有这喜事吗？」
18:13 上主对亚巴郎说：「撒辣为什么笑？且说：像我这样老，真的还能生育？
18:14 为上主岂有难事？明年这时，我必要回到你这里，那时撒辣必有一个儿子。」
18:15 撒辣害怕了，否认说：「我没有笑。」但是那位说：「不，你实在笑了。」
亚巴郎求情
18:16 后来那三人由那里起身，望着索多玛前行；亚巴郎送他们，也一同前行。
18:17 上主说：「我要作的事，岂能瞒着亚巴郎？
18:18 因为他要成为一强大而又兴盛的民族，地上所有的民族，都要因他蒙受降福；
18:19 何况我拣选了他，是要他训令自己的子孙和未来的家族，保持上主的正道，实行公义正道，好使上主能实现他对亚巴郎所许的事。」
18:20 上主于是说：「控告索多玛和哈摩辣的声音实在很大，他们的罪恶实在深重!
18:21 我要下去看看，愿意知道：是否他们所行的全如达到我前的呼声一样。」
18:22 三人中有二人转身向索多玛走去；亚巴郎却仍立在上主面前。
18:23 亚巴郎近前来说：「你真要将义人同恶人一起消灭吗？
18:24 假如城中有五十个义人，你还要消灭吗？不为其中的那五十个义人，赦免那地方吗？
18:25 你决不能如此行事，将义人同恶人一并诛灭；将义人如恶人一样看待，你决不能!审判全地的主，岂能不行公义？」
18:26 上主答说：「假如我在索多玛城中找出了五十个义人，为了他们我要赦免整个地方。」
18:27 亚巴郎接着说：「
18:28 我虽只是尘埃灰土，却敢再对我主说：假如五十个义人中少了五个怎样？你就为了少五个而毁灭全城吗？」他答说：「假如我在那里找到四十五个，我不毁灭。」
18:29 亚巴郎再向他进言说：「假如在那里找到四十个怎样？」他答说：「为了这四十个我也不做这事。」
18:30 亚巴郎说：「求我主且勿动怒，容我再进一言：假如在那里找到三十个怎样？」他答说：「假如在那里我找到三十个，我也不做这事。」
18:31 亚巴郎说：「我再放胆对我主进一言：假如在那里找到二十个怎样？」他答说：「为了这二十个，我也不毁灭。」
18:32 亚巴郎求：「求我主且勿动怒，容我最后一次进言：假如在那里找到十个怎样？」他答说：「为了这十个我也不毁灭。」
18:33 上主向亚巴郎说完话就走了；亚巴郎也回家去了。
第十九章(38)
索多玛的邪行
19:1 黄昏时，那两位使者来到了索多玛，罗特正坐在索多玛城门口，他一看见他们，就起身前去迎接，俯伏在地，
19:2 说：「请二位先生下到你们仆人家中住一夜，洗洗你们的脚；明天早起，再赶你们的路。」他们答说：「不，我们愿在街上过宿。」
19:3 但因罗特极力邀请，他们才转身跟着进了他的家。罗特为他们备办了宴席，烤了无酵饼；他们就吃了。
19:4 他们尚未就寝，阁城的人即索多玛男人，不论年轻年老的，没有例外，全都来围住他的家，
19:5 向罗特喊说：「今晚来到你这里的那两个男人在那里？给我们领出来，叫我们好认识他们。」
19:6 罗特就出来，随手关上门，到门口见他们，
19:7 说：「我的弟兄们!请你们切不可作恶。
19:8 看，我有两个女儿，尚未认识过男人，容我领出她们来，任凭你们对待她们；只是这两个男人，既然来到舍下，请你们不要对他们行事。」
19:9 他们反说：「滚开!」继而说：「来这里的这个外方人，居然做起判官来!现在我们待你比他们还要厉害。」他们遂用力向罗特冲去，一齐向前要打破那门。
19:10 那两个人却伸出手来，将罗特拉进屋内，关上了门；
19:11 又使那些在屋门口的男人，无论大小都迷了眼，找不着门口。
19:12 那两个人对罗特说：「你这里还有什么人？带你的女婿、儿女，以及城中你所有的人，离开这地方，
19:13 因为我们要毁灭这地方；由于在上主面前控告他们的声音实在大，所以上主派遣我们来毁灭这地方。」
19:14 罗特遂出去，告诉要娶他女儿的两个女婿说：「起来，离开这地方，因为上主要毁灭这城!」但他的两个女婿却以为他在开玩笑。
索多玛受罚
19:15 天一亮，两位使者就催促罗特说：「起来，快领你的妻子和你这里的两个女儿逃走，免得你因这城的罪恶同遭灭亡。」
19:16 罗特仍迟延不走；但因为上主怜恤他，那两个人就拉着他的手，他妻子的手和他两个女儿的手领出城外。
19:17 二人领他们到城外，其中一个说：「快快逃命，不要往后看，也不要在平原任何地方站住；该逃往山中，免得同遭灭亡。」
19:18 罗特对他们说：「啊!不，我主!
19:19 你仆人既蒙你垂爱，又蒙你大显仁慈，得以保全我的性命；但是现在我不能逃往山中，怕遇见灾祸死去。
19:20 看这座城很近，容我逃往那里，那只是一座小城；请容我逃往那里；那不只是一座小城吗？在那里我可保全性命。」
19:21 其中一个对他说：「好罢!连在这事上我也顾全你的脸面，我必不消灭你提及的这座城。
19:22 你赶快逃往那里，因为你不到那里，我不能行事。」为此那城称为左哈尔。
19:23 罗特到了左哈尔时，太阳已升出地面；
19:24 上主遂使硫磺和火，从天上上主那里，降于索多玛和哈摩辣，
19:25 毁灭了这几座城市和整个平原，以及城中所有的居民和地上的草木。
19:26 罗特的妻子因回头观看，立即变为盐柱。
19:27 亚巴郎清晨起来，到了以前他立在上主面前的地方，
19:28 向索多玛和哈摩辣，以及整个平原一带眺望，看见那地烟火上腾，有如烧窑一般。
19:29 当天主毁灭平原诸城，消灭罗特所住的城市时，想起了亚巴郎，由灭亡中救了罗特。
摩阿布和阿孟二族的由来
19:30 罗特因为怕住在左哈尔，便与他的两个女儿离开左哈尔，上了山住在那里；他和两个女儿同住在一个山洞里。
19:31 长女对幼女说：「我们的父亲已经老了，地上又没有男人依照世界上的礼俗来与我们亲近。
19:32 来让我们用酒将父亲灌醉，与他同睡：这样我们可由父亲传生后代？」
19:33 那天夜里，她们就用酒将父亲灌醉；长女遂进去与父亲同睡；女儿几时卧下，几时起来，他都不知道。
19:34 第二天，长女对幼女说：「看，昨夜我与父亲同睡了，今夜我们再用酒灌醉他，你好进去与他同睡，由我们的父亲传生后代。」
19:35 那天夜里，她们又用酒将父亲灌醉，幼女遂进去与他同睡；女儿几时卧下，几时起来，他都不知道。
19:36 这样，罗特的两个女儿都由父亲怀了孕。
19:37 长女生了一个儿子，给他起名叫摩阿布，是现今摩阿布人的始祖。
19:38 幼女也生了一个儿子，给他起名叫本阿米，是现今阿孟子民的始祖。
第二十章(18)
亚巴郎迁往革辣尔
20:1 亚巴郎从那里迁往乃革布地，定居在卡德士和叔尔之间。当他住在革辣尔时，
20:2 亚巴郎一论到他的妻子撒辣就说：「她是我的妹妹。」革辣尔王阿彼默肋客于是派人来取了撒辣去。
20:3 但是夜间，天主在梦中来对阿彼默肋客说：「为了你取来的那个女人你该死，因为她原是有夫之妇。」
20:4 阿彼默肋客尚未接近她，于是说：「我主，连正义的人你也杀害吗？
20:5 那男人不是对我说过「她是我的妹妹吗？」连她自己也说「他是我的哥哥。」我做了这事，是出于心正手洁呀!」
20:6 天主在梦中对他说：「我也知道，你是出于心正做了这事，所以我阻止了你犯罪得罪我，也没有让你接触她。
20:7 现在你应将女人还给那人，因为他是一位先知，他要为你转求，你才可生存；倘若你不归还，你该知道：你以及凡属于你的，必死无疑。」
20:8 阿彼默肋客很早就起来召集了众臣仆，将全部实情告诉给他们听；这些人都很害怕。
20:9 然后阿彼默肋客叫了亚巴郎来，对他说：「你对我们作的是什么事？我在什么事上得罪了你，竟给我和我的王国招来了这样大的罪过？你对我作了不应该作的事。」
20:10 阿彼默肋客继而对亚巴郎说：「你作这事，究有什么意思？」
20:11 亚巴郎答说：「我以为在这地方一定没有人敬畏天主，人会为了我妻子的缘故杀害我。
20:12 何况她实在是我的妹妹，虽不是我母亲的女儿，却是我父亲的女儿；后来做了我的妻子。
20:13 当天主叫我离开父家，在外飘流的时候，我对她说：我们无论到什么地方，你要说我是你的哥哥，这就我是你待我的大恩。」
20:14 阿彼默肋客把些牛羊奴婢，送给了亚巴郎，也将他的妻子撒辣归还了他；
20:15 然后对他说：「看，我的土地尽在你面前，你愿住在那里，就住在那里。」
20:16 继而对撒辣说：「看，我给了你哥哥一千银子，作为你在阖家人前的遮羞钱；这样，各方面无可指摘。」
20:17 亚巴郎恳求了天主，天主就医好了阿彼默肋客，他的妻子和他的众婢女，使她们都能生育，
20:18 因为上主为了亚巴郎妻子撒辣的事，关闭了阿彼默肋客家中所有妇女的子宫。
第二十一章(34)
依撒格诞生
21:1 上主照所许的，眷顾了撒辣；上主对撒辣实践了他所说的话。
21:2 撒辣怀了孕，在天主所许的时期，给年老的亚巴郎生了一个儿子。
21:3 亚巴郎为撒辣给他所生的儿子，起名叫依撒格。
21:4 生后第八天，亚巴郎照天主所吩咐的给自己的儿子依撒格行了割损。
21:5 他儿子依撒格诞生时，亚巴郎正一百岁；
21:6 为此撒辣说：「天主使我笑，凡听见的也要与我一同笑。」
21:7 又说：「谁能告诉亚巴郎，撒辣要哺养儿子呢？可是我在他老年，却给他生了个儿子。」
21:8 孩子渐渐长大，断了乳；在依撒格断乳的那天，亚巴郎摆了盛宴。
21:9 撒辣见那埃及女人哈加尔给亚巴郎生的儿子，戏笑自己的儿子依撒格，
21:10 就对亚巴郎说：「你该赶走这婢女和她的儿子，因为这婢女的儿子不能和我的儿子依撒格一同承受家业。」
21:11 亚巴郎为了他这儿子的事很是苦恼。
21:12 但天主对亚巴郎说：「你不必为这孩子和你的婢女苦恼；凡撒辣对你说的，你都可听从，因为只有藉依撒格你的名才能传后。
21:13 至于这婢女的儿子，我也要使他成为一大民族，因为他也是你的孩子。」
21:14 第二天，亚巴郎清早起来拿了饼和一皮囊水，交给哈加尔，放在她肩上，又将孩子交给她，打发她走了。她一路前行，在贝尔舍巴旷野迷失了路。
21:15 那时皮囊里的水已用尽，她把孩子丢在一堆小树下，
21:16 自己走开，在约离一箭之远的对面坐下，自言自语说：「我不忍见这孩子夭折。」就坐在对面放声大哭。
21:17 天主听见孩子啼哭，天主的使者由天上呼唤哈加尔说：「哈加尔!你有什么事？不要害怕，因为天主已听见孩子在那里的哭声。
21:18 起来，去扶起孩子来，用手搀着他，因为我要使他成为一大民族。」
21:19 天主于是开了她的眼，她看见了一口水井，遂去将皮囊灌满了水，给孩子喝。
21:20 天主与孩子同住，他渐渐长大住在旷野，成了个弓手。
21:21 他住在帕兰旷野；他母亲由埃及地给他娶了一个妻子。
阿彼默肋客与亚巴郎立约
21:22 那时阿彼默肋客同他的司令非苛耳对亚巴郎说：「在你所作的一切事上，天主常与你同在。
21:23 现在你在这里要指着天主对我起誓：总不要亏待我和我的子子孙孙。我怎样厚待了你，你也要怎样厚待我和你寄居的地方。」
21:24 亚巴郎回答说：「我愿起誓。」
21:25 亚巴郎为了阿彼默肋客的仆人霸占了一口水井，就责斥阿彼默肋客。
21:26 阿彼默肋客回答说：「我不知道谁作了这事，你也没有通知我，我到今天才听说。」
21:27 亚巴郎遂把牛羊交给阿彼默肋客，二人互相立了约。
21:28 亚巴郎又将羊群中七只母羔羊，另放在一边。
21:29 阿彼默肋客问亚巴郎说：「将这七只母羔羊另放一边，请问有什么意思？」
21:30 他答说：「你要由我手中接受这七只母羔羊，作我挖了这口水井的凭据。」
21:31 因为他们二人在那里起了誓，为此那地方叫做贝尔舍巴。
21:32 他们在贝尔舍巴立了约，阿彼默肋客同他的司令非苛耳起身回培肋舍特地去了。
21:33 亚巴郎在贝尔舍巴栽了一株柽柳，在那里呼求了上主，永恒天主的名。
21:34 亚巴郎在培肋舍特人地内住了许久。
第二十二章(24)
亚巴郎从命献子
22:1 这些事以后，天主试探亚巴郎说：「亚巴郎!」他答说：「我在这里。」
22:2 天主说：「带你心爱的独生子依撒格往摩黎雅地方去，在我所要指给你的一座山上，将他献为全燔祭。」
22:3 亚巴郎次日清早起来，备好驴，带了两个仆人和自己的儿子依撒格，劈好为全燔祭用的木柴，就起身往天主指给他的地方去了。
22:4 第三天，亚巴郎举目远远看见了那个地方，
22:5 就对仆人说：「你们同驴在这里等候，我和孩子要到那边去朝拜，以后就回到你们这里来。」
22:6 亚巴郎将为全燔祭用的木柴，放在儿子依撒格的肩上，自己手中拿着刀和火，两人一同前行。
22:7 路上依撒格对父亲亚巴郎说：「阿爸!」他答说：「我儿，我在这里。」依撒格说：「看，这里有火有柴，但是那里有作全燔祭的羔羊？」
22:8 亚巴郎答说：「我儿!天主自会照料作全燔祭的羔羊。」于是二人再继续一同前行。
22:9 当他们到了天主指给他的地方，亚巴郎便在那里筑了一座祭坛，摆好木柴，将儿子依撒格捆好，放在祭坛上的木柴上。
22:10 亚巴郎正伸手举刀要宰献自己的儿子时，
22:11 上主的使者从天上对他喊说：「亚巴郎!亚巴郎!」他答说：「我在这里。」
22:12 使者说：「不可在这孩子身上下手，不要伤害他!我现在知道你实在敬畏天主，因为你为了我竟连你的独生子也不顾惜。」
22:13 亚巴郎举目一望，见有一只公绵羊，两角缠在灌木中，遂前去取了那只公绵羊，代替自己的儿子，献为全燔祭。
22:14 亚巴郎给那地方起名叫「上主自会照料。」直到今日人还说：「在山上，上主自会照料。」
22:15 上主的使者由天上又呼唤亚巴郎说：「
22:16 我指自己起誓，－－上主的断语，－－因为你作了这事，没有顾惜你的独生子，
22:17 我必多多降福你，使你的后裔繁多，如天上的星辰，如海边的沙粒。你的后裔必占领他们仇敌的城门；
22:18 地上万民要因你的后裔蒙受降福，因为你听从了我的话。」
22:19 亚巴郎回到自己仆人那里，一同起身回了贝尔舍巴，遂住在贝尔舍巴。
纳曷尔的后代
22:20 这些事以后，有人告诉亚巴郎说：「米耳加也给你的兄弟纳曷尔生了儿子：
22:21 长子伍兹，他的弟弟步次、阿兰的父亲刻慕耳、
22:22 革色得、哈左、丕耳达士、依德拉夫和贝突耳：－－
22:23 贝突耳生了黎贝加，－－这八人都是米耳加给亚巴郎的兄弟纳曷尔生的儿子。
22:24 此外他的妾名叫勒乌玛的，给他生了特巴黑、加罕、塔哈士和玛阿加。
第二十三章(20)
撒辣逝世埋葬
23:1 撒辣一生的寿数是一百二十岁。
23:2 撒辣死在客纳罕地的克黎雅特阿尔巴，即赫贝龙。亚巴郎来举哀哭吊撒辣；
23:3 然后从死者面前起来，对赫特人说道：「
23:4 我在你们中是个外乡侨民，请你们在这里卖给我一块坟地，我好将我的死者移去埋葬。」
23:5 赫特人答覆亚巴郎说：「
23:6 先生，请听：你在我们中是天主的宠臣，你可在我们最好的坟地埋葬你的死者，我们没有人会拒绝你，在他的坟地内埋葬你的死者。」
23:7 亚巴郎遂起来，向当地人民赫特人下拜，
23:8 然后对他们说：「如果你们实在愿意我将死者移去埋葬，请你们答应我，为我请求祚哈尔的儿子厄斐龙，
23:9 要他卖给我他那块田地尽头所有的玛革培拉山洞；要他按实价在你们面前卖给我，作为私有坟地。」
23:10 当时，厄斐龙也坐在赫特人中间。这赫特人厄斐龙遂在聚于城门口的赫特人面前，高声答覆亚巴郎说：「
23:11 先生，不要这样。请听我说：我送给你这块田，连其中的山洞，也送给你。我愿在我同族的人民眼前送给你，埋葬你的死者。」
23:12 亚巴郎又在当地人民面前下拜，
23:13 然后对当地人民高声向厄斐龙说：「假如你乐意，请你听我说：我愿给你地价，你收下后，我才在那里埋葬我的死者。」
23:14 厄斐龙答覆亚巴郎说：「
23:15 先生，请听我说：一块值四百「协刻耳」银子的地，在你和我之间，算得什么!你尽管去埋葬你的死者罢!」
23:16 亚巴郎明白了厄斐龙的意思，便照他在赫特人前大声提出的价值，按流行的市价称了四百「协刻耳」银子给他。
23:17 这样，厄斐龙在玛革培拉面对玛默勒的那块田地，连田地带其中的山洞，以及在田地四周所有的树木，
23:18 当着聚在城门口的赫特人面前，全移交给亚巴郎作产业。
23:19 事后，亚巴郎遂将自己的妻子撒辣葬在客纳罕地，即葬在那块面对玛默勒，(即赫贝龙)，玛革培拉田地的山洞内。
23:20 这样，这块田地和其中的山洞，由赫特人移交了给亚巴郎作为私有坟地。
第二十四章(67)
亚巴郎为子娶妻
24:1 亚巴郎年纪已老，上主在一切事上常降福他。
24:2 亚巴郎对管理他所有家产的老仆人说：「请你将手放在我的胯下，
24:3 要你指着上主、天地的天主起誓：你决不要为我的儿子，由我现住的客纳罕人中，娶一个女子为妻；
24:4 却要到我的故乡，我的亲族中去，为我的儿子依撒格娶妻。」
24:5 仆人对他说：「假使那女子不愿跟我到此地来，我能否带你的儿子回到你的本乡？」
24:6 亚巴郎答复他说：「你切不可带我的儿子回到那里去。
24:7 那引我出离父家和我生身地，同我谈过话，对我起誓说「我必将这地赐给你后裔」的上主，上天的天主，必派遣自己的使者作你的前导，领你由那里给我儿子娶个妻子。
24:8 假若那女子不愿跟你来，你对我起的誓，就与你无涉；无论如何，你不能带我的儿子回到那里去。」
24:9 仆人遂将手放在主人亚巴郎的胯下，为这事向他起了誓。
24:10 仆人就由他主人的骆驼中，牵了十匹骆驼，带着主人的各样宝物，起身往美索不达米亚的纳曷尔城去了。
24:11 傍晚，女人们出来打水的时候，他叫骆驼卧在城外的水井旁，
24:12 然后说：「上主、我主人亚巴郎的天主!求你对我主人亚巴郎施行仁慈，今日使我幸运。
24:13 看我站在水泉旁，此时城中的女子正出来打水。
24:14 我对那个少女说：请你放下水罐，让我喝点水。如果她答说：请喝!并且我还要打水给你的骆驼喝，她即是你为你的仆人依撒格预定的少女；由此我知道，你对我主人施行了仁慈。」
24:15 话还没有说完，黎贝加就肩着水罐出来了。她是亚巴郎的兄弟纳曷尔的妻子米耳加的儿子贝突耳的女儿。
24:16 这少女容貌很美，是个还没有人认识的处女。她下到水泉，灌满了水罐，就上来了。
24:17 仆人就跑上前去迎着她说：「请让我喝点你水罐里的水，好吗!」
24:18 她回答说：「先生!请喝!」她急忙将水罐放低，托在手上让他喝。
24:19 他喝足了以后，少女说：「我再为你的骆驼打水，叫它们也喝足。」
24:20 遂急忙将罐里的水倒在槽里，再跑到那井里去打水，打给他的骆驼喝。
24:21 仆人在旁静静地注视她，急愿知道，是否上主已使他此行成功。
24:22 骆驼喝完了水以后，老人就拿出一个半「协刻耳」重的金鼻环，和一对重十「协刻耳」的金手镯，给她戴上，
24:23 然后说：「请你告诉我你是谁的女儿？你父亲家里，有没有地方可让我们过宿？」
24:24 她回答说：「我是米耳加给纳曷尔所生之子贝突耳的女儿。」
24:25 她又继续说：「我们家里有很多草料和饲粮，而且还有地方可供过宿。」
24:26 老人就俯身朝拜了上主，说：「
24:27 上主，我主人亚巴郎的天主应受赞美!因为他不断以仁慈和忠信善待了我的主人。上主也一路引我来到了我主人的老家。」
24:28 那少女跑回去，将这一切事告诉了她母亲家中的人。
24:29 黎
24:30 贝加有个哥哥名叫拉班，他一看见他妹妹鼻上的金环，和手腕上的金镯，听见他妹妹黎贝加说：「那人如此如此对我说。」
24:31 拉班就跑去见那在郊外水泉旁的人，迨他来到那人那里，见他仍站在靠近水泉的骆驼旁，就对他说：「你这受上主降福的人，请来我已预备好了房屋和喂骆驼的地方；你为什么还站在郊外？」
24:32 拉班便将那人领进家去，卸了骆驼，喂上草料和饲粮；又拿水给他和与他同来的人洗脚，
24:33 然后在他面前摆上饭，但仆人却说：「在我未说明我的来意之前，我不吃饭。」拉班说：「你说罢!」
24:34 他说：「我是亚巴郎的仆人，
24:35 上主厚厚地降福了我的主人，使他十分富有，赐了他羊群、牛群、金银、仆婢、骆驼和驴子。
24:36 我主人的妻子撒辣，在老年给我主人生了一个儿子，主人遂将所有的财产都给了他。
24:37 我主人叫我起誓说：你决不要给我的儿子，由我现居地的客纳罕人中，娶一个女子为妻。
24:38 你该到我的父家和我的同族中，为我儿子娶妻。
24:39 我对我主人说：假使女儿不愿跟我来怎麽办？
24:40 他回答我说：我一向在上主面前行走，他必派遣自己的使者与你同行，使你此行必成功，能由我的同族，我的父家，为我儿子娶妻。
24:41 只要你去了我同族那里，你就履行了对我起的誓；若是他们不给你，你对我起的誓，就与你无涉。
24:42 今天我到了水泉那里就说：上主，我主人亚巴郎的天主!惟愿你使我此行成功。
24:43 看我现在站在泉旁，我对那个出来打水的少女说：请你让我喝点你水罐里的水罢!
24:44 如果她对我说：请喝，并且我还要打水给你的骆驼喝，她即是上主为我主人的儿子预定的妻子。
24:45 我心里尚未说完这话，看，黎贝加肩着水罐来了，下到水泉那里打水，我就对她说：请给我一点水喝!
24:46 她急忙从肩上放下水罐说：你喝，并且我还要打水给你的骆驼喝。我喝了，同时她也给了骆驼水喝。
24:47 我于是问她说：你是谁的女儿？她答说：我是米耳加给纳曷尔生的儿子贝突耳的女儿。我就将鼻环戴在她鼻上，将手镯带在她手腕上。
24:48 然后我俯身朝拜了上主，赞颂了上主、我主人亚巴郎的天主，因为他引我走了正路，为我主人的儿子娶了我主人兄弟的孙女。
24:49 现在，如果你们愿意以仁慈和忠信善待我主人，请告诉我；如果不肯，也请告诉我；我好决定行事。」
24:50 拉班和贝突耳答说：「这件事既是出于上主，我们不能对你说好说坏。
24:51 看黎贝加在你面前，你可带她去做你主人儿子的妻子，如上主所说的。」
24:52 亚巴郎的仆人一听见他们说出这话，就俯伏在地朝拜了上主；
24:53 然后拿出金银的珍饰和衣服来，送给了黎贝加，又送给了她的哥哥和她的母亲一些宝贵礼品。
24:54 这以后，他和同他前来的人才吃喝，并住了一宿。清早起来，他就说：「请让我回到我主人那里去!」
24:55 黎贝加的哥哥和母亲说：「让少女同我们再住上几天或十天，然后走罢!」
24:56 他回答他们说：「你们不要挽留我，上主既使我此行成功，请你们让我走，回到我主人那里去。」
24:57 他们说：「我们可叫少女来，问问她的意思。」
24:58 他们就将黎贝加叫来问她说：「你愿意跟这人去吗？」她答说：「愿意。」
24:59 于是他们打发自己的姊妹黎贝加和她的乳母，同亚巴郎的仆人和与他同来的人一起走了。
24:60 他们降福黎贝加说：「我们的姊妹，愿你子孙无数!愿你的后裔，占领仇敌的城门!」
24:61 黎贝加便和自己的婢女们起来，上了骆驼，跟那人去了。仆人便带着黎贝加起了程。
依撒格完婚
24:62 那时依撒格刚来到拉海洛依井旁附近，他原住在乃革布地方。
24:63 傍晚时，依撒格出来在田间来回沉思，举目一望，看见了一队骆驼。
24:64 黎贝加举目看见了依撒格，便由骆驼上下来，
24:65 问仆人说：「田间前来迎接我们的那人是谁？」仆人答说：「是我的主人。」黎贝加遂拿面纱蒙在脸上。
24:66 仆人就将自己所作的一切事，告诉了依撒格。
24:67 依撒格便领黎贝加进入自己母亲撒辣的帐幕，娶了她为妻，很是爱她。依撒格自从母亲死后，这才有了安慰。
第二十五章(34)
亚巴郎的晚年
25:1 亚巴郎又续娶了一个妻子，名叫刻突辣。
25:2 刻突辣给他生了齐默郎、约刻商、默丹、米德杨、依市巴克和叔哈。
25:3 约刻商生了舍巴和德丹；德丹的子孙是阿叔陵人、肋突兴人和肋乌明人。
25:4 米德杨的子孙是厄法、厄斐尔、哈诺客、阿彼达和厄耳达阿：以上都是刻突辣的子孙。
25:5 亚巴郎将自己所有的财产都给了依撒格；
25:6 至于妾所生的儿子，亚巴郎给了他们一些礼物，在自己活着时，就叫他们离开自己的儿子依撒格，打发他们向东去，住在东方。
亚巴郎逝世
25:7 亚巴郎一生的岁月共是一百七十五岁。
25:8 亚巴郎寿高年老，已享天年，遂断气而死，归到他亲族那里去了。
25:9 他的儿子依撒格和依市玛耳，将他葬在面对玛默勒，赫特人祚哈尔之子厄斐龙的田间玛革培拉山洞内。
25:10 这块田地是亚巴郎由赫特人那里买来的；亚巴郎和妻子撒辣都葬在那里。
25:11 亚巴郎死后，天主降福了他的儿子依撒格。依撒格定居在拉海洛依井附近。
依市玛耳的后代
25:12 以下是撒辣的婢女，埃及人哈加尔给亚巴郎生的依市玛耳的后裔。
25:13 依市玛耳的子孙名单，依照出生的次第记载如下：依市玛耳的长子是乃巴约特，其次是刻达尔、阿德贝耳、米贝散、
25:14 米市玛、杜玛、玛萨、
25:15 哈达得、特玛、耶突尔、纳菲士和刻德玛：
25:16 以上都是依市玛耳的儿子，这些人的名字也是他们的村庄和营地的名字，又是十二家族的族长。
25:17 依市玛耳一生的岁月是一百三十七岁；然后断气而死，归到他亲族那里去了。
25:18 他的子孙住在从哈威拉直到埃及东面的叔尔，往亚述道上，对着自己的众兄弟支搭帐幕。
依撒格的后代
25:19 以下是亚巴郎的儿子依撒格的历史：亚巴郎生依撒格。
25:20 依撒格四十岁时娶了帕丹阿兰地阿兰人贝突耳的女儿，阿兰人拉班的妹妹黎贝加为妻。
25:21 依撒格因为自己的妻子不生育，便为她恳求上主；上主俯允了他的祈求，他的妻子黎贝加遂怀了孕，
25:22 双胎在她腹内互相冲突，于是她说：「若是这样，我可怎麽办？」遂去求问上主。
25:23 上主答覆她说：「你一胎怀了两个国家，你腹中所生的要分为两个民族：一个民族强于另一民族，年长的要服事年幼的。」
25:24 到了生产的时候，她腹内果然是一对双生；
25:25 首先产出的发红，浑身是毛，如披毛裘，给他起名厄撒乌。
25:26 他的弟弟随后出生，一手握着厄撒乌的脚跟，为此给他起名叫雅各伯。他们诞生时，依撒格已是六十岁的人。
厄撒乌出卖长子名分
25:27 两个孩童渐渐长大，厄撒乌成了个好打猎的人，喜居户外；雅各伯却为人恬静，深居幕内。
25:28 依撒格爱厄撒乌，因为他爱吃野味；黎贝加却爱雅各伯。
25:29 有一天，雅各伯正煮好豆羹，厄撒乌由田间回来，饥饿疲乏，
25:30 便对雅各伯说：「请将这红红的东西给我点吃，因为我实在又饿又乏。」－－因此他的名字又叫「厄东。」
25:31 雅各伯回答说：「你要将你长子的名分先卖给我。」
25:32 厄撒乌说：「我快要死了，这长子的名分为我还有什么益处？」
25:33 雅各伯接着说：「你得立刻对我起誓。」厄撒乌遂对他起了誓，将自己长子的名分卖给了雅各伯。
25:34 雅各伯遂将饼和扁豆羹给了厄撒乌；他吃了喝了，起身走了。－－厄撒乌竟如此轻视了长子的名分。
第二十六章(35)
依撒格迁居革辣尔
26:1 以前，在亚巴郎时代曾有过一次饥荒，现在地上又有了饥荒，依撒格便去了革辣尔，即培肋舍特人王阿彼默肋客那里。
26:2 上主显现给他说：「你不要下到埃及去，要住在我指示给你的地方。
26:3 你要住在这地方，我必与你同在，降福你，因为我要将这整个地方赐给你和你的后裔，实践我向你父亲亚巴郎所立的誓约；
26:4 且要使你的后裔繁多如天上的星辰，要将这一切地方赐给你的后裔，地上万民要因你的后裔蒙受降福，
26:5 因为亚巴郎听从了我的话，遵守了我的训示、诫命、规定和法律。」
26:6 依撒格就在革辣尔住下了。
26:7 那地方的人问到他的妻子时，他就说：「这是我的妹妹。」他怕说：「这是我的妻子。」恐怕那地方的人为了黎贝加要杀害他，因为她面貌美丽。
26:8 他在那里住了许久；有一天培肋舍特人王阿彼默肋客从窗户向外眺望，看见依撒格正在爱抚他的妻子黎贝加。
26:9 阿彼默肋客遂召依撒格来说：「看，她明明是你的妻子，为什么你说：她是我的妹妹﹖」依撒格回答说：「因为我怕我可能因她而被杀害。」
26:10 阿彼默肋客说：「你对我们作的是什么事﹖差一点百姓中就有人与你妻子同睡，叫我们陷于罪恶。」
26:11 于是阿彼默肋客号令全百姓说：「凡触犯这人和他妻子的，必死无赦。」
水井的纠纷
26:12 依撒格在那地方耕种，当年就得了百倍的收成。上主实在降福了他，
26:13 他竟成了富翁，越来越富，终于成了个大富翁，
26:14 拥有羊群、牛群和许多奴仆，因此培肋舍特人都嫉妒他。
26:15 那时，凡他父亲的仆人，在他父亲亚巴郎生时所掘的井，培肋舍特人都用土填了。
26:16 阿彼默肋客对依撒格说：「你在我们中太强盛了。你离开我们罢!」
26:17 依撒格遂离开了那里，在革辣尔山谷中搭了帐幕，住在那里。
26:18 依撒格将他父亲亚巴郎生时所掘的，亚巴郎死后培肋舍特人所填的一些水井，又从新掘好，仍照他父亲起的名字称呼这些水井。
26:19 依撒格的仆人在山谷中掘井时，掘了一口活水井。
26:20 革辣尔的牧童和依撒格的牧童遂发生了争论，说：「这水是我们的。」为此他给那井起名叫「争论，」因为他们曾与他争论过。
26:21 依撒格的仆人又另掘了一口井，为这口井又起了争论，为此他给这井起名叫「仇恨。」
26:22 以后，他由那里迁往别处，又掘了另一口井，为这口井再没有起争论，遂给这井起名叫「宽大，」说：「上主终于使我们宽绰，我们将在这地繁盛。」
26:23 依撒格由那里上到了贝尔舍巴，
26:24 那天夜里上主显现给他说：「我是你父亲亚巴郎的天主，你不要害怕，因为我与你同在，我必要为了我仆人亚巴郎的缘故降福你，使你的后裔繁盛。」
26:25 依撒格就在那里筑了一座祭坛，呼求了上主的名；也在那里搭了帐幕，他的仆人也在那里掘了一口井。
与阿彼默肋客立约
26:26 阿彼默肋客和他的挚友阿胡匝特以及他的司令非苛耳，由革辣尔来到了依撒格那里。
26:27 他遂对他们说：「你们既然仇恨我，将我由你们中间驱逐，为什么又来到我这里﹖」
26:28 他们回答说：「我们实在看出上主与你同在；因此我们想，更好我们双方彼此宣誓，让我们与你立约：
26:29 你决不加害我们，犹如我们从未触犯你，只有好待了你，叫你平安离去；如今你实是上主降福的人。」
26:30 依撒格遂为他们设宴，大家一齐吃了喝了。
26:31 次日一早起来，彼此宣了誓。然后依撒格送他们出来，他们遂平安离去。
26:32 当天依撒格的仆人来，报告他们掘井的事说：「我们找着了水。」
26:33 依撒格就给这井起名叫「誓约；」为此，那城直到今日还称作「誓约井。」
厄撒乌娶妻
26:34 厄撒乌到四十岁时，娶了赫特人贝厄黎的女儿友狄特和赫特人厄隆的女儿巴色玛特为妻。
26:35 她们二人使依撒格和黎贝加伤心难受。
第二十七章(46)
雅各伯巧夺祝福
27:1 依撒格年纪已老，双目失明，看不见了，遂叫了他的大儿厄撒乌来，对他说：「我儿!」他回答说：「我在这里。」
27:2 他说：「你看，我已年老，不知道那天就死。
27:3 现在你拿器械、箭囊和弓，往田间去打点猎物，
27:4 照我的嗜好给我作成美味，拿来给我吃，好叫我在未死以前祝福你。」
27:5 依撒格对他的儿子厄撒乌说这话时，黎贝加听见了。厄撒乌就到田间去给父亲打猎，
27:6 黎贝加对自己的儿子雅各伯说：「我听见你父亲对你哥哥厄撒乌说：
27:7 你去给我打点猎物来，作成美味，叫我吃了，好在死前当着上主的面祝福你。」
27:8 现在，我儿，要听从我吩咐你的话。
27:9 到羊群里去，给我拿两只肥美的小山羊来，我要照你父亲的嗜好，给他作成美味，
27:10 你端给父亲吃，好叫他死前祝福你。」
27:11 雅各伯对母亲黎贝加说：「但是我哥哥浑身是毛，我却皮肤光滑，
27:12 万一我父亲摸我，必以为我哄骗他，我必招来咒骂，而不是祝福。」
27:13 母亲对他说：「我儿，咒骂归于我，你只管听我的话，去给我拿来。」
27:14 他遂拿了来，交给了他的母亲，他母亲就照他父亲的嗜好作成了美味。
27:15 黎贝加又将家中所存的大儿厄撒乌最好的衣服，给她小儿雅各伯穿上；
27:16 又用小山羊的皮，包在他的手上和他光滑的颈上，
27:17 然后将自己作好的美味和饼，放在他儿子雅各伯的手里。
27:18 雅各伯来到他父亲前说：「我父!」他答说：「我在这里!我儿，你是谁﹖」
27:19 雅各伯对父亲说：「我是你长子厄撒乌。我已照你吩咐的作了。请坐起来，吃我作的野味，好祝福我。」
27:20 依撒格对他儿子说：「我儿!你怎么这样快就找着了﹖」雅各伯答说：「因为上主你的天主使我碰得好。」
27:21 依撒格对雅各伯说：「我儿!你前来，让我摸摸，看你是不是我儿厄撒乌﹖」
27:22 雅各伯就走近他父亲依撒格前；依撒格摸着他说：「声音是雅各伯的声音，手却是厄撒乌的手。」
27:23 依撒格没有分辨出来，因为他的手，像他哥哥厄撒乌的手一样有毛，就祝福了他。
27:24 随后说：「你真是我儿厄撒乌吗﹖」雅各伯答说：「我是。」
27:25 依撒格说：「我儿!递给我，叫我吃了你作的野味，好祝福你。」雅各伯于是递过去，他吃了；又给他拿了酒来，他也喝了。
27:26 他父亲依撒乌就对他说：「我儿!你前来吻我。」
27:27 他就前去吻了父亲。他父亲一闻到他衣服上的香气，就祝福他说：「看!我儿子的香气，像上主祝福的肥田的香气。
27:28 惟愿天主赐与你天上的甘露，土地的肥沃，五谷美酒的丰裕!
27:29 愿众民服事你，万国叩拜你!愿你作你兄弟的主人，你母亲的儿子叩拜你!凡诅咒你的，必受诅咒；凡祝福你的，必受祝福。」
厄撒乌再求祝福
27:30 依撒格一祝福了雅各伯，雅各伯刚由他父亲依撒格面前出来，他哥哥厄撒乌打猎回来了。
27:31 他也作了美味，给他父亲端来，对他父亲说：「我父!请起来吃，你儿预备的野味，好祝福我。」
27:32 他父亲依撒格对他说：「你是谁﹖」他答说：「我是你儿，你长子厄撒乌。」
27:33 依撒格不禁战栗起来，惊问说：「那么，是谁打了猎物给我送了来﹖并且在你未来以前，我已吃了，已祝福了他；他从此必蒙祝福。」
27:34 厄撒乌一听见他父亲说出这话，就放声哀号，对他父亲说：「我父，请你也祝福我!」
27:35 父亲答说：「你弟弟用诡计来夺去了你的祝福。」
27:36 厄撒乌说：「他不是名叫雅各伯吗﹖他已两次欺骗了我：以前夺去了我长子的名分，现在又夺去了我的祝福。」继而问说：「你没有给我留下祝福吗﹖」
27:37 依撒格回答厄撒乌说：「看，我已立他作你的主人，将所有的兄弟都给他作仆人，将五谷美酒都供给他了。我儿，我还能为你作什么﹖」
27:38 厄撒乌对父亲说：「我父，你只有一个祝福吗﹖我父，你也得祝福我。」厄撒乌就放声大哭。
27:39 他父亲依撒格回答他说：「看，你住的地方必缺乏肥沃的土地，天上的甘露。
27:40 你要凭仗刀剑生活，要服事你的弟弟；但你一强盛起来，将由你的颈上,摆脱他的束缚。」
厄撒乌蓄意杀弟
27:41 厄撒乌因为他父亲祝福了雅各伯，便怀恨雅各伯，心下思念说：「为父亲居丧的日期已近，到时我必要杀死我弟弟雅各伯。」
27:42 有人告诉了黎贝加他大儿子厄撒乌所说的话；她便派人叫了她小儿雅各伯来，对他说：「看，你哥哥厄撒乌想要杀你泄恨。
27:43 现在，我儿!你得听我的话，起身逃往哈兰我哥哥拉班那里去，
27:44 与他住些时日，直到你哥哥忿怒消失了。
27:45 几时你哥哥对你息了怒，忘了你对他作的事，我就派人去，从那里接你回来。为什么我在一日内要丧失你们两个呢﹖」
27:46 黎贝加就对依撒格说：「为了这两个赫特女人，我厌恶得要死；假使雅各伯也从这地的女人中娶一个像这样的赫特女人为妻，我还活着做什么﹖」
第二十八章(22)
雅各伯去帕丹阿兰
28:1 依撒格叫了雅各伯来，祝福他，吩咐他说：「你不要娶客纳罕女人为妻。
28:2 你应起身往帕丹阿兰你外祖父贝突耳家去，在那里娶你舅父拉班的女儿为妻。
28:3 愿全能的天主祝福你，使你生育繁殖，成为一大家族。
28:4 愿天主将亚巴郎的祝福赐与你和你的后裔，使你承受你所住的地方，即天主赐与亚巴郎的土地作为产业。」
28:5 依撒格就这样打发了雅各伯往帕丹阿兰，投往阿兰人贝突耳的儿子拉班，即雅各伯和厄撒乌的母亲黎贝加的哥哥那里去了。
28:6 厄撒乌见依撒格祝福了雅各伯，打发他到帕丹阿兰去，在那里娶妻；祝福他时还吩咐他说：「不要娶客纳罕女人为妻。」
28:7 厄撒乌见雅各伯听从父母的命，往帕丹阿兰去了，
28:8 便明白父亲依撒格不喜欢客纳罕女子。
28:9 所以他去了依市玛耳那里，除自己所有的两个妻子外，又娶了亚巴郎之子依市玛耳的女儿乃巴约特的妹妹玛哈拉特为妻。
在贝特耳得见神视
28:10 雅各伯离开贝尔舍巴，往哈兰去了。
28:11 他来到一个地方，因太阳已落，就在那里过宿，随地拿了一块石头，放在头底下，就在那地方躺下睡了。
28:12 他作了一梦：见一个梯子直立在地上，梯顶与天相接；天主的使者在梯子上，上去下来。
28:13 上主立在梯上说：「我是上主，你父亚巴郎的天主，依撒格的天主。我要将你所躺的地方，赐给你和你的后裔。
28:14 你的后裔要多得如地上的灰尘；你要向东西南北扩展，地上的万民都要因你和你的后裔蒙受祝福。
28:15 看我与你同在；你不论到那里，我必护佑你，领你回到此地。我决不离弃你，直到我实践了我对你所许的。」
28:16 雅各伯一觉醒来，说：「上主实在在这地方，我竟不知道。」
28:17 他又满怀敬畏地说：「这地方多么可畏!这里不是别处，乃是天主的住所，上天之门。」
28:18 雅各伯清早一起来，就把那块放在头底下的石头，立作石柱，在顶上倒了油，
28:19 给那地方起名叫贝特耳，原先那城名叫路次。
28:20 然后雅各伯许愿说：「若是天主与我同在，在我所走的路上护佑我，赐我丰衣足食，
28:21 使我平安回到父家，上主实在当是我的天主。
28:22 我立作石柱的这块石头，必要成为天主的住所；凡你赐与我的，我必给你奉献十分之一。」
第二十九章(35)
雅各伯寄居舅家
29:1 雅各伯取道前行，来到了东方人的地方；
29:2 举目看见田间有口井，还有三群羊，卧在井旁。－－因为人惯常由这井取水饮羊，井口上盖着块大石头；
29:3 几时羊群都聚集在那里，人就将井口的石头挪开，取水饮羊；然后再将石头盖在井口原处。
29:4 雅各伯对他们说：「弟兄们，你们是那里的﹖」他们答说：「我们是哈兰人。」
29:5 雅各伯问他们说：「你们认识纳曷尔的儿子拉班吗﹖」他们答说：「我们认识。」
29:6 雅各伯又问说：「他好吗﹖」他们答说：「他好。看，那不是他的女儿辣黑耳领着羊群来了。」
29:7 雅各伯说：「看，太阳还很高，尚不到聚集家畜的时候，你们取水饮了羊，然后再领去牧放。」
29:8 他们回答说：「不能够；因为除非等所有羊群都聚集起来，才可挪开井口的石头，取水饮羊。」
29:9 他还同他们说话的时候，辣黑耳领着他父亲的羊群到了；因为她是个牧羊女。
29:10 雅各伯一见了舅父拉班的女儿辣黑耳，和舅父拉班的羊群，就上前去，挪开井口的石头，取水饮他舅父拉班的羊。
29:11 然后雅各伯口亲辣黑耳，放声大哭，
29:12 告诉辣黑耳，自己是她父亲的外甥，黎贝加的儿子。辣黑耳便跑回去，告诉她父亲。
29:13 拉班一听得了关于他外甥雅各伯的消息，就跑来迎接他，抱住他，亲他，领他到自己的家中。雅各伯遂将所遇的事全告诉了拉班。
29:14 拉班对他说：「你实在是我的骨肉。」雅各伯遂同他住下了。
娶拉班二女为妻过了一月，
29:15 拉班对雅各伯说：「岂可因为你是我的外甥，就该白白服事我﹖告诉我，你要什么报酬﹖」
29:16 拉班有两个女儿：大的名叫肋阿，小的名叫辣黑耳。
29:17 肋阿双眼无神；辣黑耳却相貌美丽；
29:18 为此雅各伯喜爱辣黑耳，遂回答说：「我愿为你小女儿辣黑耳服事你七年。」
29:19 拉班答说：「我将她给你，比给外人好；你就同我住下。」
29:20 这样，雅各伯为得到辣黑耳，服事了拉班七年；由于他喜爱这少女，看七年好象几天。
29:21 雅各伯遂对拉班说：「期限已满，请将我的妻子给我，我好与她亲近。」
29:22 拉班也请了当地所有的人士，摆了婚宴。
29:23 到了晚上，他却将自己的女儿肋阿，引到雅各伯前，雅各伯就亲近了她。－－
29:24 拉班且将自己的婢女齐耳帕给了女儿肋阿作婢女。－－
29:25 到了早晨，他一见是肋阿，便对拉班说：「你对我作的是什么事﹖我服事你，岂不是为了辣黑耳﹖你为什么欺骗我﹖」
29:26 拉班回答说：「我们这地方没有先嫁幼女，而后嫁长女的风俗。
29:27 你同长女满了七天以后，我也将幼女给你，只要你再服事我七年。」
29:28 雅各伯就这样做了。与肋阿满了七天以后，拉班便将自己的女儿辣黑耳给了他为妻。－－
29:29 拉班且将自己的婢女彼耳哈给了女儿辣黑耳作婢女。－－
29:30 雅各伯也亲近了辣黑耳，而且他爱辣黑耳甚于肋阿；于是又服事了拉班七年。
肋阿连生四子
29:31 上主见肋阿失宠，便开了她的胎；但辣黑耳却荒胎不孕。
29:32 肋阿怀孕生了一子，给他起名叫勒乌本，说：「上主垂视了我的苦衷，现在我的丈夫会爱我了。」
29:33 她又怀孕生了一子，说：「上主听说我失了宠，又给了我一个。」遂给他起名叫西默盎。
29:34 她又怀孕生了一子，说：「这次，我的丈夫可要恋住我了，因为我已给他生了三个儿子。」遂给他起名叫肋未。
29:35 她又怀孕生了一子，说：「这次我要赞颂上主。」为此给他起名叫犹大。以后就停止生育。
第三十章(43)
辣黑耳与肋阿相争
30:1 辣黑耳见自己没有给雅各伯生子，就嫉妒姐姐，对雅各伯说：「你要给我孩子；不然，我就死啦!」
30:2 雅各伯对辣黑耳生气说：「不肯使你怀孕的是天主，难道我能替他作主﹖」
30:3 辣黑耳回答说：「这里有我的婢女彼耳哈，你亲近她，叫她在我膝下生子，使我能由她得子。」
30:4 辣黑耳就将自己的婢女彼耳哈给了雅各伯作妾；雅各伯亲近了她，
30:5 她遂怀孕，给雅各伯生了一子。
30:6 辣黑耳就说：「天主对我公道，俯听了我的哀声，给了我一子。」为此给他起名叫丹。
30:7 辣黑耳的婢女彼耳哈又怀孕，给雅各伯生了第二个儿子。
30:8 辣黑耳就说：「我以天大的力量与我姐姐相争，得到胜利了。」便给他起名叫纳斐塔里。
30:9 肋阿见自己停止生育，也将自己的婢女齐耳帕给了雅各伯作妾。
30:10 肋阿的婢女齐耳帕给雅各伯生了一子。
30:11 肋阿遂说：「好幸运!」就给他起名叫加得。
30:12 肋阿的婢女齐耳帕给雅各伯又生了第二个儿子。
30:13 肋阿遂说：「我真有福!女人都要以为我有福。」就给他起名叫阿协尔。
30:14 到了割麦的时节，勒乌本出去，在田间寻得了一些曼陀罗，带回来给了他母亲肋阿。辣黑耳对肋阿说：「请你将你儿子得的曼陀罗给我一些。」
30:15 肋阿回答说：「你夺去了我的丈夫还不够；你还想夺去我儿的曼陀罗么﹖」辣黑耳说：「好罢!今夜就让他与你同睡，为交换你儿子的曼陀罗。」
30:16 到了晚上雅各伯由田间回来，肋阿就跑出去迎接他说：「你该来我这里，因为我用我儿子的曼陀罗雇了你。」那夜雅各伯便与她同睡。
30:17 天主俯允了肋阿，她又怀孕，给雅各伯生了第五个儿子。
30:18 肋阿说：「天主给了我报酬，因为我将我的婢女给了我的丈夫。」便给他起名叫依撒加尔。
30:19 肋阿又怀孕，给雅各伯生了第六个儿子。
30:20 肋阿说：「天主给了我一个很好的礼物；这一回我的丈夫要与我同居了，因为我给他生了六个儿子。」便给他起名叫则步隆。
30:21 后来她生了一个女儿，给她起名叫狄纳。
30:22 天主想起了辣黑耳，垂允了她，开了她的子宫，
30:23 她遂怀孕，生了一个儿子，说：「天主拭去了我的耻辱。」
30:24 她给他起名叫若瑟说：「愿上主再给我添子。」
雅各伯成家立业
30:25 辣黑耳生了若瑟以后，雅各伯对拉班说：「请让我回到我的本乡故土!
30:26 请你将我服事你所得的妻子儿女交给我，让我回去；你知道我怎样服事了你。」
30:27 拉班对他说：「如果我在你眼中得宠，请你住下；我觉察出，上主祝福我，是为了你的原故。」
30:28 继而说：「请规定你的工价，我必付给你。」
30:29 雅各伯对他说：「你知道，我是怎样服事了你；你的牲畜跟着我是怎样的情形。
30:30 我未来之前，你所有的是那么少，现在增加了那么多；我一来，上主就祝福了你。但是，我几时也能为我兴家立业呢﹖」
30:31 拉班问说：「我该给你什么﹖」雅各伯答说：「你什么也不必给我，只要你应承我这件事，我就仍牧放照顾你的羊群：
30:32 你今天走遍你的羊群，将其中凡有斑点或黑点的，即绵羊群中有黑色的，山羊群中有黑点或斑点的，都挑出来，当作我的工价。
30:33 后来任何一天，你来察看我的工价时，我好对你证明我的公正。山羊中凡是没有斑点或黑点的，绵羊中凡是不黑的，都算是偷来的。」
30:34 拉班回答说：「好，就照你的话办罢!」
30:35 当天拉班就将有条纹有斑点的公山羊，凡有白纹，或斑点和黑点的母山羊，并黑色的绵羊都挑出来，交在自己儿子们手中；
30:36 又使雅各伯与自己相距三日的路程。雅各伯便牧放拉班其余的羊群。
30:37 雅各伯拿了杨树、杏树和枫树的嫩枝，将皮剥成一条一条的白纹，使树枝的光白露出；
30:38 然后将剥去皮的枝条，插在水沟和水漕里，羊群前来喝水时，正与羊群相对。羊群前来喝水时，就彼此相配。
30:39 羊群对着枝条相配，就生出了有条纹，有斑点和黑点的小羊。
30:40 雅各伯将这些羔羊分开，将这些羊放在拉班羊群中有条纹和有黑点的羊前；这样他为自己另组羊群，不将它们放在拉班的羊群中。
30:41 到了肥壮的羊要配合时，雅各伯就将枝条插在水沟里，对着羊群的眼，使羊对着枝条彼此相配。
30:42 当羊群瘦弱时，他就不插枝条：这样，瘦弱的都归拉班，肥壮的都归雅各伯。
30:43 为此这人越来越富，拥有许多羊群，婢女和奴仆，骆驼和驴子。
第三十一章(54)
雅各伯决意回乡
31:1 雅各伯听见拉班的儿子们谈论说：「雅各伯夺去了我们父亲所有的一切，利用我们父亲的财物，才获得了这一切的财富。」
31:2 雅各伯也注意了拉班对自己的脸色不如先前。
31:3 那时，上主对雅各伯说：「你回到你的家乡和你的出生地，我必与你同在。」
31:4 雅各伯就派人叫辣黑耳和肋阿来到放羊的田间，
31:5 对她们说：「我看你们父亲的脸色，对我已不如先前；但是我父亲的天主却与我同在。
31:6 你们清楚知道，我是全力服事了你们的父亲；
31:7 你们的父亲却欺骗了我，十次变换了我的工价，但天主却没有容许他害我。
31:8 当他说：有斑点的算是你的工价；全羊群就都生下有斑点的；当他说：有条纹的算是你的工价，全羊群就都生下有条纹的。
31:9 天主这样将你们父亲的牲畜夺来了给我。
31:10 有一次当羊群配合时，我于梦中举目观望：看见跳在母羊身上的公山羊，都是有条纹，有斑点和杂色的。
31:11 天主的使者在梦中对我说：雅各伯!我答说：我在这里。
31:12 他说：你举目观望：跳在母羊身上的公山羊，都是有条纹，有斑点和杂色的，因为我看到了拉班对你所作的一切。
31:13 我是贝特耳的天主，你曾在那里用油敷了一座石柱，并对我许了愿。现在你起身，离开这地方，回到你生身之地去。」
31:14 辣黑耳和肋阿回答他说：「我们在父亲家里还有产业可分吗﹖
31:15 他岂不是把我们视作外人，把我们出卖了，吞并了我们的身价﹖
31:16 所以天主由我们父亲夺来的那一切财物，都应属于我们和我们子女。现今凡天主吩咐你的，你都该照办。
雅各伯不辞而别
31:17 雅各伯遂立即叫自己的儿女和妻子骑上骆驼，
31:18 带了自己一切牲畜和积聚的一切财物，即他在帕丹阿兰所得的一切牲畜，起程往客纳罕地，他父亲依撒格那里去了。
31:19 其时拉班正剪羊毛去了，辣黑耳就偷走了她父亲的神像。
31:20 雅各伯隐瞒了阿兰人拉班，没有告诉拉班他将逃走，
31:21 遂带了自己所有的一切逃走了，起身过了幼发拉的河，直向基肋阿得山地进发。
拉班追赶雅各伯
31:22 第三天拉班得报雅各伯偷跑了，
31:23 遂带了自己的弟兄，在他后面一连追赶了七天的路程，在基肋阿得山地追上了他。
31:24 天主在夜间梦中显现给阿兰人拉班，对他说：「你小心，不要对雅各伯说好说坏。」
31:25 拉班追上雅各伯时，雅各伯已在山上搭了帐幕；拉班和他的弟兄也在基肋阿得山地搭了帐幕。
31:26 拉班对雅各伯说：「你作的是什么事﹖竟瞒着我，将我的女儿们带走，有如战俘一样!
31:27 你为什么暗中偷跑，瞒着我而不通知我，叫我好能快乐的唱着歌，打着鼓，弹着琴欢送你回去﹖
31:28 连我的儿女你都不让我与他们吻别，你作的实在胡涂!
31:29 我本可伸手加害你们，但是你们父亲的天主昨夜对我说：小心，不要对雅各伯说好说坏。
31:30 你现在切望回到父家，定要回去，但是你为什么偷走了我的神像!」
31:31 雅各伯回答拉班说：「我害怕，我还以为你要由我手中夺去你的女儿。
31:32 至于你的神像，你在谁那里搜出来，决不容他活着；当着我们弟兄的面，你如认出我这里有什么是属于你的，尽管拿去。」雅各伯原不知道是辣黑耳偷了神像。
31:33 拉班便进入雅各伯的帐幕，肋阿的帐幕和两个婢女的帐幕，没有找着；遂由肋阿的帐幕出来，进入辣黑耳的帐幕，
31:34 辣黑耳却拿了神像，放在骆驼的鞍下，自己坐在上面。拉班搜遍了整个帐幕，没有找着。
31:35 辣黑耳对她父亲说：「望我主不要见怪，我不能在你面前起迎，因为我正在经期。」他搜索了，却没有找着神像。
31:36 雅各伯于是动怒，与拉班争论，质问他说：「我有什么不对，有什么罪过，致使你在我后面追赶﹖
31:37 你搜遍了我的东西，如找出了什么东西是属于你家的，摆在我和你的兄弟面前，叫他们在我们两人间行裁判。
31:38 这二十年来，我同你在一起，你的母绵羊和母山羊从未流产；你羊群中的公羊，我从未吃过；
31:39 被野兽撕裂的我从未给你带回，我自己赔偿了损失；不论是白天偷去的，或是黑夜偷去的，你都向我索取。
31:40 日间我受尽炎热，夜间受尽严寒，两眼无法入睡。在你家内这二十年，为了你的两个女儿，我服事了你十四年；
31:41 另六年是为了你的羊群，这期间你竟十次变更了我的工价。
31:42 假若我父的天主，亚巴郎的天主，依撒格所敬畏的上主，不同我在一起，你现在定会打发我空手回去；但是天主见到了我的苦况和我的辛苦，在昨夜就下了判决。」
雅各伯与拉班立约
31:43 拉班回答雅各伯说：「女儿是我的女儿，孩子是我的孩子，羊群是我的羊群，你眼见的这一切都是我的。但是对我的女儿，对她们生的孩子，我今天能作什么呢﹖
31:44 现在，来，让我们在你我之间立约，作你我之间的证据。」
31:45 雅各伯遂拿了一块石头，立作石柱，
31:46 然后对自己的亲戚说：「你们堆集石头。」他们便拿了石头，堆成一堆，就在那堆石头上吃了饭。
31:47 拉班称那石堆为「耶加尔、撒哈杜达；」雅各伯称为「基肋阿得」
31:48 拉班说：「今天这堆石头在你和我之间作见证。」为此给它起名叫「基肋阿得。」
31:49 又叫作「米兹帕，」因为他说：「我们彼此分离后，愿上主监视我和你：
31:50 如果你虐待我的女儿，或在我的女儿外，另娶妻室，虽无人在我们中间，但有天主在你我之间作证。」
31:51 拉班又对雅各伯说：「看这堆石头，看我在你我之间所立的石柱：
31:52 这堆石头是见证，这石柱是见证，我决不越过这堆石头去妨害你，你也不要越过这堆石头和这石柱来妨害我。
31:53 但愿亚巴郎的天主和纳曷尔的天主，－－即他们父亲的天主，－－在我们之间行裁判!」雅各伯就指自己的父亲依撒格所敬畏的上主起了誓。
31:54 然后雅各伯在山上宰牲献祭，叫了自己的亲戚来吃饭；吃饭以后就在山上过了夜。
第三十二章(33)
雅各伯回故乡
32:1 拉班清早起来，与自己的外孙和女儿吻别，祝福了他们，便起身回本乡去了。
32:2 雅各伯也上道前行，遇见了天主的使者。
32:3 雅各伯一见他们就说：「这是天主的营地。」遂给那地方起名叫玛哈纳因。
32:4 雅各伯先派使者，往厄东乡间色依尔地方，他哥哥厄撒乌那里去，
32:5 吩咐他们说：「你们应对我主厄撒乌这样说：你的仆人雅各伯这样说：我在拉班那里作客，一直到现在。
32:6 我拥有牛、驴、羊和仆婢，现在打发人报告我主，希望得你的恩爱。」
32:7 使者回来见雅各伯说：「我们到了你哥哥厄撒乌那里，他正前来迎接你；同他来的尚有四百人。」
32:8 雅各伯大为震惊，很是忧虑，遂将自己的人和羊群牛群及骆驼分作两队，
32:9 心想如果厄撒乌前来攻击一队，剩下的另一队还可逃跑。
32:10 然后雅各伯祈求说：「我父亚巴郎的天主，我父依撒格的天主、上主!你曾对我说：回到你本乡，你本家去，我必使你顺利。
32:11 我本不配获得你向你仆人所施的种种慈恩和忠信，我只带了一条棍杖过了这约但河，现在我却拥有两队人马。
32:12 求你救我脱离我哥哥厄撒乌的手，因为我怕他来击杀我，击杀母亲和孩子。
32:13 你原来说过：我必要恩待你，使你的后代如海沙，多得不可胜数。」
32:14 那夜雅各伯就在那里过夜。然后，就由他所有的财物中选出一些来，送给他哥哥厄撒乌作礼物：
32:15 计有母山羊二百只，公山羊二十只，母绵羊二百只，公绵羊二十只，
32:16 哺乳的母骆驼同驼驹三十头，母牛四十头，公牛十头，母驴二十匹，公驴十匹。
32:17 他将这些分成一队一队的交给自己的仆人，对他们说：「你们应走在我前面，每队之间应隔开些。」
32:18 然后吩咐第一队说：「几时我哥哥厄撒乌遇见你，问你说：你是谁家的﹖你往那里去﹖你前面这些牲畜是谁的﹖
32:19 你要答说：是你仆人雅各伯的，是送给我主厄撒乌的礼物。看，他自己就在我们后面。」
32:20 他也吩咐了第二第三队，和跟在每队后面的人说：「你们若遇见厄撒乌，都要照这话回答他。
32:21 并且还要说：看，你的仆人雅各伯就在我们后面。」因为他心里想：「如果我先送礼向他讨好，然后才与他见面，也许他会欢迎我。」
32:22 于是礼物先他而行，他自己当夜仍留在营内。
雅各伯与天神搏斗
32:23 他当夜起来，带了他的两个妻子，两个婢女和十一个孩子，由浅处过了雅波克河。
32:24 等他们过了河，也叫自己所有的过了河，
32:25 雅各伯独自一人留在后面。有一人前来与他搏斗一直到曙光破晓。
32:26 那人见自己不能制胜，就在他的大腿窝上打了一下；雅各伯正在与他搏斗之际，大腿窝脱了节。
32:27 那人说：「让我走罢!天已破晓。」雅各伯说：「你如果不祝福我，我不让你走。」
32:28 那人问他说：「你叫什么名字﹖」他答说：「雅各伯。」
32:29 那人说：「你的名字以后不再叫雅各伯，应叫以色列，因为你与神与人搏斗，占了优势。」
32:30 雅各伯问说：「请你告诉我你的名字。」那人答说：「为什么你要问我的名字﹖」遂在那里祝福了他。
32:31 雅各伯给那地方起名叫「培尼耳，」意谓「我面对面见了神，我的生命仍得保全。」
32:32 雅各伯经过培尼耳时，太阳已升起照在身上，由于大腿脱了节，他一走一瘸。
32:33 为此，以色列子民至今不吃大腿窝上的筋，因为那人打了雅各伯的大腿窝，正打在筋上。
第三十三章(20)
兄弟重逢
33:1 雅各伯举目，看见厄撒乌带了四百人前来，遂将孩子分别交与肋阿、辣黑耳和两个婢女；
33:2 将两个婢女和她们的孩子放在最前面，其次是肋阿和她的孩子，最后是辣黑耳和若瑟。
33:3 他自己走在他们前面，七次伏地叩拜，直到来到哥哥前。
33:4 厄撒乌却向他跑来，抱住他，扑在他颈上吻他，两人都哭了。
33:5 厄撒乌举目，看见女人和孩子，遂问说：「这些人是你的什么人﹖」雅各伯答说：「是天主恩赐给你仆人的孩子。」
33:6 于是婢女和她们的孩子前来叩拜了。
33:7 肋阿和她的孩子也前来叩拜了，最后若瑟和辣黑耳才近前来叩拜。
33:8 厄撒乌又问说：「我所见的这一大队，有什么意思﹖」雅各伯答说：「这是蒙我主悦纳的。」
33:9 厄撒乌说：「我的兄弟，我已够富足了；你的，你留下罢!」
33:10 雅各伯说：「请不要这样!我若真蒙你悦纳，请你收下我手中的礼物；因为我见了你的面，就如见了天主的面；你实在仁厚接待了我。
33:11 请你收下我献给你的礼品；因为天主厚待了我，我什么都有了。」由于雅各伯极力恳请，他才收下了。
33:12 厄撒乌说：「我们起程前行，我愿与你同行。」
33:13 雅各伯对他说：「我主知道，孩子尚幼小，我还要照顾尚在哺乳的牛羊，若一天只顾催赶，全群牲畜都要死尽。
33:14 还是请我主在你仆人前先行；我要照我前面的牲畜和孩子们的脚步，慢慢前行；直至达到色依尔我主那里。」
33:15 厄撒乌说：「让我留下几个跟我的人陪着你。」雅各伯说：「只要我能蒙我主悦纳，又何必如此!」
33:16 厄撒乌就在当天回了色依尔。
33:17 雅各伯却动身往稣苛特去了，在那里为自己盖了一座房屋，为牲畜搭了些棚子；为此给那地起名叫「稣苛特。」
雅各伯移居舍根
33:18 雅各伯由帕丹阿兰回来，平安来到客纳罕地的舍根城，在城的对面支搭了帐幕。
33:19 他支搭帐幕的那块地，是由舍根的父亲哈摩尔的儿子们手里，用一百块银钱买来的。
33:20 雅各伯在那里建立了一座祭坛，称它为：「大能者以色列的天主。」
第三十四章(31)
舍根强奸狄纳
34:1 肋阿给雅各伯生的女儿狄纳，要去看看当地的女人。
34:2 当地酋长希威人哈摩尔的儿子舍根看见她，就抓住她，强奸了她，玷辱了她。
34:3 他的心迷恋雅各伯的女儿狄纳，深爱这少女，说宽慰她心的话。
34:4 事后，舍根向自己的父亲哈摩尔说：「请给我娶这少女为妻。」
34:5 雅各伯听见舍根污辱了女儿狄纳，但因他的儿子们那时正在乡间看守他的牲畜，所以没有作声，等他们回来。
骗取舍根
34:6 舍根的父亲哈摩尔前来见雅各伯，与他商议。
34:7 那时雅各伯的儿子已由乡间回来，一听见这消息，就人人愤恨，非常恼怒，因为有人对以色列做出了这样的丑事：竟与雅各伯的女儿同卧；这是不应该做的。
34:8 哈摩尔与他们商议说：「我儿舍根的心迷恋你们的女儿，请你们将她嫁给他为妻。
34:9 你们可与我们互通婚姻：将你们的女儿嫁给我们，你们也可娶我们的女儿；
34:10 这样你们可同我们住在一起，本地都摆在你们面前，你们可在其中居住、行动、置业。」
34:11 舍根也对狄纳的父亲和她的兄弟们说：「只要我在你们眼中蒙恩，凡你们要求的，我必依从。
34:12 任凭你们向我要多少聘金和礼品，我必照你们提出的交付，只要你们将这少女给我为妻。」
34:13 雅各伯的儿子因为舍根污辱了他们的妹妹狄纳，就用欺诈的话答复舍根和他父亲哈摩尔，
34:14 说：「将我们的妹妹嫁给一个没有受割损的人，为我们实是一大耻辱，我们不能这样作。
34:15 除非有这个条件，我们不能同意：你们都应和我们一样，使你们中所有的男子都受割损；
34:16 以后我们可将我们的女儿嫁给你们，我们也可娶你们的女儿；我们与你们住在一起，成为一个民族。
34:17 如果你们不肯听从我们而受割损，我们就带着我们的女儿离去。」
34:18 哈摩尔和他的儿子舍根认为他们的建议很好。
34:19 这少年毫不迟延地要照这建议进行，因为他喜爱雅各伯的女儿，更何况他还是他父亲全家族中最重要的人物。
34:20 哈摩尔和自己的儿子舍根于是来到城门口，向本城的人提议说：「
34:21 这些人对我们很和善，让他们住在本地内，在这里活动；本地原很广阔，足够容纳他们。我们可娶他们的女儿为妻，也可将我们的女儿嫁给他们。
34:22 但是，这些人只有一个条件，才同意与我们住在一起，形成一个民族：就是我们中所有的男子都应受割损，如同他们受了割损一样。
34:23 这样，他们的家畜和财产，以及一切牲口，岂不都归了我们!只要我们同意，他们就肯同我们住在一起。」
34:24 凡由城门出入的人，都听从了哈摩尔和他的儿子舍根的话；由城门出入的男子，都受了割损。
为妹雪耻
34:25 第三天，他们正疼痛难忍时，雅各伯的两个儿子，狄纳的哥哥西默盎和肋未，各自拿了一把刀，不慌不忙进了城，杀了所有的男子；
34:26 又用刀杀了哈摩尔和他的儿子舍根，由舍根房内领出狄纳而去。
34:27 雅各伯其余的儿子因了自己的妹妹受污，乘人被杀就前来洗劫城邑，
34:28 夺去了他们的羊群、牛群和驴，并城内和乡间所有的一切。
34:29 凡是他们的财物，连他们所有的孩子和妇女都掳了去；凡屋内所有的一切，都夺了去。
34:30 雅各伯事后对西默盎和肋未说：「你们害了我，使我在本地的居民，即客纳罕人和培黎齐人中，成了个可恨的人。我的人数少，如果他们联合起来反对我，攻击我，那末我和我全家就必同归于尽。」
34:31 他们回答说：「难道人应待我们的妹妹如同一个妓女﹖」
第三十五章(29)
雅各伯到贝特耳
35:1 天主对雅各伯说：「起来，上贝特耳去，住在那里，为你昔日逃避你哥哥厄撒乌在那里显现给你的天主，筑一祭坛。」
35:2 雅各伯便对家人和跟随他的人说：「你们应除去你们中间所有外邦的神像，并取洁，更换衣服，
35:3 因为我们要起身上贝特耳去；在那里我要给在我困苦的时日俯听了我，在我所走的路上伴随了我的天主，筑一祭坛。」
35:4 众人便将自己手中所有外邦的神像，所有的耳环，都交给了雅各伯；雅各伯就都埋在那靠近舍根的橡树底下。
35:5 当他们起程出发时，天主叫周围的城邑都非常恐怖，为此谁也不敢追赶雅各伯的儿子。
35:6 这样，雅各伯和与他在一起的人，来到客纳罕地的路次，即贝特耳；
35:7 他在那里筑了一座祭坛。称呼那地方为贝特耳，因为他逃避他哥哥时，天主曾在那里显现给他。
35:8 其时黎贝加的乳母德波辣死了，就埋在贝特耳下面的一株橡树底下；为此给这橡树起名叫「悲泣的橡树。」
天主再次显现
35:9 雅各伯由帕丹阿兰回来后，天主又显现给他，再祝福他。
35:10 天主对他说：「你原叫雅各伯，但以后不再叫作雅各伯，却要叫作以色列。」遂给他改名以色列。
35:11 天主又对他说：「我是全能的天主，你要生育繁殖；不但一个民族，而是一些民族要由你而生，许多君王要由你而生。
35:12 我将赐给了亚巴郎和依撒格的土地赐给你；我也将这土地赐给你未来的后裔。」
35:13 然后天主就在与他谈话的地方，离开他，上升去了。
35:14 雅各伯在天主与他谈话地方，竖立了一根柱子，一根石柱；在上面行了奠祭，倒上油。
35:15 雅各伯给天主与他谈话的地方起名叫贝特耳。
辣黑耳难产逝世
35:16 他们由贝特耳起程出发，离厄弗辣大还有一段路程时，辣黑耳要生产，感觉难产。
35:17 正当难产之际，收生婆对她说：「不要怕，你这次还是生个男孩。」
35:18 辣黑耳将要断气快死的时候，给他起名叫本敖尼；但他的父亲却叫他本雅明。
35:19 辣黑耳死了，葬在去厄弗辣大，即白冷的路旁。
35:20 雅各伯在她坟上立了一块碑；这块辣黑耳坟上的碑，至今尚存。
勒乌本乱伦
35:21 以色列又起程前行，在米革达耳厄德尔的那一面支搭了帐幕。
35:22 以色列住在那地时，勒乌本竟去与他父亲的妾彼耳哈同睡；以色列后来闻知了此事。
雅各伯十二子,雅各伯的儿子共计十二人。
35:23 肋阿的儿子：雅各伯的长子勒乌本、西默盎、肋未、犹大、依撒加尔和则步隆。
35:24 辣黑耳的儿子：若瑟和本雅明。
35:25 辣黑耳的婢女彼耳哈的儿子：丹和纳斐塔里。
35:26 肋阿的婢女齐耳帕的儿子：加得和阿协尔：这些都是雅各伯在帕丹阿兰生的儿子。
依撒格逝世
35:27 雅各伯来到了克黎雅特阿尔巴，即赫贝龙的玛默勒他父亲依撒格那里，即亚巴郎和依撒格曾寄居过的地方。
35:28 依撒格享寿一百八十岁。
35:29 他年高老迈，已享天年，遂断气而死，归到他亲族那里去了；他的儿子厄撒乌和雅各伯将他埋葬了。
第三十六章(43)
厄撒乌的后裔
36:1 以下是厄撒乌，即厄东的后裔：
36:2 厄撒乌由客纳罕女人中娶的妻子，有赫特人厄隆的女儿阿达，有曷黎人漆贝红之子阿纳的女儿敖曷里巴玛；
36:3 还有依市玛耳的女儿，乃巴约特的姊妹巴色玛特。
36:4 阿达给厄撒乌生了厄里法次；巴色玛特生了勒乌耳；
36:5 敖曷里巴玛生了耶乌士、雅蓝和科辣黑：以上都是厄撒乌在客纳罕地生的儿子。
36:6 厄撒乌带了自己的妻子儿女，和家中所有的人，并自己所有的牛羊家畜，以及在客纳罕地所获得的财物，迁移到色依尔，离开他的弟弟雅各伯，
36:7 因为他们家产太多，不能住在一起；他们寄居的地方，由于家畜太多，也容不下他们。
36:8 厄撒乌就住在色依尔山地。厄撒乌即是厄东。
36:9 以下是色依尔山地厄东人的始祖厄撒乌的后裔。
36:10 以下是厄撒乌子孙的名谱：厄撒乌的妻子阿达的儿子厄里法次；厄撒乌的妻子巴色玛特的儿子勒乌耳。
36:11 厄里法次的儿子：特曼、敖玛尔、则缶、加堂和刻纳次。
36:12 厄撒乌的儿子厄里法次的妾提默纳给厄里法次生了阿玛肋克：以上是厄撒乌的妻子阿达的子孙。
36:13 勒乌耳的儿子：纳哈特、则辣黑、沙玛和米匝：以上是厄撒乌的妻子巴色玛特的子孙。
36:14 以下是漆贝红之子阿纳的女儿，厄撒乌的妻子敖曷里巴玛的儿子：她给厄撒乌生了耶乌士、雅蓝和科辣黑。
厄撒乌子孙的族长
36:15 以下是厄撒乌子孙中的族长：厄撒乌的长子厄里法次的子孙中，有特曼族长，敖玛尔族长，则缶族长，刻纳次族长，
36:16 科辣黑族长，加堂族长和阿玛肋克族长：以上是厄东地厄里法次族的族长，都是阿达的子孙。
36:17 厄撒乌的儿子勒乌耳的子孙中，有纳哈特族长，则辣黑族长，沙玛族长和米匝族长：以上是厄东地勒乌耳族的族长，都是厄撒乌的妻子巴色玛特的子孙。
36:18 厄撒乌的妻子敖曷里巴玛的子孙中有耶乌士族长，雅蓝族长和科辣黑族长：以上是阿纳的女儿，厄撒乌的妻子敖曷里巴玛子孙中的族长。
36:19 以上都是厄撒乌的子孙，都是族长。这就是厄东。
曷黎人色依尔的族谱
36:20 以下是当地居民曷黎人色依尔的子孙：罗堂、芍巴耳、漆贝红、阿雅、
36:21 狄雄、厄责尔和狄商：以上是厄东地色依尔子孙曷黎人的族长。
36:22 罗堂的儿子：曷黎和赫曼；罗堂的姊妹是提默纳。
36:23 芍巴耳的儿子：阿耳汪、玛纳哈特、厄巴耳、舍佛和敖南。
36:24 漆贝红的儿子：阿雅和阿纳；那在旷野里放牧他父亲漆贝红的驴，发现温泉的，就是这位阿纳。
36:25 阿纳的儿子狄雄；阿纳的女儿就是敖曷里巴玛。
36:26 狄雄的儿子：赫默丹、厄市班、依特兰和革兰。
36:27 厄责尔的儿子：彼耳汉、匝汪和阿甘。
36:28 狄商的儿子：伍兹和阿郎。
36:29 以下是曷黎人的族长：罗堂族长，芍巴耳族长，漆贝红族长，阿纳族长，
36:30 狄雄族长，厄责尔族长和狄商族长:以上是色依尔地曷黎人各族的族长。
厄东的君王
36:31 以下是在以色列子民未有君王统治以前，统治厄东地的君王。
36:32 贝敖尔的儿子贝拉在厄东作王，他的京城名叫丁哈巴。
36:33 贝拉死后，波责辣人则辣黑的儿子约巴布继他为王。
36:34 约巴布死后，特曼地人胡商继他为王。
36:35 胡商死后，贝达得的儿子哈达得继他为王，他曾在摩阿布平原击败了米德杨人。他的京城名叫阿威特。
36:36 哈达得死后，玛斯勒卡人撒默拉继他为王。
36:37 撒默拉死后河间的勒曷波特人沙乌耳继他为王。
36:38 沙乌耳死后，阿革波尔的儿子巴耳哈南继他为王。
36:39 阿革波尔的儿子巴耳哈南死后，哈达得继他为王；他的京城名叫帕乌。他的妻子名叫默塔贝耳，是默匝哈布人玛特勒得的女儿。
厄撒乌族其余的族长
36:40 厄撒乌族的族长名称，依族系和地区名列如下：提默纳族长，阿耳瓦族长，耶太特族长，
36:41 敖曷里巴玛族长，厄拉族长，丕农族长，
36:42 刻纳次族长，特曼族长，米贝匝尔族长，
36:43 玛革狄耳族长和依兰族长：以上是厄东人在所占有的地方，依住区所有的族长。厄东人的始祖即是厄撒乌。
第三十七章(36)
雅各伯定居客纳罕
37:1 雅各伯定居在他父亲作客的客纳罕地方。
37:2 以下是雅各伯的小史。
若瑟作异梦
若瑟十七岁时，与哥哥们一同放羊。他尚年幼，常与自己的父亲的妻子彼耳哈和齐耳帕的儿子们在一起。他不断将他们作的恶事报告给父亲。
37:3 以色列爱若瑟超过其它的儿子，因为是他年老生的，并给他做了一件彩色长衫。
37:4 他的哥哥们见父亲爱他胜过其余的儿子，就忌恨他，不能与他和气交谈。
37:5 若瑟作了一梦，讲给哥哥们听，因此他们越发恼恨他。
37:6 他对他们说：「请听我作的梦：
37:7 我梦见我们同在田间捆麦子，忽然我的麦捆站起来，你们的麦捆围住我的麦捆下拜。」
37:8 他哥哥们对他说：「难道你要作我们的君王﹖或者统治我们﹖」他们为了这梦和这番话，越发恼恨他。
37:9 他又作了一梦，也告诉他哥哥们说：「我又作了一梦：梦见太阳和月亮并十一颗星辰向我下拜。」
37:10 当他给父亲和哥哥们讲说这梦时，他父亲就责斥他说：「你作的是什么梦﹖难道我和你母亲以及你的兄弟，都要来向你叩首至地﹖」
37:11 他兄弟们都忌恨他；他父亲却将这事存在心里。
若瑟被出卖
37:12 若瑟的哥哥们去了舍根，放他们父亲的羊。
37:13 以色列对若瑟说：「你哥哥们不是在舍根放羊么﹖来，我打发你去看看他们。」他回答说：「我在这里。」
37:14 以色列对他说：「你去看看你哥哥们是否平安，羊群怎样；然后回来告诉我。」以色列便打发他由赫贝龙山谷前去；他到了舍根。
37:15 有一个人见他在田间游荡，那人就问他说：「你寻找什么﹖」
37:16 他答说：「我寻找我的哥哥；请告诉我：他们在那里放羊﹖」
37:17 那人答说：「他们已离开了这里；我听见他们说：我们到多堂去。」于是若瑟便去追寻他的哥哥，在多堂找到了。
37:18 他们老远就看见了他；在他尚未来近以前，就已决定要谋杀他。
37:19 他们彼此说：「看，那作梦的人来了!
37:20 我们杀掉他，将他拋在一口井里，说是猛兽吃了。看他的梦还有什么用﹖」
37:21 勒乌本听了，就设法由他们手中救他，遂说：「我们不要害他!」
37:22 勒乌本又对他们说：「你们不要流血；只将他丢在这旷野的井里，不可下手害他。」他的意思是想由他们手中救出他来，还给父亲。
37:23 若瑟一来到他哥哥们那里，他们就脱去了他穿的那件彩色长衣，抓住他，把他丢在井里；
37:24 那井是空的，里面没有水。
37:25 他们坐下吃饭时，举目看见一队由基肋阿得来的依市玛耳人；他们的骆驼满载树胶、香液和香料，要下到埃及去。
37:26 犹大遂对兄弟们说：「杀害我们的弟弟，隐瞒他的血，究竟有什么益处﹖
37:27 不如将他卖给依市玛耳人，免得对他下毒手，因为他究竟是我们的兄弟，是我们的骨肉。」兄弟们听从了他的意见。
37:28 米德杨的商人经过那里时，他们便从井中拉出若瑟来，以二十块银钱卖给了依市玛耳人；他们便将若瑟带到埃及去了。
37:29 勒乌本回到井边，不见若瑟在井内，遂撕裂了自己的衣服，
37:30 回到兄弟们那里喊说：「孩子不见了!我可往那里去呢﹖」
37:31 他们于是拿了若瑟的长衣，杀了一只公山羊，将长衣浸在血里；
37:32 然后派人将那件彩色的长衣送给他们的父亲说：「这是我们寻得的，请你仔细看看，是不是你儿子的长衣﹖」
37:33 雅各伯仔细一看，就喊说：「是我儿子的长衣；猛兽将他吃了。若瑟被撕裂了，被撕裂了!」
37:34 雅各伯遂撕裂了自己的衣服，腰间围上麻衣，为自己的儿子悲哀了多日。
37:35 虽然他的儿女都来安慰他，他却不肯接受他们的安慰，说：「我只有悲哀地下到阴间，往我儿那里去!」他的父亲竟这样哀悼他。
37:36 米德杨人后来在埃及将若瑟卖给了法郎的内臣，卫队长普提法尔。
第三十八章(30)
犹大与儿媳
38:1 那时犹大离开自己的兄弟，下到一个名叫希辣的阿杜蓝人那里住下了。
38:2 犹大在那里看见了一个名叫叔亚的客纳罕人的女儿，就娶了她，亲近了她。
38:3 她遂怀孕，生了一个儿子，给他起名叫厄尔。
38:4 她又怀孕，生了一个儿子，给他起名叫敖难。
38:5 以后她又生了一个儿子，给他起名叫舍拉；生他的时候，犹大正在革齐布。
38:6 犹大给自己的长子厄尔娶了妻子，名叫塔玛尔。
38:7 犹大的长子厄尔行了上主所厌恶的事，上主就叫他死了。
38:8 于是犹大对敖难说：「你去与你哥哥的妻子亲近，与她尽你为弟弟的义务，给你哥哥立后。」
38:9 敖难明知后裔不归自己，所以当他与哥哥的妻子结合时，便将精液遗泄于地，免得给自己的哥哥立后。
38:10 他作这事，为上主所厌恶，上主就叫他死了。
38:11 犹大于是对儿媳塔玛尔说：「你回到你父亲家中去守寡，直到我儿子舍拉长大成人。」因为他心里想：「恐怕他也如同他哥哥们一样死去。」塔玛尔就回去，住在自己父亲的家里。
38:12 过了几年，犹大的妻子叔亚的女儿死了。丧期过后，犹大便同自己的朋友阿杜蓝人希辣，上提默纳黑去剪羊毛。
38:13 有人告诉塔玛尔说:「你公公现正上提默纳黑去剪羊毛。」
38:14 塔玛尔遂脱去守寡的衣服，蒙上首帕，遮掩自己，坐在通往提默纳黑大道去厄纳殷的路口上；－－原来她见舍拉已经长大，还没有娶她为妻。－－
38:15 犹大一看见她，以为她是个妓女，因为她遮盖了自己的脸。
38:16 犹大便由路上转到她面前，向她说：「来!让我与你亲近!」他并不知她就是自己的儿媳。她答说：「你给我什么，好与我亲近﹖」
38:17 犹大答说：「由羊群中取一只小公山羊送给你。」塔玛尔说：「你未送来以前，你应给个抵押。」
38:18 犹大问说：「我该给你什么作抵押﹖」她答说：「你的印章，你的系印带和你手中的棍杖。」犹大便交给了她，与她亲近了；她于是由他怀了孕。
38:19 事后，她起来回家，除掉首帕，再穿上她守寡的衣服。
38:20 犹大托自己的朋友阿杜蓝人送了一只小公山羊去，好由那女人手中取回抵押；他却找不到她，
38:21 便问当地人说：「那在厄纳殷路旁的庙妓在那里﹖」人答说：「这里从来没有庙妓。」
38:22 他回来对犹大说：「我找不着她，并且当地的人都说：这里从来没有庙妓。」
38:23 犹大遂说：「让她留着罢!免得我们被人嗤笑。我将小公山羊送了去，可是你没有找着她。」
38:24 大约过了三个月，有人告诉犹大说：「你的儿媳塔玛尔与人通奸，而且因通奸有了身孕。犹大说：「把她拉出来烧死!」
38:25 当她被拉出来时，她派人到她公公那里说：「这些东西是谁的，我就是由谁怀了孕。」并且说：「请你仔细看看这些东西：印章、印带和棍杖是谁的﹖」
38:26 犹大仔细一看，就说：「她比我更有理，因为我尚没有将她嫁给我的儿子舍拉。」他从此以后，再没有认识她。
38:27 到了她要生产的时候，腹中竟是一对双胎。
38:28 她正生产时，一个胎儿伸出一手来，收生婆就拿了一根朱红线系在他手上说：「这个是先出生的。」
38:29 但是他一收回手去，他的兄弟就出生了；收生婆说：「你为自己开了个怎样的裂口!」遂给他起名叫培勒兹。
38:30 以后，那手上系有朱红线的兄弟也出生了，遂给他起名叫则辣黑。
第三十九章(23)
若瑟在普提法尔家
39:1 若瑟被人带到埃及，有个埃及人普提法尔，是法郎的内臣兼卫队长，从带若瑟来的依市玛耳人手里买了他。
39:2 上主与若瑟同在，他便事事顺利，住在他埃及主人家里。
39:3 他主人见上主与若瑟同在，又见上主使他手中所做的事，无不顺利；
39:4 为此若瑟在他主人眼中得了宠，令他服事自己，托他管理自己的家务，将所有的一切，都交在他手中。
39:5 自从主人托他管理家务和所有的一切以来，上主为若瑟的原故，祝福了这埃及人的家庭，他家内和田间所有的一切，都蒙受了上主的祝福。
39:6 普提法尔将自己所有的一切，都交在若瑟的手里；只要有他在，除自己所吃的食物外，其余一概不管。若瑟生来体态秀雅，容貌俊美。
主妇勾引若瑟
39:7 这些事以后，有一回，主人的妻子向若瑟以目传情，并且说：「你与我同睡罢!」
39:8 他立即拒绝，对主人的妻子说：「你看，有我在，家中的事，我主人什么都不管；凡他所有的一切，都交在我手中。
39:9 在这一家内，他并不比我更有权势，因为他没有留下一样不交给我；只有你除外，因为你是他的妻子。我怎能做这极恶的事，得罪天主呢﹖」
39:10 她虽然天天这样对若瑟说，若瑟总不听从与她同睡，与她结合。
39:11 有这么一天，若瑟走进屋内办事，家人都没有在屋里，
39:12 她便抓住若瑟的衣服说：「与我同睡罢!」若瑟把自己的外衣，舍在她手中，就跑到外面去了。
若瑟无罪入狱
39:13 她一见若瑟把自己的外衣舍在她手中，跑到外面去了。
39:14 就召唤她的家人来，对他们说：「你们看!他给我们带来的希伯来人竟敢调戏我啊!他来到我这里，要与我同睡，我就大声呼喊。
39:15 他一听见我高声呼喊，把他的衣服舍在我身边，就跑到外面去了。」
39:16 她便将若瑟的衣服留在身边，等他的主人回家，
39:17 她又用同样的话给他讲述说：「你给我们带来的那个希伯来仆人，竟到这里来调戏我。
39:18 我一高声呼喊，他就把他的衣服舍在我身边，跑到外面去了。」
39:19 主人一听见他妻子对他所说：「你的仆人如此如此对待我的话，」便大发愤怒。
39:20 若瑟的主人遂捉住若瑟放在监里，即囚禁君王囚犯人的地方。他虽在那里坐监，
39:21 上主仍与他同在，对他施恩，使他在狱长眼中得宠；
39:22 因此狱长将监中所有的囚犯都交在若瑟手中；凡狱中应办的事，都由他办理。
39:23 凡交在若瑟手中的事，狱长一概不闻不问，因为上主与他同在，凡他所做的，上主无不使之顺遂。
第四十章(23)
若瑟在狱中解梦
40:1 这些事以后，埃及王的司酒和司厨得罪了他们的主人埃及王。
40:2 法郎于是对那两个内臣，司酒长和司厨长发了怒，
40:3 将他们囚在卫队长府内的拘留所内，若瑟被囚禁的地方。
40:4 卫队长将他们交给若瑟，若瑟就照管他们。他们在拘留所内过了一些时日，
40:5 那两个被囚在狱里的埃及王的司酒和司厨，在同一夜里，各作了一梦；每人的梦都有它的意义。
40:6 早晨若瑟到了他们那里，见他们面有忧色，
40:7 便问那与他同在自己主人府中监狱里的法郎内臣说：「为什么你们今天面带忧色﹖」
40:8 他们回答说：「我们各作了一梦，没有人能够解释。」若瑟对他们说：「解梦不是天主的事吗﹖请你们讲给我听!」
40:9 司酒长就将自己的梦讲给若瑟听，对他说：「我梦见在我前面有株葡萄树。
40:10 树上有三根枝子，刚发芽，就生出了花朵，花朵结了熟葡萄。
40:11 我手拿着法郎的杯，将葡萄挤在法郎的杯中，将杯递在法郎的手内。」
40:12 若瑟对他说：「这梦的意义就是：三根枝子是指的三天。
40:13 三天以内，法郎要高举你，恢复你的职位：你仍将杯放在法郎的手中，像先前作他司酒时一样；
40:14 但是，当你得志时，请你记得我，望你对我施恩，为我告诉法郎，救我出离这监牢；
40:15 因为我不但是由希伯来人地被拐来的，而且在这里我也没有做过什么使他们将我放在这地牢里的事。」
40:16 司厨长见他解得吉祥，便对若瑟说：「我也作了一梦，梦见在我的头上有三筐白饼。
40:17 最上面的筐内，有为法郎预备的各种食物，有飞鸟来啄食我头上筐里的食物。」
40:18 若瑟回答说：「这梦的意义就是：三筐是指的三天。
40:19 三天以内，法郎要高举你，将你悬在木架上，飞鸟要来啄食你的肉。」
40:20 第三天，适逢法郎的生日，法郎为群臣摆设了盛宴，在群臣中将司酒长和司厨长提出来，
40:21 恢复了司酒长的司酒职，再将杯放在法郎手中；
40:22 至于司厨长，却被悬挂起来，正如若瑟对他们所解释的。
40:23 司酒长却没有记得若瑟，竟将他忘了。
第四十一章(57)
法郎连作二梦
41:1 过了两年，法郎作了一梦，梦见自己站在尼罗河畔。
41:2 看见从尼罗河中上来了七只母牛，色美体肥，在芦苇中吃草。
41:3 随后，从尼罗河中，又上来了七只色丑体瘦的母牛，站在尼罗河岸上靠近那些母牛身旁。
41:4 这些色丑体瘦的母牛，竟将那七只色美体肥的母牛吞了下去；法郎便惊醒了。
41:5 他又睡下，作了一个梦，梦见在一根麦茎上，生出了七枝又肥又美的麦穗；
41:6 随后，又发出了七枝又细弱，而又为东风吹焦了的麦穗。
41:7 这些细弱的麦穗竟将那七枝又肥又实的麦穗吞了下去。法郎惊醒了，原是一场梦。
41:8 到了早晨，他心烦意乱，遂遣人将埃及所有的术士和贤士召来，给他们讲述了自己的梦，却没有人能给法郎解释。
41:9 那时司酒长向法郎说：「我今天想起了我的过犯。
41:10 有一次陛下对自己的臣仆发怒，将我和司厨长关在卫队长府内的拘留所内。
41:11 我和他在同一夜里，各作了一梦，我们每人的梦都有它的意义。
41:12 在那里有个希伯来少年人与我们在一起，他是卫队长的仆人；当我们把梦告诉了他，他就给我们加以解释，给每个人的梦都说明了它的意义。
41:13 果然，都照他给我们所解释的应验了：我恢复了原职，他却被吊死了。」
若瑟出狱解梦
41:14 法郎于是遣人去召若瑟，人就快把他从地牢里提出来；他剃了头，刮了脸，换了衣服，来到法郎跟前。
41:15 法郎对若瑟说：「我作了一梦，没有人能够解释。我听见人说，你听了梦就能解释。」
41:16 若瑟回答法郎说：「这不是我所能的，只有天主能给陛下一个吉祥的解答。」
41:17 法郎遂向若瑟说：「我梦见我站在尼罗河上，
41:18 看见从河中上来了七只母牛，体肥色美，在芦苇丛中吃草。
41:19 随后，又上来了七只母牛，软弱无力，色丑体瘦，那种丑陋，我在埃及全国从未见过。
41:20 这些又瘦又丑的母牛，竟将先上来的那七只肥母牛吞了下去。
41:21 它们吞下去之后，竟看不出来它们吞了下去，因为它们丑陋的样子和先前一样，我就惊醒了。
41:22 以后我又梦见在一根麦茎上，生出了七枝粗大美丽的麦穗。
41:23 随后，又发出了七枝枯萎细弱而又被东风吹焦了的麦穗。
41:24 这些细弱的麦穗竟将那七枝美丽的麦穗吞了。我讲给了术士们听，但没有人能给我解说。」
41:25 若瑟遂对法郎说：「陛下的梦只是一个。天主已将所要作的告诉陛下：
41:26 七只美好的母牛表示七年，七枝美好的麦穗也表示七年。这原是一个梦。
41:27 随后上来的那七只又瘦又丑的母牛，和那七枝空虚而又被东风吹焦了的麦穗，都表示七年，表示将有七个荒年。
41:28 这即是我对陛下所说：天主已将他要作的显示给陛下了。
41:29 看埃及全国将有七年大丰收。
41:30 继之而来的是七个荒年，那时人都忘记了埃及国曾有过丰收。当饥荒蹂躏此地时，
41:31 谁也觉不到此地曾有过丰收，因为相继而来的饥荒实在太严重了。
41:32 至于陛下的梦重复了两次，是表示这事已由天主命定，天主就快要实行。
41:33 所以陛下现在应当寻找一个聪明，有智能的人，派他管理埃及国。
41:34 陛下应设法在地方上派定督办，在七个丰年内，征收埃及国所出产的五分之一；
41:35 使他们将未来丰年内的一切食粮，聚敛起来，将五谷都储藏在陛下手下，贮在城内备作食粮，妥为保管。
41:36 这些食粮应作为本地的存粮，以应付那在埃及国要出现的七个荒年，免得全国因饥荒而灭亡。
若瑟居高位
41:37 这番话使法郎和他的群臣十分赞成，
41:38 于是法郎对他的臣仆说：「像他这样的人，有天主的神住在他内，我们岂能找着另一个﹖」
41:39 法郎遂对若瑟说：「天主既使你知道这一切，就再没有像你这样聪敏富有智能的人了。
41:40 你要掌管我的朝廷，我的人民都要听从你的号令；只在宝座上我比你大。」
41:41 法郎又对若瑟说：「看，我立你统治全埃及国。」
41:42 遂由自己手上取下打印的戒指，戴在若瑟手上，给他穿上细麻长袍，将金链戴在他的颈项上；
41:43 又使他坐在自己的第二部御车上，人们在他前面喊说：「跪下!」法郎就这样立他管理全埃及国。
41:44 法郎又对若瑟说：「我是法郎，没有你的同意，全埃及国，任何人不得做任何事。」
41:45 法郎给若瑟起名叫匝斐纳特帕乃亚，又将翁城的司祭颇提斐辣的女儿阿斯纳特给他为妻。若瑟便出去巡行埃及全国。
若瑟囤粮
41:46 若瑟立于埃及王法郎前时，年三十岁。他由法郎面前出去巡行了埃及全国。
41:47 七个丰年内，土地出产极其丰富。
41:48 若瑟聚敛了埃及国七个丰年内所有的粮食，积蓄在城内；每城城郊田间所出的粮食，也都储藏在本城内。
41:49 这样若瑟聚敛了大量的五谷，多得有如海沙，无法计算，无法胜数。
若瑟生子
41:50 在荒年未来以前，若瑟已有了两个儿子，是翁城的司祭颇提斐辣的女儿阿斯纳特给他生的。
41:51 若瑟给长子起名叫默纳协，说：「天主使我忘尽了我的一切困苦和我父的全家。
41:52 给次子起名叫厄弗辣因，说：「天主使我在我受苦的地方有了子息。」
一连七个荒年
41:53 埃及国的七个丰年一过，
41:54 七个荒年随着就来了，恰如若瑟所预言的；各地都发生了饥荒，唯独全埃及国还有食粮。
41:55 及至埃及全国闹饥荒时，人民便向法郎呼求粮食；法郎对埃及民众说：「你们到若瑟那里去，照他对你们所说的做。」
41:56 当时饥荒弥漫天下，若瑟便开了国内所有的粮仓，将粮食卖给埃及人，因为埃及的饥荒很严重。
41:57 天下的人都来到埃及，向若瑟购买食粮，因为天下各地都大闹饥荒。
第四十二章(38)
雅各伯派子购粮
42:1 雅各伯见埃及有粮食出售，便对自己的儿子们说：「你们为什么彼此观望﹖」
42:2 继而说：「我听说在埃及有粮食出售，你们下到那里，给我们购买些粮食，叫我们好活下去，不致饿死。」
42:3 于是若瑟的十个哥哥下到埃及买粮食去了。
42:4 至于若瑟的弟弟本雅明，雅各伯没有叫他与哥哥们同去，因为他想：怕他遇害。
42:5 这样以色列的儿子们也夹在前来购粮的人中，前来购粮，因为客纳罕地也发生了饥荒。
42:6 当时在地方上执政的人是若瑟，给地方上所有人民配售粮食的也是他。若瑟的哥哥们来了，就俯首至地，向他下拜。
42:7 若瑟一见他的哥哥们，就认出他们来，却装做生人，向他们说了一切严厉的话，问他们说：「你们是从那里来的﹖」他们答说：「我们是从客纳罕地来购买粮食的。」
若瑟试探哥哥
42:8 若瑟认出哥哥们来，他们却没有认出他来。
42:9 于是若瑟想起了他昔日关于他们所作的梦，便对他们说：「你们是探子，前来刺探本地的虚实。」
42:10 他们回答说：「我主!绝对不是：你的仆人们是来购买粮食的。
42:11 我们全是一个人的儿子，我们是诚实人；你的仆人们从未做过探子。」
42:12 若瑟对他们说：「不，你们前来必是为刺探此地的虚实。」
42:13 他们答说：「你的仆人们原是兄弟十二人，同是客纳罕地一个人的儿子；最小的现今在父亲那里，另一个已不在了。」
42:14 若瑟对他们说：「我才说你们是探子；这话实在不错。
42:15 为此我要考验你们：我指着法郎的生命起誓：如果你们最小的弟弟不到这里来，你们莫想离开此地。
42:16 你们可由你们中派一个人回去，带你们的弟弟来，其它的人暂且拘留，以待证明你们的话是否诚实；如果不是真的，我指着法郎的生命起誓：你们必是探子。」
42:17 于是在拘留所内拘禁了他们三天。
42:18 第三天，若瑟对他们说：「我原是个敬畏天主的人，你们愿意保全性命，应这样做：
42:19 如果你们是诚实人，叫你们兄弟中一个人留在拘留所内，其余的人可带粮食回去，解救家中的饥荒。
42:20 然后给我带你们的小弟弟来，好证实你们的话，你们也不致于死。」他们就这样作了。
42:21 他们彼此说：「我们实在该赔补加害我们兄弟的罪，因为他向我们哀求时，我们见了他心灵痛苦，竟不肯听；为此这场苦难才落到我们身上!」
42:22 勒乌本就对他们说：「我岂不是对你们说过：不要伤害那孩子吗﹖你们却不肯听；看，现在要追讨他的血了。」
42:23 他们原不知道若瑟都听得懂，因为在他们中有一翻译员。
42:24 若瑟就由他们前退出去哭了。然后又回来与他们交谈，由他们中提出西默盎在他们眼前将他捆绑起来。
42:25 若瑟遂吩咐人将他们的布袋装满了粮食，将各人的银钱仍放在各人的布袋内，并且还给了他们途中所需要的食物；人就对他们这样做了。
42:26 他们将购得的粮食驮在驴上，就从那里起身走了。
42:27 到了客栈，他们中一人打开了布袋拿料喂驴，看见自己的银钱仍在布袋口，
42:28 遂对兄弟们说：「我的银钱退回来了；看，仍在我的袋里。」他们心惊起来，彼此战栗地说：「天主对我们所作的，是怎么一回事。」
雅各伯诉苦
42:29 他们回到客纳罕地，他们的父亲雅各伯那里，将所遇见的事全告诉他说：
42:30 「那地方的主人对我们说了一些严厉的话，将我们视作刺探那地方的人。
42:31 我们对他说：「我们是诚实人，决不是探子；
42:32 我们原是兄弟十二人，同一父亲的儿子，一个已不在了，最小的现在同我们的父亲在客纳罕地。
42:33 那地方的主人对我们说：为叫我知道你们是诚实人，你们兄弟中一人留在我这里，其余的人带粮食回去解救家中的饥荒；
42:34 然后将你们的弟弟给我带来，那时我才能知道你们不是探子，确是诚实人，我将你们的兄弟还给你们，你们可在这地方自由行动。」
42:35 当他们倒自己的粮袋时，不料各人的钱囊仍在各人的袋内。他们和他们的父亲，一见钱囊，都害怕起来。
42:36 他们的父亲雅各伯对他们说：「你们总是使我丧失儿子：若瑟不在了，西默盎不在了，你们还要带走本雅明!这一切都落在我身上!」
42:37 勒乌本对他父亲说：「如果我不将他给你带回来，你可杀死我的两个儿子；只管将他交在我手里，我必再还给你。」
42:38 雅各伯答说：「我儿子不能和你们一同下去，因为他哥哥死了，只剩下了他独自一个；如果他在你们行的路上遇到什么不幸，那你们就要使我这白发老人在忧苦中降入阴府了。」
第四十三章(34)
本雅明来埃及
43:1 地上的饥荒仍然严重。
43:2 他们吃完了由埃及带来的粮食，父亲对他们说：「你们再去给我们买点粮食来吃!」
43:3 犹大立即回答父亲说：「那人明明告诉我们说：你们若不带弟弟一起来，你们休想见我的面。
43:4 你若让我们的弟弟与我们一同去，我们就下去给你买些粮食来；
43:5 你若不让他去，我们也不下去；因为那人对我们说过：「你们若不带弟弟与你们一同来，你们休想见我的面。」
43:6 以色列说：「你们为什么这样害我，告诉那人你们还有个弟弟﹖」
43:7 他们回答说：「那人再三再四问我们和我们的家庭说：「你们的父亲是否还活着﹖你们是否另有个兄弟﹖我们只得照这些话答复他。那里会知道他要说：带你们的兄弟一同下来﹖」
43:8 犹大又对他父亲以色列说：「你叫孩童与我同去，我们就起身前去；这样，我们和你并我们的幼儿，可以生活，不致饿死。
43:9 我为他担保，你可由我手中要人；如果我不将他带回，交在你面前，我在你前终生负罪。
43:10 假使我们没有迟延，现在第二次也回来了!」
43:11 他们的父亲以色列对他们说：「如果必须如此，你们就这样做：在行李内带些本地最好的出产，一些香液、蜂蜜、树胶、香料、榧子和杏仁，下去送给那人当作礼物。
43:12 手中多带一倍银钱，将那放在你们粮袋口的银钱，也一并带上，这或者是出于一时的错误。
43:13 并且带着你们的弟弟起身往那人那里去。
43:14 愿全能的天主使你们在那人面前蒙恩，放回你们那个兄弟和本雅明；至于我，如要丧子，就丧子罢!」
43:15 这一伙人于是带了那些礼物，手中带上双倍银钱，带本雅明起身下到埃及去，到了若瑟面前。
43:16 若瑟一看见他们和本雅明，就对自己的管家说：「带这些人到家里去，宰牲设宴，中午这些人要与我一起吃饭。」
43:17 管家就依照若瑟吩咐的做了，将这些人带到若瑟家中。
43:18 这些人一进入了若瑟的家，就害怕起来，心里想：「他带我们到这里来，定是为了上次放回我们袋里银钱的事，想找我们的错处，加害我们，拿住我们当奴隶，夺取我们的驴。」
43:19 他们于是走到若瑟的管家前，在房门口同他谈起这事，
43:20 说：「我主，请原谅：我们上次下到这里来购买粮食，
43:21 当我们到了客栈，打开我们的布袋时，发见各人的银钱仍在各人的布袋口，我们的银钱一分不少；现在我们又亲手带回来了。
43:22 此外我们手中又带了些银钱，来购买粮食；我们不知道是谁将我们的银钱放在我们的布袋内。」
43:23 管家答说：「请你们放心，不必害怕!是你们的天主，你们祖先的天主，在你们的布袋里给你们放上了财宝；你们的银钱我已经收了。」以后给他们领出西默盎来。
若瑟款待兄弟
43:24 管家领这些人到了若瑟家里，先给他们拿水洗了脚，然后拿草料喂了驴。
43:25 他们遂将礼物预备好，等候若瑟中午回来；因为听说，他们要在那里吃午饭。
43:26 若瑟回到家里，他们就将手中的礼物献给他，俯首至地向他下拜。
43:27 若瑟先向他们问安，然后说：「你们以前所说的老父好么﹖还健在么﹖」
43:28 他们答说：「你的仆人，我们的父亲还好，还健在。」遂又鞠躬下拜。
43:29 若瑟举目，见了他母亲亲生的弟弟本雅明，就问说：「这就是你们对我说的那小弟弟吗﹖」继而说：「孩子，愿天主保佑你!」
43:30 若瑟爱弟情切，想要流泪，赶快进了自己的内室，在那里哭了一场；
43:31 然后洗脸出来，勉强抑制自己，吩咐说：「摆饭罢!」
43:32 人就给若瑟摆了一席，为他们摆了一席，为与若瑟一起吃饭的埃及人另摆了一席；因为埃及人不能同希伯来人一起吃饭，这为他们是个耻辱。
43:33 他们便在若瑟前，安排就坐，全按长幼的次序，长者在上，幼者在下；众兄弟彼此相看，惊奇不已。
43:34 若瑟将自己面前的食物分开，分给他们；但本雅明的一分，比其余的人多五倍。他们遂与若瑟饮酒宴乐。
第四十四章(34)
若瑟再试探兄弟
44:1 然后若瑟吩咐自己的管家说：「将粮食装满这些人的布袋，他们能带多少，就装多少；将每人的银钱仍放在他的布袋口处，
44:2 再将我的银杯和那最年幼购粮的银钱，一并放在他的布袋口处。」管家就照若瑟吩咐的话做了。
44:3 清早天一发亮，就遣送这些人带着他们的驴走了。
44:4 他们出了城，还不很远，若瑟就对他的管家说：「你起身去追赶那些人，追上他们，就对他们说：你们为什么以恶报善﹖
44:5 为什么偷去我的银杯﹖这杯是我主人为饮酒为占卜用的啊!你们作的实在不对!」
44:6 管家追上他们，就对他们说了这些话。
44:7 他们回答说：「我主怎么说些这样的话﹖你的仆人们决不敢做这样的事!
44:8 你看!我们在布袋口所发现的银钱，还从客纳罕地带回来给了你，我们怎能偷你主人家的金银呢﹖
44:9 在你仆人中，不论在谁那里搜出来，谁就该死，并且我们都该作我主的奴隶。」
44:10 管家答说：「也好，就照你们的话做；只是在谁那里搜出来，谁该作我的奴隶；你们其余的人可自由离去。」
44:11 于是他们各人急忙将自己的布袋卸下，放在地上，各人打开自己的布袋。
44:12 管家便一一搜查，从年长的开始，到年幼的为止；结果那杯在本雅明的布袋里搜了出来。
44:13 他们遂撕裂了自己的衣服，各人又使驴驮上重载，回城里去了。
44:14 犹大和他的兄弟们进了若瑟的家，若瑟还在那里，他们就在他面前俯伏在地。
44:15 若瑟对他们说：「你们作的是什么事﹖难道你们不知道像我这样的人会占卜吗﹖」
44:16 犹大答说：「我们对我主还能说什么﹖还有什么话可说﹖我们如何能表白自己﹖天主已查出了你仆人们的罪恶。我们和在他手里搜出杯来的，都应作我主的奴隶。」
44:17 若瑟答说：「我决不这样做；在谁手里搜出杯来，谁就该作我的奴隶；至于你们，都可平安上去，回到你们父亲那里。」
犹大自愿代罪
44:18 犹大近前对若瑟说：「我主，请原谅，容你仆人向我主进一言，请不要对你仆人动怒，因为你原与法郎无异。
44:19 我主以前曾问仆人们说：你们还有父亲或兄弟吗﹖
44:20 我们曾回答我主说：还有老父和他老年生的幼儿；他的哥哥死了，他母亲只剩下了他一个；为此父亲非常疼爱他。
44:21 你就对你仆人们说：将他带到我这里来，我要亲眼看看他。
44:22 我们即对我主说：孩子是不能离开他父亲的；如果离开了，他父亲必会死去。
44:23 你对你仆人们说：如果你们的小弟弟不同你们一起下来，你们休想再见我的面。
44:24 我们一上到你仆人，我父亲那里，就将我主的话告诉了他。
44:25 后来我们的父亲说：你们再去给我们买点粮食来。
44:26 我们答说：我们不能下去；除非我们的小弟弟同我们一起，我们才下去；因为我们的小弟弟不同我们在一起，我们不能见那人的面。
44:27 你的仆人，我的父亲就对我们说：你们知道，我的妻子给我只生了两个儿子：
44:28 其中一个离开我出去，我猜想，他是被猛兽撕裂了，到现在，再没有见到他。
44:29 如今你们连这一个也要由我面前带走；倘若他遇到什么不幸，你们就要使我这白发老人在悲痛中下到阴府了!
44:30 现在，如我回到你仆人，我父亲那里，孩童没有与我们在一起，－－他原与这孩童相依为命，－－
44:31 他一见孩童没有与我们在一起，就必死无疑；那你的仆人们就要使你的仆人，我们的父亲带着白发在忧苦中下入阴府了。
44:32 况且你的仆人曾在我父面前为孩童担保说：如果我不将他带回来交给你，我终生在我父前负罪。
44:33 现在请让你的仆人留下，代替孩童给我主为奴，让孩童跟他哥哥们回去。
44:34 如果孩童不与我在一起，我怎能上去见我父亲﹖我怕看见我父亲遭到不幸!」
第四十五章(28)
若瑟表明身份
45:1 若瑟在众侍从前不能再抑制自己，就喊说：「叫众人离开我出去!」这样，若瑟使兄弟认出自己来时，没有别人在场。
45:2 他便放声大哭，埃及人都听到了，法郎朝廷也听到了。
45:3 若瑟对兄弟们说：「我就是若瑟，我父亲还在吗﹖」他的兄弟们不能回答，因为在他面前都吓呆了。
45:4 若瑟又对兄弟们说：「请你们近前来。」他们就上前去。若瑟说：「我就是你们卖到埃及的弟弟若瑟。
45:5 现在你们不要因为将我卖到这里便自忧自责；这原是天主派遣我在你们以先来，为保全你们的性命。
45:6 地方上的饥荒才过了第二年，还有五年，不能耕种，不能收割。
45:7 天主派遣我在你们以先来，是为给你们在地上留下后裔，给你们保全多人的性命。
45:8 所以叫我到这里来的并不是你们，而是天主；是他立我作法郎之父，作他全家的主人，作全埃及地的总理。
45:9 你们急速上到我父亲那里，对他说：你的儿子若瑟这样说：天主立我作了全埃及的主人，请你下到我这里来，不要迟延。
45:10 你和你的儿孙，以及你的羊群牲畜，并你一切所有，都可住在哥笙地，离我不远，
45:11 我好在那里奉养你，免得你和你的眷属，并你一切所有陷于贫乏，因为尚有五年饥荒。
45:12 看你们和我的弟弟本雅明都亲眼见到，是我亲口在对你们说话。
45:13 你们要将我在埃及的一切光荣，和你们亲见的一切，都告诉我父亲，尽速带我父亲下到这里来。」
45:14 说毕，便扑在他弟弟本雅明的颈上哭起来了，本雅明也伏在他颈上哭泣。
45:15 然后与众兄弟亲吻，抱着他们痛哭。这以后，他的兄弟们纔敢与他交谈。
法郎面谕若瑟迎父
45:16 法郎朝廷听说若瑟兄弟来了的消息，法郎和他的臣仆都很高兴。
45:17 法郎便对若瑟说：「你对你的兄弟们说：你们应这样做：备好牲口，立即往客纳罕地去，
45:18 接你们的父亲和家眷到我这里来，我愿赐给你们埃及地最好的出产，使你们享受本地的肥物。
45:19 你再吩咐他们说：你们应这样做：从埃及带些车辆去接你们的子女和妻子，并把你们的父亲接来；
45:20 不要顾惜你们的物品，因为全埃及地最好的出品都归你们享用。」
45:21 以色列的儿子们就这样做了。若瑟依照法郎的吩咐，给了他们一些车辆和路上用的食粮；
45:22 又给了每人一套新衣，至于本雅明，却给了他三百银钱和五套新衣；
45:23 同样，给他父亲送去十匹公驴，满载埃及最好的出品，十匹母驴，满载粮食面饼，和为父亲路上用的食品。
45:24 随后打发他的兄弟们走了；当他们离别时，对他们说：「路上不要争吵!」
兄弟归家迎父
45:25 若瑟的兄弟们由埃及上到客纳罕，他们父亲雅各伯那里，
45:26 告诉他说：「若瑟还活着，而且做了全埃及国的总理。」雅各伯听了心中淡然，并不相信。
45:27 及至他们将若瑟对他们所说的话，全讲给他听，他又看了若瑟打发来接他的车辆，他们的父亲雅各伯的心神才苏醒过来。
45:28 以色列于是说：「只要我儿若瑟还在，我就心满意足了；在我未死以前，我该去见他一面。」
第四十六章(33)
雅各伯迁往埃及
46:1 以色列遂带着他所有的一切出发，来到了贝尔舍巴，向他父亲依撒格的天主献了祭，
46:2 当夜天主在神视中对以色列说：「雅各伯、雅各伯!」他答说：「我在这里。」
46:3 天主说：「我是天主，你父亲的天主。你不要害怕下到埃及去，因为我要使你在那里成为一大民族。
46:4 我与你一同下到埃及，也必使你再上来；若瑟要亲手合上你的眼。」
46:5 雅各伯遂由贝尔舍巴起程。以色列的儿子们扶自己的父亲雅各伯和自己的孩子及妻子，上了法郎派来接他的车，
46:6 带了家畜和在客纳罕地积聚的财物，一同向埃及进发：这样雅各伯和他所有的孩子，
46:7 即他的儿子、孙子、女儿、孙女，他的一切孩子，都一同来到了埃及。
雅各伯的子孙
46:8 以下是来到埃及的以色列人，雅各伯和他子孙的名单：雅各伯的长子勒乌本；
46:9 勒乌本的儿子：哈诺客、帕路、赫兹龙和加尔米；
46:10 西默盎的儿子：耶慕耳、雅明、敖哈得、雅津、祚哈尔和客纳罕女子的儿子沙乌耳；
46:11 肋未的儿子：革尔雄、刻哈特和默辣黎；
46:12 犹大的儿子：厄尔、敖难、舍拉、培勒兹和则辣黑：厄尔和敖难已死在客纳罕地。培勒兹的儿子：赫兹龙和哈慕耳；
46:13 依撒加尔的儿子：托拉、普瓦、雅叔布和史默龙；
46:14 则步隆的儿子：色勒得、厄隆和雅赫肋耳：
46:15 以上是肋阿在帕丹阿兰给雅各伯生的子孙；还有他的女儿狄纳：男女子孙共计三十三人。
46:16 加得的儿子：漆斐雍、哈基、叔尼、厄兹朋、厄黎、阿洛狄和阿勒里；
46:17 阿协尔的儿子：依默纳、依市瓦、依市伟、贝黎雅和他们的姊妹色辣黑；贝黎雅的儿子赫贝尔和玛耳基耳：
46:18 以上是拉班给他的女儿肋阿的婢女齐耳帕，给雅各伯生的子孙，共计十六人。
46:19 雅各伯的妻子辣黑耳的儿子：若瑟和本雅明；
46:20 翁城的司祭颇提斐辣的女儿阿斯纳特在埃及地给若瑟生了默纳协和厄弗辣因；
46:21 本雅明的儿子：贝拉、贝革尔、阿市贝耳、革辣、纳阿曼、厄希、洛士、慕平、胡平和阿尔得：
46:22 以上是辣黑耳给雅各伯生的子孙，共计十四人。
46:23 丹的儿子：胡生；
46:24 纳斐塔里的儿子：雅赫则耳，古尼，耶则尔和史冷：
46:25 以上是拉班给他的女儿辣黑耳的婢女彼耳哈，给雅各伯生的子孙，共计七人。
46:26 由雅各伯所生而同来到埃及的人数，除雅各伯的儿媳不计外，共计六十六人。
46:27 此外还有若瑟在埃及所生的儿子二人：雅各伯家来到埃及的全体人数，共计七十人。
父子异乡重逢
46:28 雅各伯派犹大先去见若瑟，同他约定在哥笙相见。他们来到了哥笙地方，
46:29 若瑟套车上哥笙去迎接他父亲以色列；一见了他，就扑在他颈上，抱住他的颈，哭了很久。
46:30 以色列对若瑟说：「我见了你的面，见你还活着，现在我可以死了!」
46:31 若瑟对他的兄弟们和父亲的家属说：「我要上去呈报法郎说：我在客纳罕地的兄弟们和我父亲的家属，都来到我这里了。
46:32 这些人都是放羊饲畜的人；他们的羊群牛群和他们所有的一切都带来了。
46:33 所以，当法郎召见你们，问你们有何职业时，你们要答说：你的仆人们自幼直到现在，都是牧养牲畜的人，我们和我们的祖先都是如此。这样你们才能住在哥笙地方，因为埃及人厌恶一切牧羊的人。」
第四十七章(31)
雅各伯进见法郎
47:1 若瑟遂去呈报法郎说：「我父和我兄弟，带着他们的牛羊和一切所有，从客纳罕地来了，现今都在哥笙地方。」
47:2 若瑟由他兄弟中选了五人，引他们去谒见法郎。
47:3 法郎问若瑟的兄弟们说：「你们有何职业﹖」他们回答法郎说：「你的仆人们是放羊的人，我们和我们的祖先，都是如此。」
47:4 继而又对法郎说：「我们来侨居此地，因为客纳罕地饥荒很凶，你仆人们的羊群找不到草地，所以请陛下让你的仆人们住在哥笙地方。」
47:5 法郎遂面对若瑟说：「你父亲和你兄弟既来到了你这里，
47:6 埃及国全在你面前，你可叫你父亲和你兄弟住在最好的地方，叫他们住在哥笙地；你若知道他们中有能干的人可派他们管我的牲畜。」
47:7 然后若瑟引他父亲来谒见法郎；雅各伯向法郎请安。
47:8 法郎遂问雅各伯说：「请问高寿﹖」
47:9 雅各伯回答法郎说：「我寄居人世，已一百三十年；我一生岁月又少又苦，不会达到我祖先寄居人世的年数。」
47:10 雅各伯再向法郎请安，辞别法郎出来了。
47:11 若瑟依照法郎的吩咐，给他父亲和兄弟安排了住处，将埃及国辣默色斯境内最好的地方，给了他们作产业。
47:12 若瑟并按照他们的人口，供给他父亲和兄弟以及他父亲全部家属的食粮。
若瑟施新政
47:13 那时因为饥荒十分严重，各地绝粮，连埃及国和客纳罕地也因饥荒缺了粮。
47:14 若瑟因售粮与民众，将埃及国和客纳罕地内所有的一切银钱，都聚敛了来，将这些银钱尽归入法郎王室。
47:15 当埃及国和客纳罕地的银钱都用尽了，埃及人前来见若瑟说：「银钱已用完了，请给我们粮食，免得我们死在你面前!」
47:16 若瑟回答说：「如果没有银钱，可将你们的家畜送来；我将粮食给你们，交换你们的家畜。」
47:17 他们遂将家畜送来，交给若瑟；若瑟便以粮食换取了他们的马、牛、羊、驴；那一年人们就以所有的家畜，换粮食生活。
47:18 这一年过后，第二年他们又来见他说：「我们实不瞒我主，银钱都用尽了，畜养的家畜也全归了我主，在我主面前什么也没有了，只剩下了我们自身和我们的田地。
47:19 为什么要我们死在你面前﹖让田地荒芜呢﹖你用粮食收买我们和我们的田地罢!好叫我们的田地都归法郎作主。请给我们谷种，好叫我们生活，不致于死，田地也不致于荒芜。」
47:20 埃及人为饥荒所迫，人人出卖了自己的农田；若瑟遂为法郎购得了埃及所有的田地，田地遂尽归法郎所有。
47:21 并使埃及境内的人民，从这边直到那边，都成了农奴；
47:22 只有司祭的田地他没有买得，因为司祭有得自法郎的常粮，可藉法郎赐与他们的常粮生活，所以没有卖他们的田地。
47:23 那时若瑟对人民说：「今天我将你们和你们的田地，都已买下归于法郎，这里有你们的谷种，你们拿去播种；
47:24 到了收获的时候，五分之一应归法郎，其余四分归你们自己，作为田地的谷种，作为你们和你们的家属以及幼儿的食粮。」
47:25 他们答说：「你救了我们的性命!唯愿我们在我主前蒙恩，我们情愿给法郎为奴!」
47:26 由此若瑟为埃及的田地立了法例，至今有效：五分之一应归法郎；只有司祭的田地例外，不归法郎。
雅各伯立遗嘱
47:27 以色列人住在埃及国哥笙地方，那里置业繁殖，人数大为增加。
47:28 雅各伯在埃及国又活了十七年；雅各伯的一生岁月共计一百四十七年。
47:29 以色列自知死期已近，便叫了他儿子若瑟来，对他说：「如果我在你眼内得宠，请将你的手放在我的胯下许下，以恩情和忠实对待我，不要将我埋在埃及。
47:30 我与我的祖先同眠了，你应将我带出埃及，葬在他们的墓地里。」若瑟答说：「我必照你的话去行。」
47:31 雅各伯接着说：「你对我发誓。」若瑟遂对他发了誓；以色列便靠着床头屈身下拜。
第四十八章
雅各伯认孙为子
48:1 这些事以后，有人告诉若瑟说：「你的父亲病了。」若瑟遂带了他的两个儿子，默纳协和厄弗辣因同去。
48:2 人告诉雅各伯说：「你儿子若瑟来看你。」以色列遂勉强由床上坐起。
48:3 雅各伯对若瑟说：「全能者天主曾在客纳罕地路次显现给我，祝福了我，
48:4 对我说：看!我要使你繁殖增多，成为一大民族；我要将这地方赐给你未来的后裔，作为永久的产业。
48:5 我未到埃及见你以前，你在埃及国所生的两个儿子，由今起应归于我；厄弗辣因和默纳协属我全如勒乌本和西默盎一样。
48:6 在他们以后所生的子女，尽归于你；不过在分产业时，他们应归他们兄弟的名下。
48:7 当我由帕丹回来时，在离厄弗辣大还有一段路程时，在路上你母亲辣黑耳，就在我的悲痛中死在客纳罕地，我就将她葬在去厄弗辣大，即白冷的路旁。」
48:8 以色列看见若瑟的儿子，就问说：「他们是谁﹖」
48:9 若瑟回答父亲说：「是天主在此地赐给我的儿子。」以色列说：「带他们到我跟前来，我要祝福他们。」
48:10 以色列因年老眼目昏花，看不清楚；若瑟遂领他们到他跟前；他就口亲他们，抱住他们。
48:11 以色列对若瑟说：「连见你的面我都没有料到；现今，看，天主还使我见到了你的后裔。」
48:12 若瑟遂由他父亲膝间将孩子拉出来，俯伏在地下拜。
48:13 然后若瑟又领他们两个，右手领厄弗辣因到以色列左边，左手领默纳协到以色列右边，到父亲面前。
48:14 以色列却伸出右手，放在次子厄弗辣因的头上，伸出左手放在长子默纳协的头上，故意交叉着自己的手。
48:15 遂祝福若瑟说：「愿我的祖先亚巴郎和依撒格一生与之往来的天主，自我出生直到今日牧育我的天主，
48:16 救我脱离一切祸患的使者，祝福这两个孩童!愿我的名及我祖先亚巴郎和依撒格的名，赖他们流传!愿他们在地上生育繁昌!」
48:17 若瑟见他父亲将右手放在厄弗辣因头上，认为不对，便拿起父亲的右手，由厄弗辣因头上，移到默纳协头上，
48:18 对父亲说：「阿爸!错了；这个原是长子，应将你的右手放在他头上。」
48:19 他的父亲却拒绝说：「我知道，我儿!我知道，他也要成为一个民族，他也要昌盛；但他的弟弟却比他更要昌盛，他的后裔要成为一大民族。」
48:20 那一天他又这样祝福他们说：「以色列将以你们祝福人说：愿天主使你如厄弗辣因和默纳协!」他又将厄弗辣因放在默纳协前面。
48:21 然后以色列对若瑟说：「看，我快要死；但天主必与你们同在，必领你们回到你们祖先的地方去。
48:22 现在我将由阿摩黎人手中，以我的刀剑弓矢夺得的那块山地赐给你，使你比众兄弟多得一分。」
第四十九章(33)
雅各伯祝福众子
49:1 雅各伯叫了他的儿子们来说：「你们聚在一起，我要将你们日后所遇到的事告诉你们。
49:2 雅各伯的儿子!你们集合静听，静听你们父亲以色列的话：
49:3 勒乌本，你是我的长子，我的力量，我壮年的首生；你过于暴燥，过于激烈，
49:4 沸腾有如滚水。你不能占据首位，因为你侵犯了你父亲的床第，上去玷污了我的卧榻。
49:5 西默盎和肋未实是一对兄弟；他们的刀剑是残暴的武器。
49:6 我的心灵决不加入他们的阴谋，我的心神决不参与他们的聚会；因为他们在盛怒下屠杀了人，任意割断了牛的腿筋。
49:7 他们的忿怒这样激烈，他们的狂暴这样凶狠，实可诅咒!我要使他们分散在雅各伯内，使他们散居在以色列中。
49:8 犹大!你将受你兄弟的赞扬；你的手必压在你仇敌的颈上；你父亲的儿子要向你俯首致敬。
49:9 犹大是只幼狮；我儿，你猎取食物后上来，屈身伏卧，有如雄狮，又如母狮，谁敢惊动﹖
49:10 权杖不离犹大，柄杖不离他脚间，直到那应得令牌者来到，万民都要归顺他。
49:11 他将自己的驴系在葡萄树上，将自己的驴驹拴在优美的葡萄树上；在酒中洗自己的衣服，在葡萄汁中洗自己的外氅。
49:12 他的双眼因酒而发红，他的牙齿因乳而变白。
49:13 则步隆将居于海滨，成为船只停泊的口岸，与漆冬毗连。
49:14 依撒加尔是匹壮驴，卧在圈中；
49:15 他觉得安居美好，地方优雅；便屈肩负重，成为服役的奴隶。
49:16 丹将如以色列的一个支派，卫护自己的人民。
49:17 丹必似路边的长虫，道旁的毒蛇，咬伤马蹄，使骑士向后跌下。
49:18 上主!我期待你的救援!
49:19 加得要受袭击者袭击，但他要袭击他们的后队。
49:20 阿协尔的食物肥美，将供给君王的佳肴。
49:21 纳斐塔里是只被释放的母鹿，发出悦耳的歌咏。
49:22 若瑟是一株茂盛的果树，一株泉旁茂盛的果树；枝条蔓延墙头。
49:23 弓手令他苦恼，向他射击，与他对敌；
49:24 但他的弓仍旧有力，他的手臂依然灵活；这是因了雅各伯的大能者之手，因了以色列的牧者和盘石之名；
49:25 这是因为你父亲的天主扶助了你，全能者天主，以天上高处的祝福，以地下深渊蕴藏的祝福，以哺乳和生育的祝福，祝福了你。
49:26 你父亲的祝福，远超过古山岳的祝福，永远丘陵的愿望；愿这些祝福都降在若瑟头上，降在他兄弟中被选者的额上。
49:27 本雅明是只掠夺的豺狼：早上吞食猎物，晚上分赃。」
49:28 以上是以色列十二支派，以及他们的父亲对他们所说的话。他祝福了他们，以适合每人的祝福，祝福了他们。
雅各伯的遗嘱和死
49:29 以后雅各伯又嘱咐他们，对他们说：「我快要归到我亲族那里去，你们应将我葬在赫特人厄斐龙田里的山洞里，与我的祖先在一起。
49:30 这山洞是在客纳罕地，面对玛默勒的玛革培拉的田内；这块田原是亚巴郎由赫特人厄斐龙买了来作为私有坟地，
49:31 在那里葬了亚巴郎和他的妻子撒辣，在那里葬了依撒格和他的妻子黎贝加；我也在那里葬了肋阿。
49:32 这块田地和其中的山洞是由赫特人买来的。」
49:33 雅各伯给他的儿子们立完遗嘱以后，便将脚缩到床上，断气而死，归到他亲族那里去了。
第五十章(26)
雅各伯死后哀荣
50:1 若瑟伏在他父亲的脸上，痛哭亲吻，
50:2 然后吩咐照料自己的医生，用香料包殓他父亲；医生便用香料包殓了以色列。
50:3 为他共费了四十天，因为用香料包殓尸体原需要这些天数。埃及人为他举哀七十天。
50:4 举哀期一过，若瑟就向法郎的朝廷说：「我如在你们眼中得宠，请你们代我转告法郎说：
50:5 我父亲曾叫我起誓，对我说：看，我快要死了!我在客纳罕地，曾为自己凿了一个坟墓，你应把我葬在那里。现在请让我上去埋葬我父亲，然后回来。」
50:6 法郎回复说：「你就照你父亲令你起的誓，上去埋葬他罢!」
50:7 于是若瑟上去埋葬他父亲，与他一同去的，有法郎的一切臣仆，朝廷的显要，和埃及国所有的绅士；
50:8 还有若瑟全家和他的兄弟们，并他父亲的家属，只留下家中幼小，羊群和家畜在哥笙地。
50:9 与他同去的，尚有车辆和骑兵：实在是一大队行列。
50:10 当他们到了约但河对岸的阿塔得打禾场，就在那里举行了极备哀荣的隆重丧礼；若瑟又为自己的父亲举哀了七天。
50:11 住在当地的客纳罕人见了阿塔得打禾场上的丧礼，就说：「这为埃及人实是一场极备哀荣的丧礼。」因而给那在约但对岸的地方，起名叫阿贝耳米兹辣殷。
50:12 雅各伯的儿子们完全照他们的父亲所吩咐的给他办了：
50:13 将他运到客纳罕地，葬在面对玛默勒的玛革培拉田里的山洞内；这块田是亚巴郎由赫特人厄斐龙买了来作为私有坟地。
50:14 若瑟葬了父亲以后，遂和他兄弟们，以及所有与他上来埋葬他父亲的人们，返回了埃及。
若瑟的宽大
50:15 若瑟的兄弟们见父亲已死，就说：「或者若瑟仍怀恨我们，要报复我们对他所行的一切恶事。」
50:16 因此便派人去见若瑟说：「你父亲未死以前曾嘱咐说：
50:17 你们要这样对若瑟说：请你务必饶恕你兄弟们的过失和罪恶，因为他们实在虐待了你。现在，求你饶恕你父亲的天主的仆人们的过失罢!」若瑟听他们对他说出这样的话，就哭了起来。
50:18 后来他的兄弟们还亲自来，俯伏在他面前说：「看，我们都是你的奴隶!」
50:19 若瑟对他们说：「不要害怕!我岂能替代天主﹖
50:20 你们原有意对我作的恶事，天主却有意使之变成好事，造成了今日的结果：挽救了许多人民的性命。
50:21 所以，你们不必害怕，有我维持你们和你们的孩子。」他这样抚慰他们，使他们安心。
若瑟逝世
50:22 若瑟和他父亲的家属，以后就住在埃及。若瑟活到了一百一十岁，
50:23 见到了厄弗辣因的第三代子孙；默纳协的儿子玛基尔的儿子们，也都生在若瑟的膝下。
50:24 若瑟对自己的兄弟们说：「我快要死了；但天主要看顾你们，领你们由这地回到他誓许给亚巴郎、依撒格和雅各伯的地方去。」
50:25 若瑟又叫以色列的儿子们起誓说：「当天主看顾你们时，你们应将我的骨骸由这里带回去。」
50:26 若瑟死了，享寿一百一十岁。人遂用香料包殓了他，放在棺椁内，安厝在埃及。
BOOK ENDS. Seraphim, April 2009.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 1
I. THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLD AND OF MANKIND
1. THE CREATION AND THE FALL
The first account of the creation[*a]
1:1 In the
beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
1:2 Now the
earth was a formless void, there was darkness over the deep, and God's spirit
hovered over the water.
1:3 God
said, 'Let there be light', and there was light.
1:4 God saw
that light was good, and God divided light from darkness.
1:5 God
called light 'day', and darkness he called 'night'. Evening came and morning
came: the first day.
1:6 God
said, 'Let there be a vault[*b] in the waters to divide the waters in two'. And
so it was.
1:7 God
made the vault, and it divided the waters above the vault from the waters under
the vault.
1:8 God
called the vault 'heaven'. Evening came and morning came: the second day.
1:9 God
said, 'Let the waters under heaven come together into a single mass, and let
dry land appear'. And so it was.
1:10 God called
the dry land 'earth' and the mass of waters 'seas', and God saw that it was
good.
1:11 God
said, 'Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees
bearing fruit with their seed inside, on the earth'. And so it was.
1:12 The
earth produced vegetation: plants bearing seed in their several kinds, and
trees bearing fruit with their seed inside in their several kinds. God saw that
it was good.
1:13
Evening came and morning came: the third day.
1:14 God
said, 'Let there be lights in the vault of heaven to divide day from night, and
let them indicate festivals, days and years.
1:15 Let
them be lights in the vault of heaven to shine on the earth.' And so it was.
1:16 God
made the two great lights:[*c] the greater light to govern the day, the smaller
light to govern the night, and the
1:17 God
set them in the vault of heaven to shine on the earth,
1:18 to
govern the day and the night and to divide light from darkness. God saw that it
was good.
1:19 Evening
came and morning came: the fourth day.
1:20 God
said, 'Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the
earth within the vault of heaven'. And so it was.
1:21 God
created great sea-serpents and every kind of living creature with which the
waters teem, and every kind of winged creature. God saw that it was good.
1:22 God
blessed them, saying, 'Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters of the seas;
and let the birds multiply upon the earth'.
1:23
Evening came and morning came: the fifth day.
1:24 God
said, 'Let the earth produce every kind of living creature: cattle,
reptiles,[*d] and every kind of wild beast'. And so it was.
1:25 God
made every kind of wild beast, every kind of cattle, and every kind of land
reptile. God saw that it was good.
1:26 God
said, 'Let us[*e] make man[*f] in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves,
and let them be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven, the
cattle, all the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl upon the earth'.
1:27 God
created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him, male
and female he created them.
1:28 God
blessed them, saying to them, 'Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and
conquer it. Be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven and all
living animals on the earth.'
1:29 God
said, 'See, I give you all the seed-bearing plants that are upon the whole
earth, and all the trees with seed-bearing fruit; this shall be your food.
1:30 To all
wild beasts, all birds of heaven and all living reptiles on the earth I give
all the foliage of plants for food.' And so it was.
1:31 God
saw all he had made, and indeed it was very good. Evening came and morning
came: the sixth day.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 2
2:1 Thus
heaven and earth were completed with all their array.
2:2 On the
seventh day God completed the work he had been doing. He rested on the seventh
day after all the work he had been doing.
2:3 God
blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on that day he had rested
after all his work of creating.
2:4 Such
were the origins of heaven and earth when they were created.
The second account of the creation.[*a] Paradise
At the time
when Yahweh God made earth and heaven
2:5 there
was as yet no wild bush on the earth nor had any wild plant yet sprung up, for
Yahweh God had not sent rain on the earth, nor was there any man to till the
soil.
2:6
However, a flood was rising from the earth and watering all the surface of the
soil.
2:7 Yahweh
God fashioned man of dust from the soil. Then he breathed into his nostrils a
breath of life, and thus man became a living being.
2:8 Yahweh
God planted a garden in Eden which is in the east, and there he put the man he
had fashioned.
2:9 Yahweh God
caused to spring up from the soil every kind of tree, enticing to look at and
good to eat, with the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil in the middle of the garden.
2:10 A
river flowed from Eden to water the garden, and from there it divided to make
four streams.[*b]
2:11 The
first is named the Pishon, and this encircles the whole land of Havilah where
there is gold.
2:12 The
gold of this land is pure; bdellium[*c] and onyx stone are found there.
2:13 The
second river is named the Gihon, and this encircles the whole land of Cush.
2:14 The
third river is named the Tigris, and this flows to the east of Ashur. The
fourth river is the Euphrates.
2:15 Yahweh
God took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden to cultivate and take care
of it.
2:16 Then
Yahweh God gave the man this admonition, 'You may eat indeed of all the trees
in the garden.
2:17
Nevertheless of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you are not to eat,
for on the day you eat of it you shall most surely die.'
2:18 Yahweh
God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a
helpmate.'
2:19 So
from the soil Yahweh God fashioned all the wild beasts and all the birds of
heaven. These he brought to the man to see what he would call them; each one
was to bear the name the man would give it.
2:20 The
man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of heaven and all the wild
beasts. But no helpmate suitable for man was found for him.
2:21 So
Yahweh God made the man fall into a deep sleep. And while he slept, he took one
of his ribs and enclosed it in flesh.
2:22 Yahweh
God built the rib he had taken from the man into a woman, and brought her to
the man.
2:23 The
man exclaimed: 'This at last is bone from my bones, and flesh from my flesh!
This is to be called woman,[*d] for this was taken from man.'
2:24 This
is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and
they become one body.
2:25 Now
both of them were naked, the man and his wife, but they felt no shame in front
of each other.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 3
The Fall
3:1 The
serpent was the most subtle of all the wild beasts that Yahweh God had made. It
asked the woman, 'Did God really say you were not to eat from any of the
trees in the garden?'
3:2 The
woman answered the serpent, 'We may eat he fruit of the trees in the garden.
3:3 But of
the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, "You must not
eat it, nor touch it, under pain of death".'
3:4 Then
the serpent said to the woman, 'No! You will not die!
3:5 God
knows in fact that on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will
be like gods, knowing good and evil.'
3:6 The
woman saw that the tree was good to eat and pleasing to the eye, and that it
was desirable for the knowledge that it could give. So she took some of its
fruit and ate it. She gave some also to her husband who was with her, and he
ate it.
3:7 Then
the eyes of both of them were opened and they realised that they were naked. So
they sewed fig-leaves together to make themselves loin-cloths.
3:8 The man
and his wife heard the sound of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of
the day, and they hid from Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.
3:9 But
Yahweh God called to the man. 'Where are you?' he asked.
3:10 'I heard
the sound of you in the garden;' he replied 'I was afraid because I was naked,
so I hid.'
3:11 'Who
told you that you were naked?' he asked 'Have you been eating of the tree I
forbade you to eat?'
3:12 The
man replied, 'It was the woman you put with me; she gave me the fruit, and I
ate it'.
3:13 Then
Yahweh God asked the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman replied,
'The serpent tempted me and I ate'.
3:14 Then
Yahweh God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this, Be accursed beyond
all cattle, all wild beasts. You shall crawl on your belly and eat dust every
day of your life.
3:15 I will
make you enemies of each other: you and the woman, your offspring and her
offspring. It will crush your head and you will strike its heel'.
3:16 To the
woman he said: 'I will multiply your pains in childbearing, you shall give
birth to your children in pain. Your yearning shall be for your husband, yet he
will lord it over you.'
3:17 To the
man he said, 'Because you listened to the voice of your wife and ate from the
tree of which I had forbidden you to eat, Accursed be the soil because of you.
With suffering shall you get your food from it every day of your life.
3:18 It
shall yield you brambles and thistles, and you shall eat wild plants.
3:19 With
sweat on your brow shall you eat your bread, until you return to the soil, as
you were taken from it. For dust you are and to dust you shall return.'
3:20 The
man named his wife 'Eve' because she was the mother of all those who live[*a].
3:21 Yahweh
God made clothes out of skins for the man and his wife, and they put them
on.
3:22 Then
Yahweh God said, 'See, the man has become like one of us, with his knowledge of
good and evil. He must not be allowed to stretch his hand out next and pick
from the tree of life also, and eat some and live for ever.'
3:23 So
Yahweh God expelled him from the garden of Eden, to till the soil from which he
had been taken.
3:24 He
banished the man, and in front of the garden of Eden he posted the cherubs, and
the flame of a flashing sword, to guard the way to the tree of life.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 4
Cain and Abel
4:1 The man
had intercourse with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. 'I
have acquired a man with the help of Yahweh[*a]' she said.
4:2 She
gave birth to a second child, Abel, the brother of Cain. Now Abel became a
shepherd and kept flocks, while Cain tilled the soil.
4:3 Time
passed and Cain brought some of the produce of the soil as an offering for
Yahweh,
4:4 while
Abel for his part brought the first-born of his flock and some of their fat as
well. Yahweh looked with favour on Abel and his offering.
4:5 But he
did not look with favour on Cain and his offering, and Cain was very angry and
downcast.
4:6 Yahweh
asked Cain, 'Why are you angry and downcast?
4:7 If you
are well disposed, ought you not to lift up your head? But if you are ill
disposed, is not sin at the door like a crouching beast hungering for you,
which you must master?'
4:8 Cain
said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out'; and while they were in the open
country, Cain set on his brother Abel and killed him.
4:9 Yahweh
asked Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' 'I do not know' he replied. 'Am I my
brother's guardian?'
4:10 'What
have you done?' Yahweh asked. 'Listen to the sound of your brother's blood,
crying out to me from the ground.
4:11 Now be
accursed and driven from the ground that has opened its mouth to receive your
brother's blood at your hands.
4:12 When
you till the ground it shall no longer yield you any of its produce. You shall be
a fugitive and a wanderer over the earth.'
4:13 Then
Cain said to Yahweh, 'My punishment is greater than I can bear.
4:14 See!
Today you drive me from this ground. I must hide from you, and be a
fugitive and a wanderer over the earth. Why, whoever comes across me will
kill me!'
4:15 'Very
well, then,' Yahweh replied 'if anyone kills Cain, sevenfold vengeance shall be
taken for him.' So Yahweh put a mark on Cain, to prevent whoever might come
across him from striking him down.
4:16 Cain
left the presence of Yahweh and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
The descendants of Cain
4:17 Cain
had intercourse with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. He
became builder of a town, and he gave the town the name of his son Enoch.
4:18 Enoch had
a son, Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael; Mehujael became the father
of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech.
4:19 Lamech
married two women: the name of the first was Adah and the name of the second
was Zillah.
4:20 Adah
gave birth to Jabal: he was the ancestor of the tent-dwellers and owners of
livestock.
4:21 His
brother's name was Jubal: he was the ancestor of all who play the lyre and the
flute.
4:22 As for
Zillah, she gave birth to Tubal-cain: he was the ancestor of all
metalworkers, in bronze or iron. Tubal-cain's sister was Naamah.
4:23 Lamech
said to his wives: 'Adah and Zillah, hear my voice, Lamech's wives, listen to
what I say: I killed a man for wounding me, a boy for striking me.
4:24
Sevenfold vengeance is taken for Cain, but seventy-sevenfold for Lamech.'
Seth and his descendants
4:25 Adam
had intercourse with his wife, and she gave birth to a son whom she named Seth,
'because God has granted[*b] me other offspring' she said 'in place of Abel,
since Cain has killed him'.
4:26 A son
was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. This man was the first to invoke
the name of Yahweh.[*c]
JB
GENESIS Chapter 5
The patriarchs before the flood
5:1 This is
the roll of Adam`s descendants: On the day God created Adam he made him in the
likeness of God.
5:2 Male
and female he created them. He blessed them and gave them the name 'Man' on the
day they were created.
5:3 When
Adam was a hundred and thirty years old he became the father of a son, in his
likeness, as his image, and he called him Seth.
5:4 Adam
lived for eight hundred years after the birth of Seth and he became the father
of sons and daughters.
5:5 In all,
Adam lived for nine hundred and thirty years; then he died.
5:6 When
Seth was a hundred and five years old he became the father of Enosh.
5:7 After
the birth of Enosh, Seth lived for eight hundred and seven years, and he became
the father of sons and daughters.
5:8 In all,
Seth lived for nine hundred and twelve years; then he died.
5:9 When Enosh
was ninety years old he became the father of Kenan.
5:10 After
the birth of Kenan, Enosh lived for eight hundred and fifteen years and he
became the father of sons and daughters.
5:11 In
all, Enosh lived for nine hundred and five years; then he died.
5:12 When
Kenan was seventy years old he became the father of Mahalalel.
5:13 After
the birth of Mahalalel, Kenan lived for eight hundred and forty years and he
became the father of sons and daughters.
5:14 In
all, Kenan lived for nine hundred and ten years; then he died.
5:15 When
Mahalalel was sixty-five years old he became the father of Jared.
5:16 After
the birth of Jared, Mahalalel lived for eight hundred and thirty years and he
became the father of sons and daughters.
5:17 In
all, Mahalalel lived for eight hundred and ninety-five years; then he died.
5:18 When
Jared was a hundred and sixty two years old he became the father of Enoch.
5:19 After
the birth of Enoch, Jared lived for eight hundred years and he became the
father of sons and daughters.
5:20 In
all, Jared lived for nine hundred and sixty-two years; then he died.
5:21 When
Enoch was sixty-five years old he became the father of Methuselah.
5:22 Enoch
walked with God. After the birth of Methuselah he lived for three hundred years
and he became the father of sons and daughters.
5:23 In
all, Enoch lived for three hundred and sixty-five years.
5:24 Enoch
walked with God. Then he vanished because God took him.
5:25 When
Methuselah was a hundred and eighty-seven years old he became the father of
Lamech.
5:26 After
the birth of Lamech, Methuselah lived for seven hundred and eighty-two years
and he became the father of sons and daughters.
5:27 In
all, Methuselah lived for nine hundred and sixty-nine years; then he died.
5:28 When
Lamech was a hundred and eighty-two years old he became the father of a son.
5:29 He
gave him the name Noah because, he said, 'Here is one who will give us, in the
midst of our toil and the labouring of our hands, a consolation derived from
the ground that Yahweh cursed'.
5:30 After
the birth of Noah, Lamech lived for five hundred and ninety-five years and
became the father of sons and daughters.
5:31 In
all, Lamech lived for seven hundred and seventy-seven years; then he died.
5:32 When
Noah was five hundred years old he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 6
Sons of God and daughters of men
6:1 When
men had begun to be plentiful on the earth, and daughters had been born to
them,
6:2 the sons
of God, looking at the daughters of men, saw they were pleasing, so they
married as many as they chose.
6:3 Yahweh
said, 'My spirit must not for ever be disgraced in man, for he is but flesh;
his life shall last no more than a hundred and twenty years'.
6:4 The
Nephilim were on the earth at that time (and even afterwards) when the sons of
God resorted to the daughters of man, and had children by them. These are the
heroes of days gone by, the famous men.
2. THE FLOOD
The corruption of mankind
6:5 Yahweh
saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that the thoughts in
his heart fashioned nothing but wickedness all day long.
6:6 Yahweh
regretted having made man on the earth, and his heart grieved.
6:7 'I will
rid the earth's face of man, my own creation,' Yahweh said 'and of animals
also, reptiles too, and the birds of heaven; for I regret having made them.'
6:8 But
Noah had found favour with Yahweh. This is the story of Noah:
6:9 Noah
was a good man, a man of integrity among his contemporaries, and he walked with
God.
6:10 Noah
became the father of three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth.
6:11 The
earth grew corrupt in God's sight, and filled with violence.
6:12 God
contemplated the earth: it was corrupt, for corrupt were the ways of all flesh
on the earth.
Preparations for the flood
6:13 God
said to Noah, 'The end has come for all things of flesh; I have decided this,
because the earth is full of violence of man's making, and I will efface them
from the earth.
6:14 Make
yourself an ark out of resinous wood. Make it with reeds and line it with pitch
inside and out.
6:15 This
is how to make it: the length of the ark is to be three hundred cubits, its
breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits.
6:16 Make a
roof for the ark... put the door of the ark high up in the side, and make a
first, second and third deck.
6:17 For my
part I mean to bring a flood, and send the waters over the earth, to destroy
all flesh on it, every living creature under heaven; everything on earth shall
perish.
6:18 But I
will establish my Covenant with you, and you must go on board the ark,
yourself, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives along with you.
6:19 From
all living creatures, from all flesh, you must take two of each kind aboard the
ark, to save their lives with yours; they must be a male and a female.
6:20 Of
every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of reptile on the
ground, two must go with you so that their lives may be saved.
6:21 For
your part provide yourself with eatables of all kinds, and lay in a store of
them, to serve as food for yourself and them.'
6:22 Noah
did this; he did all that God had ordered him.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 7
7:1 Yahweh
said to Noah, 'Go aboard the ark, you and all your household, for you alone among
this generation do I see as a good man in my judgement.
7:2 Of all
the clean animals you must take seven of each kind, both male and female; of
the unclean animals you must take two, a male and its female
7:3 (and of
the birds of heaven also, seven of each kind, both male and female), to
propagate their kind over the whole earth.
7:4 For in
seven days' time I mean to make it rain on the earth for forty days and nights,
and I will rid the earth of every living thing that I made.'
7:5 Noah
did all that Yahweh ordered.
7:6 Noah
was six hundred years old when the flood of waters appeared on the earth.
7:7 Noah
with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives boarded the ark to escape the
waters of the flood.
7:8 (Of the
clean animals and the animals that are not clean, of the birds and all that
crawls on the ground,
7:9 two of
each kind boarded the ark with Noah, a male and a female, according to the
order God gave Noah.)
7:10 Seven
days later the waters of the flood appeared on the earth.
7:11 In the
six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, and on the seventeenth
day of that month, that very day all the springs of the great deep broke
through, and the sluices of heaven opened.
7:12 It
rained on the earth for forty days and forty nights.
7:13 That
very day Noah and his sons Shem, Ham and Japheth boarded the ark, with Noah's
wife and the three wives of his sons,
7:14 and
with them wild beasts of every kind, cattle of every kind, reptiles of every
kind that crawls on the earth, birds of every kind, all that flies, everything
with wings.
7:15 One
pair of all that is flesh and has the breath of life boarded the ark with Noah;
7:16 and so
there went in a male and a female of every creature that is flesh, just as God
had ordered him. And Yahweh closed the door behind Noah.
The flood
7:17 The
flood lasted forty days on the earth. The waters swelled, lifting the ark until
it was raised above the earth.
7:18 The
waters rose and swelled greatly on the earth. After a hundred and fifty days
the waters fell,
7:19 and in
the seventh month, the earth so that all the highest mountains under the whole
of heaven were submerged.
7:20 The
waters rose fifteen cubits higher, submerging the mountains.
7:21 And so
all things of flesh perished that moved on the earth, birds, cattle, wild
beasts, everything that swarms on the earth, and every man.
7:22
Everything with the breath of life in its nostrils died, everything on dry
land.
7:23 Yahweh
destroyed every living thing on the face of the earth, man and animals,
reptiles, and the birds of heaven. He rid the earth of them, so that only Noah
was left, and those with him in the ark.
7:24 The
waters rose on the earth for a hundred and fifty days.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 8
The flood subsides
8:1 But God
had Noah in mind, and all the wild beasts and all the cattle that were with him
in the ark. God sent a wind across the earth and the waters subsided.
8:2 The
springs of the deep and the sluices of heaven were stopped.
8:3 Rain
ceased to fall from heaven; the waters gradually ebbed from the earth.
8:4 After a
hundred and fifty days the waters fell, and in the seventh month, on the
seventeenth day of that month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.
8:5 The
waters gradually fell until the tenth month when, on the first day of the tenth
month, the mountain peaks appeared.
8:6 At the
end of forty days Noah opened the porthole he had made in the ark and he sent
out the raven.
8:7 This
went off, and flew back and forth until the waters dried up from the earth.
8:8 Then he
sent out the dove, to see whether the waters were receding from the surface of
the earth.
8:9 The
dove, finding nowhere to perch, returned to him in the ark, for there was water
over the whole surface of the earth; putting out his hand he took hold of it
and brought it back into the ark with him.
8:10 After
waiting seven more days, again he sent out the dove from the ark.
8:11 In the
evening, the dove came back to him and there it was with a new olive-branch in
its beak. So Noah realised that the waters were receding from the earth.
8:12 After
waiting seven more days he sent out the dove, and now it returned to him no
more.
8:13 It was
in the six hundred and first year of Noah's life, in the first month and on the
first of the month, that the water dried up from the earth. Noah lifted back
the hatch of the ark and looked out. The surface of the ground was dry!
8:14 In the
second month and on the twenty-seventh day of the month the earth was dry.
They disembark
8:15 Then
God said to Noah,
8:16 'Come
out of the ark, you yourself, your wife, your sons, and your sons' wives with
you.
8:17 As for
all the animals with you, all things of flesh, whether birds or animals or
reptiles that crawl on the earth, bring them out with you. Let them swarm on
the earth; let them be fruitful and multiply on the earth.'
8:18 So
Noah went out with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives.
8:19 And
all the wild beasts, all the cattle, all the birds and all the reptiles that
crawl on the earth went out from the ark, one kind after another.
8:20 Noah
built an altar for Yahweh, and choosing from all the clean animals and all the
clean birds he offered burnt offerings on the altar. Yahweh smelt the appeasing
fragrance and said to himself,
8:21 'Never
again will I curse the earth because of man, because his heart contrives evil
from his infancy. Never again will I strike down every living thing as I have
done.
8:22 'As
long as earth lasts, sowing and reaping, cold and heat, summer and winter, day
and night shall cease no more.'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 9
The new world order
9:1 God
blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, 'Be fruitful, multiply and fill the
earth.
9:2 Be the
terror and the dread of all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven, of everything
that crawls on the ground and all the fish of the sea; they are handed over to
you.
9:3 Every
living and crawling thing shall provide food for you, no less than the foliage
of plants. I give you everything,
9:4 with
this exception: you must not eat flesh with life, that is to say blood, in it.
9:5 I will
demand an account of your life-blood. I will demand an account from every beast
and from man. I will demand an account of every man's life from his fellow men.
9:6 'He who
sheds man's blood, shall have his blood shed by man, for in the image of God
man was made.
9:7 'As for
you, be fruitful, multiply, teem over the earth and be lord of it.'
9:8 God
spoke to Noah and his sons,
9:9 'See, I
establish my Covenant with you, and with your descendants after you;
9:10 also
with every living creature to be found with you, birds, cattle and every wild
beast with you: everything that came out of the ark, everything that
lives on the earth.
9:11 I
establish my Covenant with you: no thing of flesh shall be swept away again by
the waters of the flood. There shall be no flood to destroy the earth
again.'
9:12 God
said, 'Here is the sign of the Covenant I make between myself and you and every
living creature with you for all generations:
9:13 I set
my bow in the clouds and it shall be a sign of the Covenant between me and the
earth.
9:14 When I
gather the clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds,
9:15 I will
recall the Covenant between myself and you and every living creature of every
kind. And so the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all things
of flesh.
9:16 When
the bow is in the clouds I shall see it and call to mind the lasting Covenant
between God and every living creature of every kind that is found on the
earth.'
9:17 God
said to Noah, 'This is the sign of the Covenant I have established between
myself and every living thing that is found on the earth.
3. FROM THE FLOOD TO ABRAHAM
Noah and his sons
9:18 The
sons of Noah who went out from the ark were Shem, Ham and Japheth; Ham is the
ancestor of the Canaanites.
9:19 These
three were Noah's sons, and from these the whole earth was peopled.
9:20 Noah,
a tiller of the soil, was the first to plant the vine.
9:21 He
drank some of the wine, and while he was drunk he uncovered himself inside his
tent.
9:22 Ham,
Canaan's ancestor, saw his father's nakedness, and told his two brothers
outside.
9:23 Shem
and Japheth took a cloak and they both put it over their shoulders, and walking
backwards, covered their father's nakedness; they kept their faces turned away,
and did not see their father's nakedness.
9:24 When
Noah awoke from his stupor he learned what his youngest son had done to him.
9:25 And he
said: 'Accursed be Canaan. He shall be his brothers' meanest slave.'
9:26 He
added: 'Blessed be Yahweh, God of Shem, let Canaan be his slave!
9:27 May
God extend Japheth, may he live in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his
slave!'
9:28 After
the flood Noah lived three hundred and fifty years.
9:29 In all,
Noah's life lasted nine hundred and fifty years; then he died.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 10
The peopling of the earth[*a]
10:1 These
are the descendants of Noah's sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, to whom sons were
born after the flood:
10:2
Japheth's sons: Gomer, Magog, the Medes, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, Tiras.
10:3
Gomer's sons: Ashkenaz, Riphath, Togarmah.
10:4
Javan's sons: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittim, the Dananites.
10:5 From
these came the dispersal to the islands of the nations.[*b] These were
Japheth's sons, according to their countries and each of their languages,
according to their tribes and their nations.
10:6 Ham's
sons: Cush, Misraim, Put, Canaan.
10:7 Cush's
sons: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, Sabteca. Raamah's sons: Sheba, Dedan.
10:8 Cush
became the father of Nimrod who was the first potentate on earth.
10:9 He was
a mighty hunter in the eyes of Yahweh, hence the saying, 'Like Nimrod, a mighty
hunter in the eyes of Yahweh'.
10:10 First
to be included in his empire were Babel, Erech and Accad, all of them in the
land of Shinar.
10:11 From
this country came Ashur, the builder of Nineveh, Rehoboth-ir, Calah,
10:12 and
Resen between Nineveh and Calah (this is the great city).
10:13
Misraim became the father of the people of Lud, of Anam, Lehab, Naphtuh,
10:14
Pathros, Cusluh and Caphtor, from which the Philistines came.
10:15
Canaan became the father of Sidon, his first-born, then Heth,
10:16 and
the Jebusites, the Amorites, Girgashites,
10:17
Hivites, Arkites, Sinites,
10:18
Arvadites, Zemarites, Hamathites; later the Canaanite tribes scattered.
10:19 The
Canaanite frontier stretched from Sidon in the direction of Gerar and as far as
Gaza, then in the direction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim, and as far as
Lesha.
10:20 These
were Ham's sons, according to their tribes and languages, according to their
countries and nations.
10:21 Shem
also was the father of children, the ancestor of all the sons of Eber and the
elder brother of Japheth.
10:22
Shem's sons: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, Aram.
10:23
Aram's sons: Uz, Hul, Gether and Mash.
10:24
Arpachshad became the father of Shelah, and Shelah became the father of Eber.
10:25 To
Eber were born two sons: the first was called Peleg, because it was in his time
that the earth was divided, and his brother was called Joktan.
10:26
Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,
10:27
Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,
10:28 Obal,
Abima-el, Sheba,
10:29
Ophir, Havilah, Jobab; all these are sons of Joktan.
10:30 They
occupied a stretch of country from Mesha in the direction of Sephar, the
eastern mountain range.
10:31 These
were Shem's sons, according to their tribes and languages, and according to
their countries and nations.
10:32 These
were the tribes of Noah's sons, according to their descendants and their
nations. From these came the dispersal of the nations over the earth, after the
flood.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 11
The tower of Babel[*a]
11:1
Throughout the earth men spoke the same language, with the same vocabulary.
11:2 Now as
they moved eastwards they found a plain in the land of Shinar[*b] where they
settled.
11:3 They
said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks and bake them in the fire'.-For
stone they used bricks, and for mortar they used bitumen.-
11:4
'Come,' they said 'let us build ourselves a town and a tower with its top
reaching heaven. Let us make a name for ourselves, so that we may not be
scattered about the whole earth.'
11:5 Now
Yahweh came down to see the town and the tower that the sons of man had built.
11:6 'So
they are all a single people with a single language!' said Yahweh. 'This is but
the start of their undertakings! There will be nothing too hard for them to do.
11:7 Come,
let us go down and confuse their language on the spot so that they can no
longer understand one another.'
11:8 Yahweh
scattered them thence over the whole face of the earth, and they stopped
building the town.
11:9 It was
named Babel therefore, because there Yahweh confused[*c] the language of the
whole earth. It was from there that Yahweh scattered them over the whole face
of the earth.
The patriarchs after the flood
11:10 These
are Shem's descendants: When Shem was a hundred years old he became the father
of Arpachshad, two years after the flood.
11:11 After
the birth of Arpachshad, Shem lived five hundred years and became the father of
sons and daughters.
11:12 When
Arpachshad was thirty-five years old he became the father of Shelah.
11:13 After
the birth of Shelah, Arpachshad lived four hundred and three years and became
the father of sons and daughters.
11:14 When
Shelah was thirty years old he became the father of Eber.
11:15 After
the birth of Eber, Shelah lived four hundred and three years and became the
father of sons and daughters.
11:16 When Eber
was thirty-four years old he became the father of Peleg.
11:17 After
the birth of Peleg, Eber lived four hundred and thirty years and became the
father of sons and daughters.
11:18 When
Peleg was thirty years old he became the father of Reu.
11:19 After
the birth of Reu, Peleg lived two hundred and nine years and became the father
of sons and daughters.
11:20 When
Reu was thirty-two years old he became the father of Serug.
11:21 After
the birth of Serug, Reu lived two hundred and seven years and became the father
of sons and daughters.
11:22 When
Serug was thirty years old he became the father of Nahor.
11:23 After
the birth of Nahor, Serug lived two hundred years and became the father
of sons and daughters.
11:24 When
Nahor was twenty-nine years old he became the father of Terah.
11:25 After
the birth of Terah, Nahor lived a hundred and nineteen years and became the
father of sons and daughters.
11:26 When
Terah was seventy years old he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.
The descendants of Terah
11:27 These
are Terah's descendants: Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.
Haran became the father of Lot.
11:28 Haran
died in the presence of his father Terah in his native land, Ur of the
Chaldaeans.
11:29 Abram
and Nahor both married: Abram's wife was called Sarai, Nahor's wife was called
Milcah, the daughter of Haran, father of Milcah and Iscah.
11:30 Sarai
was barren, having no child.
11:31 Terah
took his son Abram, his grandson Lot the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law
the wife of Abram, and made them leave Ur of the Chaldaeans to go to the
land of Canaan. But on arrival in Haran they settled there.[*d]
11:32
Terah's life lasted two hundred and five years; then he died at Haran.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 12
II. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM
The call of Abraham
12:1 Yahweh
said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your family and your father's house, for
the land I will show you.
12:2 I will
make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name so famous that it
will be used as a blessing.
12:3 'I
will bless those who bless you: I will curse those who slight you. All the
tribes of the earth shall bless themselves by you.'
12:4 So
Abram went as Yahweh told him, and Lot went with him.
12:5 Abram
was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his
nephew Lot, all the possessions they had amassed and the people they had
acquired in Haran. They set off for the land of Canaan, and arrived there.
12:6 Abram passed
through the land as far as Shechem's holy place, the Oak of Moreh. At that time
the Canaanites were in the land.
12:7 Yahweh
appeared to Abram and said, 'It is to your descendants that I will give this
land'. So Abram built there an altar for Yahweh who had appeared to him.
12:8 From
there, he moved on to the mountainous district east of Bethel, where he pitched
his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar
to Yahweh and invoked the name of Yahweh.
12:9 Then
Abram made his way stage by stage to the Negeb.
Abraham in Egypt
12:10 When
famine came to the land Abram went down into Egypt to stay there for the time,
since the land was hard pressed by the famine.
12:11 On
the threshold of Egypt he said to his wife Sarai, 'Listen! I know you are a
beautiful woman.
12:12 When
the Egyptians see you they will say, "That is his wife", and they
will kill me but spare you.
12:13 Tell
them you are my sister, so that they may treat me well because of you and spare
my life out of regard for you.'
12:14 When
Abram arrived in Egypt the Egyptians did indeed see that the woman was very
beautiful.
12:15 When
Pharaoh's officials saw her they sang her praises to Pharaoh and the woman was
taken into Pharaoh's palace.
12:16 He
treated Abram well because of her, and he received flocks, oxen, donkeys, men
and women slaves, she-donkeys and camels.
12:17 But
Yahweh inflicted severe plagues on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram's
wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram and said,
12:18 'What
is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me she was your wife?
12:19 Why
did you say, "She is my sister", so that I took her for my wife? Now,
here is your wife. Take her and go!'
12:20
Pharaoh committed him to men who escorted him back to the frontier with his
wife and all he possessed.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 13
Abraham and Lot separate
13:1 From
Egypt Abram returned to the Negeb with his wife and all he possessed, and Lot
with him.
13:2 Abram
was a very rich man, with livestock, silver and gold.
13:3 By
stages he went from the Negeb to Bethel, where he had first pitched his tent,
between Bethel and Al,
13:4 at the
place where he had formerly erected the altar. Here Abram invoked the name of
Yahweh.
13:5 Lot,
who was travelling with Abram, had flocks and cattle of his own, and tents too.
13:6 The
land was not sufficient to accommodate them both at once, for they had too many
possessions to be able to live together.
13:7
Dispute broke out between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and those of Lot's.
(The Canaanites and the Perizzites were then living in the land.)
13:8
Accordingly Abram said to Lot, 'Let there be no dispute between me and you, nor
between
my herdsmen
and yours, for we are brothers.
13:9 Is not
the whole land open before you? Part company with me: if you take the left, I
will go right; if you take the, right, I will go left.'
13:10
Looking round, Lot saw all the Jordan plain, irrigated everywhere-this was
before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah-like the garden of Yahweh or the
land of Egypt, as far as Zoar.[*a]
13:11 So
Lot chose all the Jordan plain for himself and moved off eastwards. Thus they
parted company:
13:12 Abram
settled in the land of Canaan; Lot settled among the towns of the plain,
pitching his tents on the outskirts of Sodom.
13:13 Now
the people of Sodom were vicious men, great sinners against Yahweh.
13:14
Yahweh said to Abram after Lot had parted company with him, 'Look all round
from where you are towards the north and the south, towards the east and the
west.
13:15 All
the land within sight I will give to you and your descendants for ever.
13:16 I
will make your descendants like the dust on the ground: when men succeed in
counting the specks of dust on the ground, then they will be able to count your
descendants!
13:17 Come,
travel through the length and breadth of the land, for I mean to give it to
you.'
13:18 So
Abram went with his tents to settle at the Oak of Mamre; at Hebron, and there
he built an altar to Yahweh.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 14
The campaign of the four great kings[*a]
14:1 It was
in the time of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedor-laomer
king of Elam, and Tidal king of the Goum.
14:2 These
made war on Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah,
Shemeber king of Zeboum, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
14:3 These
latter all banded together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).
14:4 For
twelve years they had been under the yoke of Chedor-laomer, but in the thirteenth
year they revolted.
14:5 In the
fourteenth year Chedor-laomer arrived and the kings who were on his side. They
defeated the Rephaim at Asteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim at Ham, the Emim in the
plain of Kiriathaim,
14:6 the
Horites in the mountainous district of Seir as far as El-paran, which is on the
edge of the wilderness.
14:7
Wheeling round, they came to the Spring of Judgement (that is, Kadesh); they
conquered all the territory of the Amalekites and also the Amorites who lived
in Hazazon-tamar.
14:8 Then
the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboum and Bela (that is, Zoar)
marched out and took up battle positions against them in the Valley of Siddim,
14:9
against Chedor-laomer king of Elam, Tidal king of the Goiim, Amraphel king of
Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar: four kings against five!
14:10 Now
there were many bitumen wells in the Valley of Siddim, and in their flight the
kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fell into them, while the rest took refuge in the
mountains.
14:11 The
conquerors seized all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their
provisions, and made off.
14:12 They
also took Lot (the nephew of Abram) and his possessions and made off; he was
living at Sodom.
14:13 A
survivor came to tell Abram the Hebrew, who was living at the Oak of the
Amorite Mamre, the brother of Eshcol and Aner; these were allies of Abram.
14:14 When
Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he mustered his
supporters, the members of his household from birth, numbering three hundred
and eighteen, and led them in pursuit as far as Dan.
14:15 He
and his servants fell on them by night and defeated them, pursuing them as far
as Hobah, north of Damascus.
14:16 He
recaptured all the goods, along with his kinsman Lot and his possessions,
together with the women and people.
Melchizedek
14:17 When
Abram came back after the defeat of Chedor-laomer and the kings who had been on
his side, the king of Sodom came to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is,
the Valley of the King).[*b]
14:18 Melchizedek
king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High.
14:19 He
pronounced this blessing:
14:20
'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be
God Most High for handing over your enemies to you'. And Abram gave him a title
of everything.
14:21 The
king of Sodom said to Abram, 'Give me the people and take the possessions for
yourself'.
14:22 But
Abram replied to the king of Sodom, 'I raise my hand in the presence of Yahweh,
God Most High, creator of heaven and earth:
14:23 not
one thread, not one sandal strap, nothing will I take of what is yours; you
shall not say, "I enriched Abram".
14:24 For
myself, nothing. There is only what my men have eaten, and the share belonging
to the men who came with me, Eshkol, Aner and Mamre; let them take their
share.'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 15
The divine promises and Covenant
15:1 It
happened some time later that the word of Yahweh was spoken to Abram in a
vision, 'Have no fear, Abram, I am your shield, your reward will be very
great'.
15:2 'My
Lord Yahweh,' Abram replied 'what do you intend to give me? I go childless...'
15:3 Then
Abram said, 'See, you have given me no descendants; some man of my household
will be my heir'.
15:4 And
then this word of Yahweh was spoken to him, 'He shall not be your heir; your
heir shall be of your own flesh and blood'.
15:5 Then
taking him outside he said, 'Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can.
Such will be your descendants' he told him.
15:6 Abram
put his faith in Yahweh, who counted this as making him justified.
15:7 'I am
Yahweh' he said to him 'who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldaeans to make you
heir to this land.'
15:8 'My
Lord Yahweh,' Abram replied 'how am I to know that I shall inherit it?'
15:9 He
said to him, 'Get me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old goat, a
three-year-old ram, a turtledove and a young pigeon.'
15:10 He
brought him all these, cut them in half and put half on one side and half
facing it on the other; but the birds he did not cut in half.
15:11 Birds
of prey came down on the carcases but Abram drove them off.
15:12 Now
as the sun was setting Abram fell into a deep sleep, and terror seized him.
15:13 Then
Yahweh said to Abram, 'Know this for certain, that your descendants will be
exiles in a land not their own, where they will be slaves and oppressed for
four hundred years.
15:14 But I
will pass judgement also on the nation that enslaves them and after that they
will leave, with many possessions.
15:15 For
your part, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a ripe
old age.
15:16 In
the fourth generation they will come back here, for the wickedness of the
Amorites is not yet ended.'
15:17 When
the sun had set and darkness had fallen, there appeared a smoking furnace and a
firebrand that went between the halves.[*a]
15:18 That
day Yahweh made a Covenant with Abram in these terms: 'To your descendants I
give this land, from the wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the river
Euphrates,
15:19 the
Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites,
15:20 the
Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim,
15:21 the
Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites'.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 16
The birth of Ishmael
16:1
Abram's wife Sarai had borne him no child, but she had an Egyptian maidservant
named Hagar.
16:2 So
Sarai said to Abram, 'Listen, now! Since Yahweh has kept me from having
children, go to my slave-girl. Perhaps I shall get children through her[*a].'
Abram agreed to what Sarai had said.
16:3 Thus
after Abram had lived in the land of Canaan for ten years Sarai took Hagar her
Egyptian slave-girl and gave her to Abram as his wife.
16:4 He
went to Hagar and she conceived. And once she knew she had conceived, her
mistress counted for nothing in her eyes.
16:5 Then
Sarai said to Abram, 'May this insult to me come home to you! It was I who put
my slave-girl into your arms but now she knows that she has conceived, I count
for nothing in her eyes. Let
16:6 Yahweh
judge between me and you.' 'Very well,' Abram said to Sarai 'your slave-girl is
at your disposal. Treat her as you think fit.' Sarai accordingly treated her so
badly that she ran away from her.
16:7 The
angel of Yahweh[*b] met her near a spring in the wilderness, the spring that is
on the road to Shur.
16:8 He
said, 'Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you
going?' 'I am running away from my mistress Sarai' she replied.
16:9 The
angel of Yahweh said to her, 'Go back to your mistress and submit to her'.
16:10 The
angel of Yahweh said to her, 'I will make your descendants too numerous to be
counted'.
16:11 Then
the angel of Yahweh said to her: 'Now you have conceived, and you will bear a
son, and you shall name him Ishmael, for Yahweh has heard[*c] your cries
of distress.
16:12 A
wild-ass of a man he will be, against every man, and every man against him,
setting himself to defy all his brothers.'
16:13 Hagar
gave a name to Yahweh who had spoken to her: 'You are El Roi', for, she
said, 'Surely this is a place where I, in my turn, have seen the one who sees me?'[*d]
16:14 This
is why this well is called the well of Lahai Roi; it is between Kadesh and
Bered.
16:15 Hagar
bore Abram a son, and Abram gave to the son that Hagar bore the name Ishmael.
16:16 Abram
was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him lshmael.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 17
The Covenant and circumcision
17:1 When
Abram was ninety-nine years old Yahweh appeared to him and said, 'I am El
Shaddai.[*a] Bear yourself blameless in my presence,
17:2 and I
will make a Covenant between myself and you, and increase your numbers
greatly.'
17:3 Abram
bowed to the ground and God said this to him,
17:4 Here
now is my covenant with you: you shall become the father of a multitude of
nations.
17:5 You shall
no longer be called Abram; Your name shall be Abraham,[*b] for I make you
father of a multitude of nations.
17:6 I will
make you most fruitful. I will make you into nations, and your issue shall be
kings.
17:7 I will
establish my Covenant between myself and you, and your descendants after you,
generation after generation, a Covenant in perpetuity, to be your God and the
God of your descendants after you.
17:8 I will
give to you and to your descendants after you the land you are living in, the
whole land of Canaan, to own in perpetuity, and I will be your God'
17:9 God
said to Abraham, 'You on your part shall maintain my Covenant, yourself and
your descendants after you, generation after generation.
17:10 Now
this is my Covenant 'which you are to maintain between myself and you, and your
descendants after you: all your males must be circumcised.
17:11 You
shall circumcise your foreskin, and this shall be the sign of the Covenant
between myself and you.
17:12 When
they are eight days old all your male children must be circumcised generation
after generation of them, no matter whether they be born within the household
or bought from a foreigner not one of your descendants.
17:13 They
must always be circumcised, both those born within the household and those who
have been bought. My Covenant shall be marked on your bodies as a Covenant in
perpetuity.
17:14 The
uncircumcised male, whose foreskin has not been circumcised, such a man shall
be cut off from his people: he has violated my Covenant.'
17:15 God
said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but
Sarah.
17:16 I
will bless her and moreover give you a son by her. I will bless her and nations
shall come out of her; kings of peoples shall descend from her.'
17:17
Abraham bowed to the ground, and he laughed, thinking to himself, 'Is a child
to be born to a man one hundred years old, and will Sarah have a child at the
age of ninety?'
17:18
Abraham said to God, 'Oh, let Ishmael live in your presence!'
17:19 But
God replied, 'No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son whom you are to name
Isaac. With him I will establish my Covenant, a Covenant in perpetuity, to be
his God and the God of his descendants after him.
17:20 For
Ishmael too I grant you your request: I bless him and I will make him fruitful
and greatly increased in numbers. He shall be the father of twelve princes, and
I will make him into a great nation.
17:21 But
my Covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear you at this time
next year.'
17:22 When
he had finished speaking to Abraham God went up from him.
17:23 Then
Abraham took his son Ishmael, all those born in his household and all those he
had bought, in short all the males among the people of Abraham's household, and
circumcised their foreskins that same day, in accordance with God's commands to
him.
17:24
Abraham was ninety-nine years old when his foreskin was circumcised.
17:25
Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when his foreskin was circumcised.
17:26 That
same day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised;
17:27 all
the men of his household, both those born in the household and those who had
been bought, were circumcised with him.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 18
The apparition at Mamre
18:1 Yahweh
appeared to him at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the
tent during the hottest part of the day.
18:2 He
looked up, and there he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them
he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed to the ground.
18:3 'My lord,'
he said 'I beg you, If I find favour with you kindly do not pass your servant
by.
18:4 A
little water shall be brought; you shall wash your feet and lie down under the
tree
18:5 Let me
fetch a little bread and you shall refresh yourselves before going further.
That is why you have come in your servant's direction. They replied 'Do as you
say'.
18:6
Abraham hastened to the tent to find Sarah. 'Hurry' he said 'knead three
bushels of flour and make loaves.'
18:7 Then
running to the cattle Abraham took a fine and tender calf and gave it to the
servant, who hurried to prepare it.
18:8 Then
taking cream, milk and the calf he had prepared, he laid all before them, and
they ate while he remained standing near them under the tree.
18:9 Where
is your wife Sarah? they asked him. 'She is in the tent' he replied.
18:10 Then
his guest said, 'I shall visit you again next year without fail, and your wife
will then have a son'. Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent
behind him.
18:11 Now
Abraham and Sarah were old, well on in years, and Sarah had ceased to have her
monthly periods
18:12 So
Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, 'Now that I am past the age of
child-bearing, and my husband is an old man, is pleasure to come my way again!'
18:13 But
Yahweh asked Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say,
18:14
"Am I really going to have a child now that I am old?" 'is anything
too wonderful for Yahweh? At the same time next year I shall visit you again
and Sarah will have a son.'
18:15 'I
did not laugh' Sarah said, lying because she was afraid. But he replied, 'Oh
yes, you did laugh'.
Abraham intercedes
18:16 From
there the men set out and arrived within sight of Sodom, with Abraham
accompanying them to show them the way.
18:17 Now
Yahweh had wondered,
18:18 'Shall
I conceal from Abraham what I am going to do, 'seeing that Abraham will become
a great nation with all the nations of the earth blessing themselves by him?
18:19 For I
have singled him out to command his sons and his household after him to
maintain the way of Yahweh by just and upright living. In this way Yahweh wilt
carry out for Abraham what he has promised him.'
18:20 Then
Yahweh said, 'How great an outcry there is against Sodom and Gomorrah! How
grievous is their sin!
18:21 I
propose to go down and see whether or not they have done all that is alleged in
the outcry against them that has come up to me. I am determined to know.'
18:22 The
men left there and went to Sodom while Abraham remained standing before Yahweh.
18:23
Approaching him he said, 'Are you really going to destroy the just man with the
sinner?
18:24
Perhaps there are fifty just men in the town. Will you really overwhelm them,
will you not spare the place for the fifty just men in it?
18:25 Do
not think of doing such a thing: to kill the just man with the sinner, treating
just and sinner alike! Do not think of it! Will the judge of the whole earth
not administer justice?'
18:26
Yahweh replied, 'If at Sodom I find fifty just men in the town, I will spare
the whole place because of them'.
18:27
Abraham replied, 'I am bold indeed to speak like this to my Lord, I who am dust
and ashes.
18:28 But
perhaps the fifty just men lack five: will you destroy the whole city for
five?' 'No,' he replied 'I will not destroy it if I find forty five just men
there.'
18:29 Again
Abraham said to him, 'Perhaps there will only be forty there'. 'I will not do
it' he replied 'for the sake of the forty.'
18:30
Abraham said, 'I trust my Lord will not be angry, but give me leave to speak: perhaps
there will only be thirty there'. 'I will not do it' he replied 'if I find
thirty there.'
18:31 He
said, 'I am bold indeed to speak like this, but perhaps there will only be
twenty there'. 'I will not destroy it' he replied 'for the sake of the twenty.'
18:32 He
said, 'I trust my Lord will not be angry if I speak once more: perhaps
there will only be ten'. 'I will not destroy it' he replied 'for the sake
of the ten.'
18:33 When
he had finished talking to Abraham Yahweh went away, and Abraham returned
home.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 19
The destruction of Sodom
19:1 When
the two angels reached Sodom in the evening, Lot was sitting at the gate. As
soon as Lot saw them he rose to meet them and bowed to the ground.
19:2 'I beg
you, my lords,' he said 'please come down to your servant's house to stay the
night and wash your feet. Then in the morning you can continue your
journey.' 'No,' they replied, 'We can spend the night in the open
street.'
19:3 But he
pressed them so much that they went home with him and entered his house. He
prepared a meal for them, baking unleavened bread, and they ate.
19:4 They
had not gone to bed when the house was surrounded by the men of the town, the
men of Sodom both young and old, all the people without exception.
19:5 Calling
to Lot they said, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to
us so that we may abuse them.'[*a]
19:6 Lot
came out to them at the door, and having closed the door behind him said,
19:7 'I beg
you, my brothers, do no such wicked thing.
19:8
Listen, I have two daughters who are virgins. I am ready to send them out to
you, to treat as it pleases you. But as for the men, do nothing to them, for
they have come under the shadow of my roof.'
19:9 But
they replied, 'Out of the way! Here is one who came as a foreigner, and would
set himself up as a judge. Now we will treat you worse than them.' Then they
forced Lot back and moved forward to break down the door.
19:10 But
the men reached out, pulled Lot back into the house, and shut the door.
19:11 And
they struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, from
youngest to oldest, and they never found the doorway.
19:12 The
men said to Lot, 'Have you anyone else here? Your sons, your daughters and all
your people in the town, take them out of the place.
19:13 We
are about to destroy this place, for there is a great outcry against them, and
it has reached Yahweh. And Yahweh has sent us to destroy them.'
19:14 Lot
went to speak to his future sons-in-law who were to marry his daughters. 'Come,'
he said 'leave this place, for Yahweh is about to destroy the town.' But his
sons-in-law thought he was joking.
19:15 When
dawn broke the angels urged Lot, 'Come, take your wife and these two daughters
of yours, or you will be overwhelmed in the punishment of the town'.
19:16 And
as he hesitated, the men took him by the hand, and his wife and his two
daughters, because of the pity Yahweh felt for him. They led him out and left
him outside the town.
19:17 As
they were leading him out he said, 'Run for your life. Neither look behind you
nor stop anywhere on the plain. Make for the hills if you would not be
overwhelmed.'
19:18 'No,
I beg you, my lord,' Lot said to them
19:19 'your
servant has won your favour and you have shown great kindness to me in saving
my life. But I could not reach the hills before this calamity overtook me, and
death with it.
19:20 The
town over there is near enough to flee to, and is a little one. Let me make for
that-is it not little?-and my life will be saved.'
19:21 He
answered, 'I grant you this favour too, and will not destroy the town you speak
of.
19:22
Hurry, escape to it, for I can do nothing until you reach it.' That is why the
town is named Zoar.
19:23 As
the sun rose over the land and Lot entered Zoar,
19:24 Yahweh
rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Yahweh.
19:25 He
overthrew these towns and the whole plain, with all the inhabitants of the
towns, and everything that grew there.[*b]
19:26 But
the wife of Lot looked back, and was turned into a pillar of salt.
19:27
Rising early in the morning Abraham went to the place where he had stood
before Yahweh,
19:28 and
looking towards Sodom and Gomorrah, and across all the plain, he saw the smoke
rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace.
19:29 Thus
it was that when God destroyed the towns of the plain, he kept Abraham in mind
and rescued Lot out of disaster when he overwhelmed the towns where Lot lived.
The origin of the Moabites and the Ammonites
19:30 After
leaving Zoar Lot settled in the hill country with his two daughters for he
dared not stay at Zoar. He made his home in a cave, himself and his two
daughters.
19:31 The
elder said to the younger, 'Our father is an old man, and there is not a man in
the land to marry us in the way they do the world over.
19:32 Come
let us ply our father with wine and sleep with him. In this way we shall have
children by our father.'
19:33 That
night they made their father drunk, and the elder slept with her father though
he was unaware of her coming to bed or of her leaving.
19:34 The
next day the elder said to the younger, 'Last night I slept with my father. Let
us make him drunk again tonight, and you go and sleep with him. In this way we
shall have children by our father.'
19:35 They
made their father drunk that night too, and the younger went and slept with
him, but he was unaware of her coming to bed or of her leaving.
19:36 Both
Lot's daughters thus became pregnant by their father.
19:37 The
elder gave birth to a son whom she named Moab; and he is the ancestor of the
Moabites of our own times.
19:38 The
younger also gave birth to a son whom she named Ben-ammi and he is the ancestor
of the Bene-ammon of our own times.[*c]
JB
GENESIS Chapter 20
Abraham at Gerar
20:1
Abraham left there for the land of the Negeb, and settled between Kadesh and
Shur, staying for the time being at Gerar.
20:2 Of his
wife Sarah, Abraham said, 'She is my sister', and Abimelech the king of Gerar
had Sarah brought to him.
20:3 But
God visited Abimelech in a dream at night. 'You are to die' he told him
'because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.'
20:4
Abimelech however had not gone near her; so he said, 'My Lord, would you kill
innocent people too?
20:5 Did he
not tell me himself, "She is my sister", and did not she herself say,
"He is my brother"? I did this with a clear conscience and clean
hands.'
20:6 'Yes I
know' God replied in the, dream 'that you did this with a clear conscience, and
it was I who prevented you from sinning against me. That was why I did not let
you touch her.
20:7 Now
send the man's wife back; for he is a prophet and can intercede on your behalf
for your life. But understand that if you do not send her back, you will most
surely die, and all your people too.'
20:8 So Abimelech
rose early next morning and summoning all his servants told them the whole
story, at which the men were very much afraid.
20:9 Then
summoning Abraham Abimelech said to him, 'What have you done to us? What wrong
have I done you that you bring so great a sin on me and on my kingdom? You have
treated me as you should not have done.'
20:10 And
Abimelech asked Abraham, 'What possessed you to do this?'
20:11
'Because' Abraham replied 'I thought there would be no fear of God here; and
the people would kill me because of my wife.
20:12
'Besides, she is indeed my sister, my father's daughter though not my mother's;
and she became my wife.
20:13 So
when God made me wander far from my father's home I said to her, "There is
a kindness you can do me: everywhere we go, say of me that I am your
brother".'
20:14
Abimelech took sheep, cattle, men and women slaves, and presented them to
Abraham, and gave him back his wife Sarah.
20:15 And
Abimelech said, 'See, my land lies before you. Settle wherever you please.'
20:16 To
Sarah he said, 'Look, I am giving one thousand pieces of silver to your
brother. For you this will be compensation in the eyes of all those with
you...'
20:17 At
Abraham's prayer God healed Abimelech, his wife and his slave-girls, so that
they could have children,
20:18 for
Yahweh had made all the women of Abimelech's household barren on account of
Sarah, Abraham's wife.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 21
The birth of Isaac
21:1 Yahweh
dealt kindly with Sarah as he had said, and did what he had promised her.
21:2 So
Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the time God had
promised.
21:3
Abraham named the son born to him Isaac, the son to whom Sarah had given birth.
21:4
Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had
commanded him.
21:5
Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
21:6 Then
Sarah said, 'God has given me cause to laugh; all those who hear of it will
laugh with me[*a].'
21:7 She
added: 'Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children! Yet I have
borne him a child in his old age.'
The dismissal of Hagar and Ishmael
21:8 The
child grew and was weaned, and Abraham gave a great banquet on the day Isaac
was weaned.
21:9 Now
Sarah watched the son that Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham,
playing,[*b] with her son Isaac.
21:10
'Drive away that slave-girl and her son,' she said to Abraham; 'this
slave-girl's son is not to share the inheritance with my son Isaac.'
21:11 This
greatly distressed Abraham because of his son,
21:12 but
God said to him, 'Do not distress yourself on account of the boy and your
slave-girl. Grant Sarah all she asks of you, for it is through Isaac that your
name will be carried on.
21:13 But
the slave-girl's son I will also make into a nation, for he is your child too.'
21:14
Rising early next morning Abraham took some bread and a skin of water and,
giving them to Hagar, he put the child on her shoulder and sent her away. She
wandered off into the wilderness of Beersheba.
21:15 When the
skin of water was finished she abandoned the child under a bush.
21:16 Then
she went and sat down at a distance, about a bowshot away, saying to herself,
'I cannot see the child die'. So she sat at a distance; and the child wailed
and wept.
21:17 But God
heard the boy wailing, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven. 'What
is wrong, Hagar?' he asked. 'Do not be afraid, for God has heard the boy's cry
where he lies.
21:18 Come,
pick up the boy and hold him safe, for I will make him into a great nation.'
21:19 Then
God opened Hagar's eyes and she saw a well, so she went and filled the skin
with water and gave the boy a drink.
21:20 God
was with the boy. He grew up and made his home in the wilderness, and he became
a bowman.
21:21 He
made his home in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother chose him a wife from
the land of Egypt.
Abraham and Abimelech at Beersheba
21:22 At
that time Abimelech came with Phicol, the commander of his army, to speak to
Abraham, 'God is with you in all you are doing.
21:23 Swear
by God to me here and now that you will not trick me, neither myself nor my
descendants nor any of mine, and that you will show the same kindness to me and
the land of which you are a guest as I have shown to you.'
21:24
'Yes,' Abraham replied 'I swear it.'
21:25
Abraham reproached Abimelech about a well that Abimelech's servants had seized.
21:26 'I do
not know who has done this' Abimelech said. 'You yourself have never mentioned
it to me, and for myself, I heard nothing of it till today.'
21:27 Then
Abraham took sheep and cattle and presented them to Abimelech and the two of
them made a covenant.
21:28
Abraham put seven lambs of the flock on one side.
21:29 'Why
have you put these seven lambs on one side?' Abimelech asked Abraham.
21:30 He
replied, 'You must accept these seven lambs from me as evidence that I have dug
this well'.
21:31 This
is why they called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them swore an
oath.[*c]
21:32 After
they had made a covenant at Beersheba Abimelech went off with Phicol, the
commander of his army, and returned to the land of the Philistines.
21:33
Abraham planted a tamarisk at Beersheba and there he invoked Yahweh, the
everlasting God.
21:34
Abraham stayed for a long while in the land of the Philistines.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 22
The sacrifice of Isaac
22:1 It
happened some time later that God put Abraham to the test. 'Abraham, Abraham'
he called. 'Here I am' he replied.
22:2 'Take
your son,' God said 'your only child Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land
of Moriah[*a]. There you shall offer him as a burnt offering, on a mountain I
will point out to you.'
22:3 Rising
early next morning Abraham saddled his ass and took with him two of his
servants and his son Isaac. He chopped food for the burnt offering and started
on his journey to the place God had pointed out to him.
22:4 On the
third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
22:5 Then
Abraham said to his servants, 'Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go
over there; we will worship and come back to you.'
22:6
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering, loaded it, on Isaac, and carried
in his own hands the fire and the knife. Then the two of them set out together.
22:7 Isaac
spoke to his father Abraham, 'Father' he said. 'Yes, my son' he replied.
'Look,' he said 'here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the
burnt offering?'
22:8
Abraham answered, 'My son, God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt
offering', Then the two of them went on together.
22:9 When
they arrived at the place God had pointed out to him, Abraham built an altar
there, and arranged the wood. Then he bound his son Isaac and put him on the
altar on top of the wood.
22:10
Abraham stretched out his hand and seized the knife to kill his son.
22:11 But
the angel of Yahweh called to him from heaven. 'Abraham, Abraham' he said. 'I
am here' he replied.
22:12 'Do
not raise your hand against the boy' the angel said. 'Do not harm him, for now
I know you fear God. You have not refused me your son, your only son.'
22:13 Then
looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. Abraham took the
ram and offered it as a burnt-offering in place of his son.
22:14
Abraham called this place 'Yahweh provides', and hence the saying today: On the
mountain Yahweh provides.
22:15 The
angel of Yahweh called Abraham a second time from heaven.
22:16 'I
swear by my own self - it is Yahweh who speaks - because you have done this,
because you have not refused me your son, your only son,
22:17 I
will shower blessings on you, I will make your descendants as many as the stars
of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants shall gain
possession of the gates[*b] of their enemies.
22:18 All
the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your descendants, as a
reward for your obedience.'
22:19
Abraham went back to his servants, and together they set out for Beersheba, and
he settled in Beersheba.
The descendants of Nahor
22:20 It
happened some time later that Abraham received word that Milcah, too, had now
borne sons to his brother Nahor:
22:21 Uz
his first-born, Buz his brother, Kemuel Aram's father,
22:22
Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, Bethuel
22:23 (and
Bethuel was the father of Rebekah). These are the eight children Milcah
gave Nahor, Abraham's brother.
22:24 He
had a concubine named Reumah, and she too had children: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash
and Maacah.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 23
The tomb of the patriarchs
23:1 The
length of Sarah's life was a hundred and twenty-seven years.
23:2 She
died at Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to
mourn and grieve for her.
23:3 Then
leaving his dead, Abraham spoke to the sons of Heth:
23:4 'I am a
stranger and a settler among you' he said. 'Let me own a burial-plot among you,
so that I may take my dead wife and bury her.'
23:5 The
sons of Heth gave Abraham this
23:6
answer, 'Listen, my lord, you are God's prince amongst us; bury your dead in
the best of our tombs; not one of us would refuse you his tomb and keep you
from burying your dead'.
23:7
Abraham rose and bowed to the ground before the people of the land, the sons of
Heth,
23:8 and
spoke to them. 'If' he said 'you are willing for me to take my dead wife and
bury her, then listen to me. Intercede for me with Ephron,
23:9
Zohar's son, to give me the cave he owns at Machpelah, which is on the edge of
his land. Let him make it over to me in your presence at its full price, for me
to own as a burial-plot.'
23:10 Now
Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth, and Ephron the Hittite answered
Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth and of all the citizens of the town.
23:11 'My
lord, listen to me' he said. 'I give you the land and I give you the cave on
it; I make this gift in the sight of the sons of my people. Bury your
dead.'
23:12
Abraham bowed before the people of the land
23:13 and
he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, 'Oh, if it be
you... But listen to me. I will pay the price of the land; accept it from me
and I will bury my dead there.'
23:14
Ephron answered Abraham,
23:15 'My
lord, listen to me. A property worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is a
little thing like that between me and you? Bury your dead.'
23:16
Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms, and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver
he had stipulated in the hearing of the sons of Heth, namely four hundred
shekels of silver, according to the current commercial rate.
23:17 Thus
Ephron's field at Machpelah opposite Mamre, the field and the cave that was on
it, and all the trees that were on it, the whole of its extent in every
direction, passed
23:18 into
Abraham's possession in the sight of the sons of Heth and of all the citizens
of the town.
23:19 After
this Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah
opposite Mamre, in the country of Canaan.
23:20 And
so the field and the cave that was on it passed from the sons of Heth into
Abraham's possession to be owned as a burial-plot.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 24
The marriage of Isaac
24:1 By now
Abraham was an old man well on in years, and Yahweh had blessed him in every
way.
24:2
Abraham said to the eldest servant of his houses house-hold, the steward of all
his property, 'Place your hand under my thigh,
24:3 I
would have you swear by Yahweh, God of heaven and God of earth, that you will
not choose a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I
live.
24:4
Instead, go to my own land and my own kinsfolk to choose a wife for my son
Isaac
24:5 The
servant asked him, 'What if the woman does not want to come with me to this
country? Must I take your son back to the country from which you came?'
24:6
Abraham answered, 'On no account take my son back there.
24:7
Yahweh, God of heaven and God of earth, took me from my father's home and from
the land of my kinsfolk, and he swore to me that he would give this country to
my descendants. He will now send his angel ahead of you, so that you may
choose a wife for my son there
24:8 And if
the woman does not want to come with you, you will be free from this oath of
mine. Only do not take my son back there.'
24:9 And
the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham, and
swore to him that he would do it.
24:10 The servant
took ten of his master's camels and something of the best of all his master
owned, and set out for Aram Naharaiim[*a] and Nahor's town.
24:11 In
the evening, at the time when women go down to draw water he made the camels
kneel outside the town near the well.
24:12 And
he said, 'Yahweh, God of my master Abraham, be with me today, and show your
kindness to my master Abraham.
24:13 Here
I stand by the spring as the young women from the town come out to draw water.
24:14 To
one of the girls I will say: Please tilt your pitcher and let me drink. If she
answers, "Drink, and I will water your camels too", may she be the
one you have chosen for your servant Isaac; by this I shall know you have shown
your kindness to my master.'
24:15 He
had not finished speaking when Rebekah came out. She was the daughter of
Bethuel, son of Milcah, wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. She had a pitcher on
her shoulder.
24:16 The
girl was very beautiful, and a virgin; no man had touched her. She went down to
the spring, filled her pitcher and came up again.
24:17
Running to meet her, the servant said, 'Please give me a little water to drink
from your pitcher'.
24:18 She
replied, 'Drink, my lord', and she quickly lowered her pitcher on her arm and
gave him a drink.
24:19 When
she had finished letting him drink, she said, 'I will draw water for your
camels, too, until they have had enough'.
24:20 She
quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran to the well again to draw
water, and drew water for all the camels
24:21 while
the man watched in silence, wondering whether Yahweh had made his journey
successful or not.
24:22 When
the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing half a
shekel, and put it through her nostrils, and put on her arms two bracelets
weighing ten gold shekels,
24:23 and
he said, 'Whose daughter are you? Please tell me. Is there room at your
father's house for us to spend the night?'
24:24 She
answered, 'I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son whom Milcah bore to Nahor'.
24:25 And
she went on, 'We have plenty of straw and fodder, and room to lodge'.
24:26 Then
the man bowed down and worshipped Yahweh
24:27
saying, 'Blessed be Yahweh, God of my master Abraham, for he has not stopped
showing kindness and goodness to my master. Yahweh has guided my steps to the
house of my master's brother.'
24:28 The
girl ran to her mother's house to tell what had happened.
24:29 Now
Rebekah had a brother called Laban, and Laban ran out to the man at the spring.
24:30 As
soon as he had seen the ring and the bracelets his sister was wearing, and had
heard his sister Rebekah saying, 'This is what the man said to me', he went to
the man and found him still standing by his camels at the spring.
24:31 He
said to him, Come in, blessed of Yahweh, why stay out here when I have cleared
the house and made room for the camels?'
24:32 The
man went to the house, and Laban unloaded the camels. He provided straw and
fodder for the camels and water for him and his companions to wash their feet.
24:33 They
offered him food, but he said, 'I will eat nothing before I have said what I
have to say'. Laban said, 'Speak'.
24:34 He
said, 'I am the servant of Abraham.
24:35
Yahweh has overwhelmed my master with blessings, and Abraham is now very rich.
He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, men slaves and women
slaves, camels and donkeys.
24:36
Sarah, my master's wife, bore him a son in his old age, and he has made over
all his property to him.
24:37 My
master made me take this oath, "You are not to choose a wife for my son
from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose country I live;
24:38 Curse
you if you do not go to my father's home and to my kinsfolk to choose a wife
for my son."
24:39 I
said to my master: Suppose the woman will not agree to come with me?
24:40 and his
reply was, "Yahweh, in whose presence I have walked, will send his angel
to make your journey successful; you shall choose a wife for my son from
my kinsfolk and from my father's house.
24:41 So
doing, you will be free from my curse: you will have gone to my family, and if
they refuse you, you will be free from my curse."
24:42
Arriving today at the spring I said: Yahweh, God of my master Abraham, show me,
I pray, if you intend to make my journey successful.
24:43 Here
I stand, by the spring: when a girl comes out to draw water and I say to her:
Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher,
24:44 and
she replies, "Drink by all means, and I will draw water for your camels
too", may she be the wife Yahweh has chosen for my master's son:
24:45 I was
still turning this over in my mind when Rebekah came out, her pitcher on her
shoulder. She came down to the spring and drew water. I said to her: Please
give me a drink.
24:46
Quickly she lowered her pitcher saying, "Drink, and I will water your
camels too".
24:47 I
asked her: Whose daughter are you? She replied, "I am the daughter of
Bethuel, whom Milcah bore to Nahor". Then I put this ring through her
nostrils and these bracelets on her arms.
24:48 I
bowed down and worshipped Yahweh, and I blessed Yahweh, God of my master
Abraham, who had so graciously led me to choose the daughter of my master's
brother for his son.
24:49 Now
tell me whether you are prepared to show kindness and goodness to my master; if
not, say so, and I shall know what to do.'
24:50 Laban
and Bethuel replied, 'This is from Yahweh; it is not in our power to say yes or
no to you.
24:51
Rebekah is there before you. Take her and go; and let her become the wife of
your master's son, as Yahweh has decreed.'
24:52 On
hearing this Abraham's servant prostrated himself on the ground before Yahweh.
24:53 He
brought out silver and gold ornaments and clothes which he gave to Rebekah; he
also gave rich presents to her brother and to her mother.
24:54 They
ate and drank, he and his companions, and they spent the night there.
24:55 Next
morning when they were up, he said, 'Let me go back to my master'. Rebekah's
brother and mother replied, 'Let the girl stay with us a few days, perhaps ten;
after that she may go'.
24:56 But
he replied, 'Do not delay me; it is Yahweh who has made my journey successful;
let me leave to go back to my master'.
24:57 They
replied, 'Let us call the girl and find out what she has to say'.
24:58 They
called Rebekah and asked her, 'Do you want to leave with this man?' 'I do' she
replied.
24:59
Accordingly they let their sister Rebekah go, with her nurse, and Abraham's
servant and his men.
24:60 They
blessed Rebekah in these words: 'Sister of ours, increase to thousands and tens
of thousands! May your descendants gain possession of the gates of their
enemies!'
24:61
Rebekah and her servants stood up, mounted the camels, and followed the man.
The servant took Rebekah and departed.
24:62
Isaac, who lived in the Negeb, had meanwhile come into the wilderness of the
well of Lahai Roi.
24:63 Now
Isaac went walking in the fields as evening fell, and looking up saw camels
approaching.
24:64 And
Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac. She jumped down from her camel, and asked the
servant,
24:65 'Who
is that man walking through the fields to meet us?' The servant replied, 'That
is my master'; then she took her veil and hid her face.
24:66 The
servant told Isaac the whole story,
24:67 and
Isaac led Rebekah into his tent and made her his wife; and he loved her. And so
Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 25
The descendants of Keturah
25:1
Abraham married another wife whose name was Keturah;
25:2 and
she bore him Zimram, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah.-
25:3 Jokshan
was the father of Sheba and Dedan, and the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites,
the Letushim and the Leummim.-
25:4 The
sons of Midian are Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Eldaah. All these are sons
of Keturah.
25:5
Abraham gave all his possessions to Isaac.
25:6 To the
sons of his concubines Abraham gave presents, and during his lifetime he sent
them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the east country.
The death of Abraham
25:7 The
number of years Abraham lived was a hundred and seventy-five.
25:8 Then
Abraham breathed his last, dying at a ripe old age, an old man who had lived
his full span of years; and he was gathered to his people.
25:9 His
sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah opposite Mamre, in
the field of Ephron the Hittite, son of Zohar.
25:10 This
was the field that Abraham had bought from the sons of Heth, and Abraham and
his wife Sarah were buried there.
25:11 After
Abraham's death God blessed his son Isaac, and Isaac lived near the well of
Lahai Roi.
The descendants of Ishmael
25:12 These
are the descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham by Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian
maidservant.
25:13 These
are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Ishmael's
first born was Nebaioth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,
25:14
Mishma, Dumah, Massa,
25:15
Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah.
25:16 These
are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, according to their
settlements and encampments, twelve chiefs of as many tribes. The number of
years Ishmael lived was one hundred and thirty-seven.
25:17 Then
he breathed his last, died, and was gathered to his people.
25:18 He
lived in the territory stretching from Havilah to Shur, which is to the east of
Egypt, on the way to Assyria. He set himself to defy his brothers.
III. THE STORY OF ISAAC AND JACOB
The birth of Esau and Jacob
25:19 This
is the story of Isaac son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac.
25:20 Isaac
was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramaean
of Paddan-aram, and sister of Laban the Aramaean.
25:21 Isaac
prayed to Yahweh on behalf of his wife, for she was barren. Yahweh heard his
prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived.
25:22 But
the children struggled with one another inside her, and she said, 'If this is
the way of it, why go on living?' So she went to consult Yahweh,[*a]
25:23 and
he said to her: 'There are two nations in your womb, your issue will be two
rival peoples. One nation shall have the mastery of the other, and the elder
shall serve the younger.'[*b]
25:24 When
the time came for her confinement, there were indeed twins in her womb.
25:25 The
first to be born was red, and as though he were completely wrapped in a hairy
cloak; so they named him Esau.
25:26 Then
his brother was born, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so they named him
Jacob.[*c] Isaac was sixty years old at the time of their birth.
25:27 When
the boys grew up Esau became a skilled hunter, a man of the open country. Jacob
on the other hand was a quiet man, staying at home among the tents.
25:28 Isaac
preferred Esau, for he had a taste for wild game; but Rebekah preferred Jacob.
Esau gives up his birthright
25:29 Once,
Jacob had made a soup, and Esau returned from the countryside exhausted.
25:30 Esau
said to Jacob, 'Let me eat the red soup, that red soup there; I am
exhausted'-hence the name given to him, Edom.
25:31 Jacob
said, 'First sell me your birthright,[*d] then'.
25:32 Esau
said, 'Here I am, at death's door; what use will my birthright be to me?'
25:33 Then
Jacob said, 'First give me your oath'; he gave him his oath and sold his
birthright to Jacob.
25:34 Then
Jacob gave him bread and lentil soup, and after eating and drinking he got up
and went. That was all Esau cared for his birthright.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 26
Isaac at Gerar
26:1 There
was a famine in the land - a second one after the famine which took place in
the time of Abraham - and Isaac went to Abimilech, the Philistine king at
Gerar.
26:2 Yahweh
appeared to him and said, 'Do not go down into Egypt; stay in the land I shall
tell you of.
26:3 Remain
for the present here in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. For it
is to you and your descendants that I will give all these lands, and I will
fulfil the oath I swore to your father Abraham.
26:4 I will
make your descendants as many as the stars of heaven, and I will give them all
these lands; and all the nations in the world shall bless themselves by your
descendants
26:5 in
return for Abraham's obedience; for he kept my charge, my commandments, my
statutes and my laws.'
26:6 So
Isaac stayed at Gerar.
26:7 When
the people of the place asked him about his wife he replied, 'She is my
sister', for he was afraid to say, 'She is my wife', in case they killed him on
Rebekah's account, for she was beautiful.
26:8 When
he had been there some time, Abimelech the Philistine king happened to look out
of the window and saw Isaac fondling his wife Rebekah.
26:9
Abimelech summoned Isaac and said to him, 'Surely she must be your wife! How could
you say she was your sister?' Isaac answered him, 'Because I thought I might be
killed on her account'.
26:10
Abimelech said, 'What is this you have done to us? One of my subjects might
easily have slept with your wife, and then you would have made us incur guilt.'
26:11 Then
Abimelech issued this order to all the people: 'Whoever touches this man or his
wife shall be put to death'.
26:12 Isaac
sowed his crops in that land, and that year he reaped a hundredfold. Yahweh
blessed him
26:13 and
the man became rich; he prospered more and more until he was very rich indeed.
26:14 He
had flocks and herds and many servants. The Philistines began to envy him.
The wells between Gerar and Beersheba
26:15 The
Philistines had sealed all the wells dug by his father's servants, filling them
with earth. These had existed from the time of his father Abraham.
26:16
Abimelech said to Isaac, 'Leave us, for you have become much more powerful than
we are.'
26:17 So
Isaac left; he pitched camp in the Valley of Gerar and there he stayed.
26:18 Isaac
dug again the wells made by the servants of his father Abraham and sealed by
the Philistines after Abraham's death, and he gave them the same names as his
father had given them.
26:19
Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found a well of spring-water
26:20 But
the shepherds of Gerar quarrelled with Isaac's shepherds, saying, 'That water
is ours!' So Isaac named the well Esek, because they had quarrelled with him.
26:21 They
dug another well, and there was a quarrel about that one too; so he named it
Sitnah.
26:22 Then
he left there, and dug another well, and since there was no quarrel about this
one, he named it Rehoboth, saying, 'Now Yahweh has made room for us, so that we
may thrive in the land'.[*a]
26:23 From
here he went up to Beersheba.
26:24
Yahweh appeared to him that night and said: 'I am the God of your father
Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and make your
descendants many in number on account of my servant Abraham.'
26:25 There
be built an altar and invoked the name of Yahweh. There he pitched his tent,
and there Isaac's servants sank a well.
The alliance with Abimelech
26:26
Abimelech came from Gerar to see him, with his adviser Ahuzzath and the
commander of his army, Phicol.
26:27 Isaac
said to them, 'Why do you come to me since you hate me, and have made me leave
you?'
26:28 'It
became clear to us that Yahweh was with you:' they replied 'and so we said,
"Let there be a sworn treaty between ourselves and you, and let us make a
covenant with you".
26:29 Swear
not to do us any harm, since we never molested you but were unfailingly kind to
you and let you go away in peace. Now you have Yahweh's blessing.'
26:30 He
then made them a feast and they ate and drank.
26:31
Rising early in the morning, they exchanged oaths. Then Isaac bade them
farewell and they went from him in peace.
26:32 'Now
it was on the same day that Isaac's servants brought him news of the well they
had dug. 'We have found water!' they said to him,
26:33 So he
called the well Sheba, and hence the town is named Beersheba to this way.
The Hittite wives of Esau
26:34 When
Esau was forty years old he married Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite,
and Basemach, the daughter of Elon the Hittite.
26:35 These
were a bitter disappointment to Isaac and Rebekah.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 27
Jacob obtains Isaac's blessing by cunning
27:1 Isaac
had grown old, and his eyes were so weak that be could no longer see. He
summoned his elder son Esau, 'My son!' he said to him, and the latter answered,
'I am here'.
27:2 Then
he said, 'See, I am old and do not know when I may die.
27:3 Now
take your weapons, your quiver and bow; go out into the country and hunt me
some game.
27:4 Make
me the kind of savoury I like and bring it to me, so that I may eat, and give
you my blessing before I die.'
27:5
Rebekah happened to be listening while Isaac was talking to his son Esau. So
when Esau went into the country to bunt game for his father,
27:6
Rebekah said to her son Jacob, 'I have just beard your father saying to your
brother Esau,
27:7
"Bring me some game and make a savoury for me. Then I shall eat, and bless
you in the presence of Yahweh before I die."
27:8 Now my
son, listen to me and do as I tell you.
27:9 Go to
the flock, and bring me back two good kids, so that I can make the kind of
savoury your father likes.
27:10 Then
you can take it to your father for him to eat so that he may bless you before
he dies.'
27:11 Jacob
said to his mother Rebekah, 'Look, my brother Esau is hairy, while I am
smooth-skinned.
27:12 If my
father happens to touch me, he will see I am cheating him, and I shall bring
down a curse on myself instead of a blessing.'
27:13 But
his mother answered him, 'On me be the curse, my son! Just listen to me; go and
fetch me the kids.'
27:14 So he
went to fetch them, and he brought them to his mother, and she made the kind of
savoury his father liked.
27:15
Rebekah took her elder son Esau's best clothes, which she had in the house, and
dressed her younger son Jacob in them,
27:16
covering his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skins of the kids.
27:17 Then
she handed the savoury and the bread she had made to her son Jacob.
27:18 He
presented himself before his father and said, 'Father'. 'I am here;' was the
reply 'who are you, my son?'
27:19 Jacob
said to his father, 'I am Esau your first-born; I have done as you told
me. Please get up and take your place and eat the game I have brought and then
give me your blessing.'
27:20 Isaac
said to his son, 'How quickly you found it, my son!' 'It was Yahweh your God'
he answered 'who put it in my path.'
27:21 Isaac
said to Jacob, 'Come here, then, and let me touch you, my son, to know if you
are my son Esau or not'.
27:22 Jacob
came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, 'The voice is Jacob's
voice but the arms are the arms of Esau!'
27:23 He
did not recognise him, for his arms were hairy like his brother Esau's, and so
he blessed him.
27:24 He
said, 'Are you really my son Esau?' And he replied, 'I am'.
27:25 Isaac
said, 'Bring it here that I may eat the game my son has brought, and so may
give you my blessing'. He brought it to him and he ate; he offered him wine,
and he drank.
27:26 His
father Isaac said to him, 'Come closer, and kiss me, my son'.
27:27 He
went closer and kissed his father, who smelled the smell of his clothes.
He blessed him saying: 'Yes, the smell of my son is like the smell of a fertile
field blessed by Yahweh.
27:28 May
God give you dew from heaven, and the richness of the earth, abundance of grain
and wine!
27:29 May
nations serve you and peoples bow down before you! Be master of your brothers;
may the sons of your mother bow down before you! Cursed be he who curses you;
blessed be he who blesses you!'
27:30 As
soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and just when Jacob was leaving the
presence of his father Isaac, his brother Esau returned from hunting.
27:31 He
too made a savoury and brought it to his father. He said to him, 'Father, get
up and eat the game your son has brought and then give me your blessing!'
27:32 His
father Isaac asked him, 'Who are you?' 'I am your firstborn son, Esau' he
replied.
27:33 At
this Isaac was seized with a great trembling and said, 'Who was it, then, that
went hunting and brought me game? Unsuspecting I ate before you came; I blessed
him, and blessed he will remain!
27:34 When
Esau heard his father's words, he cried out loudly and bitterly to his father,
'Father, bless me too!'
27:35 But
he replied, 'Your brother came by fraud and took your blessing'.
27:36 Esau
said, 'Is it because his name is Jacob, that he has now supplanted me twice?
First he took my birthright, and look, now he has taken my blessing! But' he
added 'have you not kept a blessing for me?'
27:37 Isaac
answered Esau, 'See, I have made him your master; I have given him all his
brothers as servants, I have provided him with grain and wine. What can I do
for you, my son?'
27:38 Esau
said to his father, 'Was that your only blessing, father? Father, give me a
blessing too.' Isaac remained silent, and Esau burst into tears.
27:39 Then
his father Isaac gave him this answer: 'Far from the richness of the earth
shall be your dwelling-place, far from the dew that falls from heaven.
27:40 You
shall live by your sword, and you shall serve your brother. But when you win
your freedom, you shall shake his yoke from your neck.'[*a]
27:41 Esau
hated Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him, and thought thus
to himself, 'The time to mourn for my father will soon be here. Then I will
kill my brother Jacob.'
27:42 When
the words of Esau, her elder son, were repeated to Rebekah, she sent for her
younger son Jacob and said to him, 'Look, your brother Esau means to take
revenge and kill you.
27:43 Now,
my son, listen to me; go away and take refuge with my brother Laban in Haran.
27:44 Stay
with him a while, until your brother's fury cools,
27:45 until
your brother's anger against you cools and he forgets what you have done to
him. Then I will send someone to bring you back. Why should I lose you both on
the same day?'
Isaac sends Jacob to Laban
27:46
Rebekah said to Isaac, 'I am tired to death because of the daughters of Heth.
If Jacob marries one of the daughters of Heth like these, one of the women of
the country, what meaning is there left in life for me?'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 28
28:1 Isaac
summoned Jacob and blessed him; and he gave him this order: 'You are not to
choose a wife from the Canaanite women.
28:2 Away
now to Paddan-aram, the home of Bethuel, your mother's father, and there choose
a wife for yourself among the daughters of Laban, your mother's brother.
28:3 May El
Shaddai bless you; may he make you fruitful and make you multiply so that you
become a group of nations.'
28:4 May he
grant you the blessing of Abraham, and your descendants after you, so that you
may take possession of the land in which you live now, which God gave to
Abraham.'
28:5 Isaac
sent Jacob away, and Jacob went to Paddan-aram, to Laban the son of Bethuel,
the Aramaean, and brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau.
Another marriage of Esau
28:6 Esau
saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to choose a wife
there, and that in blessing him he had given him this order: 'You are not to
choose a wife from the Canaanite women',
28:7 and
that in obedience to his father and mother Jacob had gone to Paddan-aram.
28:8 Esau
saw from this that the women of Canaan were not held in favour by his father
Isaac,
28:9 so he
went to Ishmael and chose for wife, in addition to the wives he had, Mahalath,
daughter of Abraham's son Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.
Jacob's dream
28:10 Jacob
left Beersheba and set out for Haran.
28:11 When
he had reached a certain place he passed the night there, since the sun had
set. Taking one of the stones to be found at that place, he made it his pillow
and lay down where he was.
28:12 He
had a dream: a ladder was there, standing on the, ground with its top reaching
to heaven; and there were angels of God going up it and coming down.
28:13 And
Yahweh was there, standing over him, saying, 'I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham
your father, and the God of Isaac. I will give to you and your descendants the
land on which you are lying.
28:14 Your
descendants shall be like the specks of dust on the ground; you shall spread to
the west and the east, to the north and the south, and all the tribes of the
earth shall bless themselves by you and your descendants.
28:15 Be
sure that I am with you; I will keep you safe wherever you go, and bring you
back to this land, for I will not desert you before I have done all that I have
promised you.'
28:16 Then
Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Truly, Yahweh is in this place and I
never knew it!'
28:17 He
was afraid and said, 'How awe-inspiring this place is! This is nothing less
than a house of God; this is the gate of heaven!'
28:18
Rising early in the morning, Jacob took the stone he had used for his pillow,
and set it up as a monument, pouring oil over the top of it.
28:19 He
named the place Bethel,[*a] but before that the town was called Luz.
28:20 Jacob
made this vow, 'If God goes with me and keeps me safe on this journey I am
making, if he gives me bread to eat and clothes to wear,
28:21 and
if I return home safely to my father, then Yahweh shall be my God.
28:22 This
stone I have set up as monument shall be a house of God, and I will surely pay
you a tenth part of all you give me.'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 29
Jacob arrives at Laban's home
29:1 Moving
on, Jacob went to the land of the sons of the East.
29:2 He looked
and there in the fields was a well with three flocks of sheep lying beside it,
for this well was used for watering the flocks. Now the stone on the mouth of
the well was a large one;
29:3 so
they used to gather all the flocks there, and then roll the stone off the mouth
of the well, to water the sheep; then they put the stone back in its place over
the mouth of the well.
29:4 Jacob
said to the shepherds, 'Brothers, where are you from?' They replied, 'We are
from Haran'.
29:5 Then
he asked them, 'Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?' 'We know him' they
replied.
29:6 Then
he asked them, 'Does all go well with him?' 'Yes,' they replied 'and here
comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep.'
29:7 Then
he said, 'See, it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to bring the
animals in. Water the sheep and go and take them back to pasture.'
29:8 But
they answered, 'We cannot do that until all the flocks are gathered and they
roll the stone off the mouth of the well; then we shall water the sheep'.
29:9 He was
still talking to them, when Rachel came with the sheep belonging to her father,
for she was a shepherdess.
29:10 As
soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban, and the sheep of his
uncle Laban, he came up and, rolling the stone off the mouth of the well, he
watered the sheep of his uncle Laban.
29:11 Jacob
kissed Rachel and burst into tears.
29:12 He
told Rachel he was her father's kinsman and Rebekah's son, and she ran to tell
her father.
29:13 As
soon as he heard her speak of his sister's son Jacob, Laban ran to meet him;
and embracing him he kissed him warmly, and brought him to his house. Jacob
told Laban everything that had happened,
29:14 and
Laban said to him, 'Truly you are my bone and flesh!' And Jacob stayed with him
for a month.
Jacob's two marriages
29:15 Laban
said to Jacob, 'Because you are my kinsman, are you to work for me without
payment? Tell me what wages you want.'
29:16 Now
Laban had two daughters, the elder named Leah, and the younger Rachel.
29:17 There
was no sparkle in Leah's eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful,
29:18 and
Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel. So his answer was, 'I will work for you
seven years to win your younger daughter Rachel'.
29:19 Laban
replied, 'It is better for me to give her to you than to a stranger; stay with
me'.
29:20 To
win Rachel, therefore, Jacob worked seven years, and they seemed to him like a
few days because he loved her so much.
29:21 Then
Jacob said to Laban, 'Give me my wife, for my time is finished, and I should
like to go to her'.
29:22 Laban
gathered all the people of the place together, and gave a banquet.
29:23 But
when night came he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he
slept with her.
29:24
(Laban gave his slave-girl Zilpah to be his daughter Leah's slave.)
29:25 When
morning came, there was Leah[*a] So Jacob said to Laban, 'What is this you have
done to me? Did I not work for you to win Rachel? Why then have you tricked
me?'
29:26 Laban
answered, 'It is not the custom in our country to give the younger before the
elder.
29:27
Finish this marriage week and I will give you the other one too in return for
your working with me another seven years.'
29:28 Jacob
did this, and when the week was over, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his
wife.
29:29
(Laban gave his daughter Rachel his slave-girl Bilhah to be her slave.)
29:30 So
Jacob slept with Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah. He worked
with Laban another seven years.
The sons of Jacob
29:31 Yahweh
saw that Leah was neglected, so he opened her womb, while Rachel remained
barren.
29:32 Leah
conceived and gave birth to a son whom she named Reuben,[*b] 'Because'
she said 'Yahweh has seen my misery; now my husband will love me'.
29:33 Again
she conceived and gave birth to a son, saying, 'Yahweh has heard that I was
neglected, so he has given me this one too'; and she named him Simeon.
29:34 Again
she conceived and gave birth to a son, saying, 'This time my husband will be
united to me, for I have now borne three sons to him'; accordingly, she named
him Levi.
29:35 Again
she conceived and gave birth to a son, saying, 'This time I will give glory to
Yahweh'; accordingly she named him Judah. Then she had no more children.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 30
30:1
Rachel, seeing that she herself gave Jacob no children, became jealous of her
sister. And she said to Jacob, 'Give me children, or I shall die!'
30:2 This
made Jacob angry with Rachel, and he retorted, 'Am I in God's place? It is he
who has refused you motherhood.'
30:3 So she
said, 'Here is my slave-girl, Bilhah. Sleep with her so that she may give birth
on my knees; through her, then, I too shall have children!'
30:4 So she
gave him her slave-girl Bilhah as a wife. Jacob slept with her,
30:5 and
Bilhah conceived and gave birth to a son by Jacob.
30:6 Then
Rachel said, 'God has done me justice; yes, he has heard my prayer and given me
a son'. Accordingly she named him Dan.
30:7 Again
Rachel's slave-girl Bilhah conceived and gave birth to a second son by Jacob.
30:8 Then
Rachel said, 'I have fought God's fight with my sister, and I have won'; so she
named him Naphtali.
30:9 Now
Leah, seeing that she had no more children, took her slave-girl Zilpah and gave
her to Jacob as a wife.
30:10 So
Leah's slave-girl Zilpah gave birth to a son by Jacob.
30:11 Then
Leah exclaimed, 'What good fortune!' So she named him Gad.
30:12
Leah's slave-girl Zilpah gave birth to a second son by Jacob.
30:13 Then
Leah said, 'What happiness! Women will call me happy!' So she named him Asher.
30:14 Going
out when they were harvesting the corn, Reuben found some mandrakes[*a] and
brought them to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah, 'Please give me some of
your son's mandrakes'.
30:15 But
Leah replied, 'Is it not enough to have taken my husband that you should want
to take my son's mandrakes too?' So Rachel said, 'Very well, he shall sleep
with you tonight in return for your son's mandrakes'.
30:16 When
Jacob came back from the fields that night, Leah went out to meet him, saying,
'You must come to me, for I have hired you at the price of my son's mandrakes'.
So he slept with her that night.
30:17 God
heard Leah, and she conceived and gave birth to a fifth son by Jacob.
30:18 Then
Leah said, 'God has paid me my wages for giving my slave-girl to my husband'.
So she named him Issachar.
30:19 Again
Leah conceived and gave birth to a sixth son by Jacob,
30:20
saying, 'God has given me a fine gift; now my husband will honour me, for I
have borne six children to him'. So she named him Zebulun.
30:21 Later
she gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah.
30:22 Then
God remembered Rachel; he heard her and opened her womb.
30:23 She
conceived and gave birth to a son, saying, 'God has taken away my shame'.
30:24 So
she named him Joseph, saying, 'May Yahweh give me another son!'
How Jacob becomes rich
30:25 When
Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, 'Release me, and then I
can go home to my own country.
30:26 Give
me my wives for whom I have worked for you, and my children, so that I can go.
You know very well the work I have done for you.'
30:27 Laban
said to him, 'If I have won your friendship... I learned from the omens that
Yahweh had blessed me on your account.
30:28 So
name your wages,' he added 'and I will pay you.'
30:29 He answered
him, 'You know very well how hard I have worked for you, and how your stock has
fared in my charge.
30:30 The
little you had before I came has increased enormously, and Yahweh has blessed
you wherever I have been. But when am I to provide for my own House?'
30:31 Laban
said, 'How much am I to pay you?' And Jacob replied, 'You will not have to pay
me anything: if you do for me as I propose, I will be your shepherd once more
and look after your flock.
30:32
'Today I will go through all your flock. Take out of it every black animal
among the sheep, and every speckled or spotted one among the goats. Such shall
be my wages,
30:33 and
my honesty will answer for me later: when you come to check my wages, every
goat I have that is not speckled or spotted, and every sheep that is not black
shall rank as stolen property in my possession.'
30:34 Laban
replied, 'Good! Let it be as you say.'
30:35 That
same day he took out the striped and speckled he-goats and all the spotted and
speckled she-goats, every one that had white on it, and all the black sheep. He
handed them over to his sons,
30:36 and
put three days' journey between himself and Jacob. Jacob took care of the rest
of Laban's flock.
30:37 Jacob
gathered branches in sap, from poplar, almond and plane trees, and peeled them
in white strips, laying bare the white on the branches.
30:38 He
put the branches he had peeled in front of the animals, in the troughs in the
channels where the animals came to drink; and the animals mated when they came
to drink.
30:39 They
mated therefore in front of the branches and so produced striped, spotted and
speckled young.
30:40 As
for the sheep, Jacob put them apart, and he turned the animals towards whatever
was striped or black in Laban's flock. Thus he built up droves of his own which
he did not put with Laban's flock.
30:41
Moreover, whenever the sturdy animals mated, Jacob put the branches where the
animals could see them, in the troughs, so that they would mate in front of the
branches.
30:42 But
when the animals were feeble, he did not put them there; thus Laban got the
feeble, and Jacob the sturdy,
30:43 and
he grew extremely rich, and became the owner of large flocks, with men and
women slaves, camels and donkeys.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 31
Jacob's flight
31:1 Jacob learned
that the sons of Laban were saying, 'Jacob has taken everything that belonged
to our father; it is at our father's expense that he has acquired all this
wealth'.
31:2 Jacob
saw from Laban's face that things were not as they had been.
31:3 Yahweh
said to Jacob, 'Go back to the land of your forefathers and to your kindred;
and I will be with you'.
31:4 So
Jacob had Rachel and Leah called to the fields where his flocks were,
31:5 and he
said to them, 'I can see from your father's face that I am out of favour with
him now; but the God of my father has been with me.
31:6 You
yourselves know that I have worked for your father with all my strength.
31:7 Your
father has tricked me, ten times changing my wages, yet God has not allowed him
to harm me.
31:8 Whenever
he said, "The spotted ones shall be your wages", all the animals
produced spotted young; whenever he said, "The striped ones shall be your
wages", all the animals produced striped young.
31:9 Thus
God has taken your father's livestock and given it to me.
31:10 It
happened at the time when the animals were on heat, that in a dream I looked up
and saw that the males covering the females of the flock were striped or
spotted or piebald.
31:11 In
the dream the angel of God called to me, "Jacob!" And I answered: I
am here.
31:12 He
said, "Look up and see: all the males covering the females of the flock
are striped or spotted or piebald, for I have seen all that Laban has done to
you.
31:13 I am
the God of Bethel where you poured oil on a monument, and where you made a vow
to me. Now get ready to leave this country and return to the land of your
birth."
31:14 In
answer Rachel and Leah said to him, 'Have we any share left in the inheritance
of our father's House?
31:15 Does
he not treat us as foreigners, for he has sold us and gone on to use up all our
money?
31:16
Surely all the riches God has taken from our father belong to us and to our
children. So do all that God has told you.'
31:17 Jacob
made ready and put his children and his wives on camels,
31:18 and he
drove all his livestock before him-with all he had acquired, the livestock
belonging to him which he had acquired in Paddan-aram-to go to his father Isaac
in the land of Canaan.
31:19 When
Laban had gone to shear his flock, Rachel stole the household idols[*a]
belonging to her father.
31:20 Jacob
outwitted Laban the Aramaean by giving him no inkling of his flight.
31:21 He
fled with all he had and went away, crossing the River[*b] and making for Mount
Gilead.
Laban pursues Jacob
31:22 Three
days later Laban was told that Jacob had fled.
31:23
Taking his brothers with him he pursued him for seven days and overtook him at
Mount Gilead.
31:24 God
came by night in a dream to Laban the Aramaean and said to him, 'On no account
say anything whatever to Jacob'.
31:25 Laban
caught up with Jacob, who had pitched his tent in the hills; and Laban pitched
camp on Mount Gilead.
31:26 Laban
said to Jacob, 'What have you done, tricking me and driving my daughters off
like prisoners of war?
31:27 Why did
you flee in secret, stealing away without letting me know so that I could send
you on your way rejoicing, with songs and the music of tambourines and lyres?
31:28 You
did not even let me kiss my sons and daughters. You have behaved like a fool.
31:29 It is
in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father said to me last night,
"On no account say anything whatever to Jacob".
31:30 Now
it may be you really went because you had such a longing for your father's
House, but why did you steal my gods?'
31:31 Jacob
answered Laban, 'I was afraid, thinking you were going to snatch your daughters
from me.
31:32 But
whoever is found in possession of your gods shall not remain alive. In
the presence of our brothers, examine for yourself what I have, and take what
is yours.' Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.
31:33 Laban
went into Jacob's tent, and then into Leah's tent and the tent of the two
slave-girls, but he found nothing. He came out of Leah's tent and went into
Rachel's.
31:34 Now
Rachel had taken the household idols and put them in the camel's litter, and
was sitting on them. Laban went through everything in the tent but found
nothing.
31:35 Then
Rachel said to her father, 'Do not look angry, my lord, because I cannot rise
in your presence, for I am as women are from time to time'. Laban searched but
did not find the idols.
31:36 Then
Jacob lost his temper and took Laban to task. And Jacob said to Laban, 'What is
my offence, what is my crime, that you have set on me?
31:37 You
have gone through all my belongings; have you found anything belonging to your
House? Produce it here in the presence of my brothers and yours, and let them
decide between the two of us.
31:38 In
all the twenty years I have been with you, your ewes and your she-goats have
never miscarried, and I have eaten none of the rams from your flock.
31:39 As
for those mauled by wild beasts, I have never brought them back to you, but
have borne the loss myself; you claimed them from me, whether I was robbed by
day or robbed by night.
31:40 In
the daytime the heat has consumed me, and at night the cold has gnawed at me,
and sleep has fled from my eyes.
31:41 These
twenty years I have been in your house; fourteen years I have worked for you
for your two daughters, and six years for your flock; and ten times you have
changed my wages.
31:42 If
the God of my father, the God of Abraham, the Kinsman of Isaac, had not been
with me, you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my
weariness and the work done by my hands, and last night he delivered
judgement.'
A treaty between Jacob and Laban
31:43 Laban
gave Jacob this answer, 'These daughters are my daughters and these sons are my
sons; these sheep are my sheep, and all that you see belongs to me. But what
can I do today about my daughters, and about the sons they have borne?
31:44 Come
now, let us make a covenant, you and I..., and let it serve as a witness
between us.'
31:45 Then
Jacob took a stone and set it up as a monument.
31:46 Jacob
said to his kinsmen, 'Collect some stones', and gathering some stones they made
a cairn. They had a meal there, on the cairn, and
31:47 Laban
called it Jegar-sahadutha while Jacob called it Galeed.
31:48 Laban
said, 'May this cairn be a witness between us today'. That is why he named it
Galeed,
31:49 and
also Mizpah, because he said, 'Let Yahweh act as watchman between us when we
are no longer in sight of each other.
31:50 If
you ill-treat my daughters or marry other women in addition to my daughters,
even though no one be with us, remember: God is witness between us.'
31:51 Then
Laban said to Jacob, 'Here is this cairn I have thrown up between us, and here
is the monument.
31:52 This
cairn is a witness, and the monument bears witness: I must not pass this cairn
to attack you, and you must not pass this cairn and this monument to attack me.
31:53 May
the God of Abraham and the god of Nahor judge between us.' Then Jacob swore by
the Kinsman of his father Isaac.
31:54 He offered
a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his brothers to the meal. They ate the
meal, and passed the night on the mountain.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 32
32:1 Laban
rose early next morning, and kissing his sons and daughters he blessed them.
Then Laban left to return home.
32:2 While
Jacob was going on his way angels of God met him,
32:3 and on
seeing them he said, 'This is God's camp', and he named the place Mahanaim.
Jacob prepares for his meeting with Esau
32:4 Jacob
sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the
countryside of Edom,
32:5 with
these instructions, 'Say this to my lord Esau, "Here is the message of
your servant Jacob: I have been staying with Laban till now,
32:6 and
have acquired oxen, beasts of burden and flocks, and men and women slaves. I
send news of this to my lord in the hope of winning your approval."'
32:7 The
messengers returned to Jacob and told him, 'We went to your brother Esau, and
he is already on his way to meet you; there are four hundred men with him'.
32:8 Jacob
was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people with him, and the
flocks and cattle, into two companies,
32:9
saying, 'If Esau comes to one of the companies and attacks it, the other
company will be left to escape'.
32:10 Jacob
said, 'O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, Yahweh who said
to me, "Go back to your country and family, and I will make you
prosper",
32:11 I am
unworthy of all the kindness and goodness you have shown your servant. I had
only my staff when I crossed the Jordan[*a] here, and now I can form two
companies.
32:12 I
implore you, save me from my brother's clutches, for I am afraid of him; he may
come and attack us and the mothers and their children.
32:13 Yet
it was you who said, "I will make you prosper, and make your descendants
like the sand on the seashore, so many that it cannot be counted".'
32:14 Then
Jacob passed that night there. From what he had with him he chose a gift for
his brother Esau:
32:15 two
hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
32:16
thirty camels in milk with their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty
she-asses and ten donkeys.
32:17 He
put them in the charge of his servants, in separate droves, and he told his
servants, 'Go ahead of me, leaving a space between each drove and the next'.
32:18 He
gave the first this order: 'When my brother Esau meets you and asks, "To
whom do you belong? Where are you going? Whose are those animals that you are
driving?"
32:19 you
will answer, "To your servant Jacob. They are a gift sent to my lord Esau,
Jacob himself is following."'
32:20 He
gave the same order to the second and the third, and to all who were following
the droves, 'That is what you must say to Esau when you find him.
32:21 You
must say, "Yes, your servant Jacob himself is following". For he
argued, 'I shall conciliate him by sending a gift in advance; so when I come
face to face with him he may perhaps receive me favourably'.
32:22 The
gift went ahead of him, but he himself spent that night in the camp.
Jacob wrestles with God
32:23 That
same night he rose, and taking his two wives and his two slave-girls and his
eleven children he crossed the ford of the Jabbok.
32:24 He took
them and sent them across the stream and sent all his possessions over too.
32:25 And
Jacob was left alone.
32:26 And
there was one that wrestled with him until daybreak who, seeing that he could
not master him, struck him in the socket of his hip, and Jacob's hip was
dislocated as he wrestled with him.
32:27 He
said, 'Let me go, for day is breaking' But Jacob answered, 'I will not let you
go unless you bless me'.
32:28 He
then asked, 'What is your name?' 'Jacob', he replied.
32:29 He
said, 'Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have been
strong[*b] against God, you shall prevail against men'.
32:30 Jacob
then made this request, 'I beg you, tell me your name', but he replied, 'Why do
you ask my name?' And he blessed him there.
32:31 Jacob
named the place Peniel, 'Because I have seen God face to face,' he said 'and I
have survived'.
32:32 The
sun rose as he left Peniel, limping because of his hip.
32:33 That
is the reason why to this day the Israelites do not eat the sciatic nerve which
is in the socket of the hip; because he had struck Jacob in the socket of the
hip on the sciatic nerve.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 33
The meeting with Esau
33:1
Looking up Jacob saw Esau arriving with four hundred men. Accordingly he
divided the children between Leah, Rachel and the two slave-girls.
33:2 He put
the slave-girls and their children in front, with Leah and her children
following, and Rachel and Joseph behind.
33:3 He
himself went ahead of them and bowed to the ground seven times before going up to
his brother.
33:4 But
Esau ran to meet him, took him in his arms and held him close and wept.
33:5 Then
looking up he saw the women and children. 'Who are these with you?' he asked.
Jacob answered, 'The children whom God has bestowed on your servant'.
33:6 The
slave-girls then came up with their children, and they all bowed low.
33:7 Leah
also came up along with her children, and they all bowed low. Finally Rachel
and Joseph came up and bowed low.
33:8 Esau
asked, 'What was the meaning of all the company that I have met?' 'It is to win
my lord's favour' he replied.
33:9
'Brother, I have plenty,' Esau answered 'keep what is yours.'
33:10 Jacob
protested, 'Please, if I have found favour with you, accept the gift I offer.
To speak truly, I came into your presence as into the presence of God, but you
have received me kindly.
33:11 So
accept the gift I have brought for you; since God has been generous to me, I
have all I need.' And he urged him, and Esau accepted.
Jacob leaves Esau
33:12 Esau
said, 'Let us break camp and move off; I will lead you'.
33:13 But
Jacob replied, 'My lord is aware that the children are weak, and that I must
consider the sheep and the cows that have calved. If they are driven too hard,
even for one day, the whole drove will die.
33:14 May
it please my lord to go on ahead of his servant. For my part, I will move at a
slower pace, to suit the flock I am driving and the children, until I join my
lord in Seir.'
33:15 Then
Esau said, 'But I must at least leave you some of the people accompanying me'.
'Why?' Jacob asked 'All I desire is to win your favour.'
33:16 So
that day Esau resumed his journey to Seir.
33:17 But
Jacob left for Succoth, where he built himself a house and made shelters for
his livestock; that is why the place was given the name of Succoth[*a].
Jacob arrives at Shechem
33:18 Jacob
arrived safely at the town of Shechem in Canaanite territory, on his return
from Paddan-aram.
33:19 He
encamped opposite the town and for one hundred pieces of silver he bought from
the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, the piece of land on which he had
pitched his tent.
33:20 Here
he erected an altar which he called, 'El, God of Israel'.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 34
The rape of Dinah
34:1 Dinah,
who was Jacob's daughter by Leah went out to visit the women of that region.
34:2
Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, who was ruler of that region, saw her,
carried her off and raped her, and so dishonoured her.
34:3 But he
was captivated by Dinah, the daughter of Jacob; he fell in love with the young
girl and comforted her.
34:4
Accordingly Shechem said to his father Hamor, 'Get me this young girl, I want
to marry her'.
34:5
Meanwhile, Jacob had heard how his daughter Dinah had been dishonoured, but
since his sons were out in the countryside with his livestock, Jacob said
nothing until they came back.
A matrimonial alliance with the Shechemites
34:6 Hamor
the father of Shechem went out to talk to Jacob.
34:7 When
Jacob's sons returned from the countryside and heard the news, these men were
outraged and infuriated that Shechem had insulted Israel by raping Jacob's
daughter - an offence that could not be overlooked.
34:8 Hamor
said to them, 'The heart of my son Shechem is set on your daughter; I beg you,
let him marry her.
34:9 Ally
yourselves with us by marriage; give us your daughters and take our daughters
for yourselves.
34:10 Stay
with us and the land shall be open to you to live in or move through or own.'
34:11
Shechem said to the father and brothers of the young girl, 'If only I can win
your favour, I will give you whatever you ask.
34:12
Demand from me a huge bridal price and gifts; I will give you as much as you
ask. Only let me marry the young girl.'
34:13 Then
came the answer Jacob's sons gave to Shechem and his father Hamor, a crafty
answer because he had dishonoured their sister Dinah.
34:14 'We
cannot do such a thing' they said to them. 'To give our sister to an
uncircumcised man would be a disgrace for us.
34:15 We
can agree only on one condition: that you become like us by circumcising all
your males.
34:16 Then
we will give you our daughters, taking yours for ourselves; and we will stay
with you to make one nation.
34:17 But
if you do not listen to us on this matter of circumcision we shall take our
daughter and go.
34:18 Hamor
and Shechem, Hamor's son, were pleased with what they heard.
34:19 The
young man did not hesitate about doing this, for he was deeply in love with
Jacob's daughter. Moreover he was the most important person in his father's
household.
34:20 Hamor
and his son Shechem went to the gate of their town and spoke to their fellow
townsmen saying,
34:21
'These men are friendly; let them stay with us in the land, and move about as
freely as they like. Let us marry their daughters and give our daughters to
them.
34:22 But
these men will agree to stay with us and become a single nation only on this
condition: all males must be circumcised as they are.
34:23 Will
not their livestock, their goods and all their cattle belong to us, if only we
agree to let them stay with us?'
34:24 All
the citizens of the town agreed to the proposal made by Hamor and his son
Shechem, and so all the males were circumcised.
The treacherous revenge of Simeon and Levi
34:25 Now
on the third day, when they were still in pain, Jacob's two sons Simeon and
Levi, brothers of Dinah, took their swords and marched into the town
unsuspected; they killed all the males.
34:26 They
put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword, took Dinah from Shechem's house and
came away.
34:27
Jacob's sons attacked the wounded and pillaged the town because their sister
had been dishonoured.
34:28 They
took away their flocks, cattle, donkeys and whatever there was in the town and
in the countryside.
34:29 They
carried off all their riches, all their little children and their wives, and
looted everything to be found in their houses.
34:30 Jacob
said to Sinteon and Levi, 'You have done me harm, putting me in bad odour with
the people of this land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I have few men,
whereas they will unite against me to defeat me and destroy me and my family.'
34:31 They
retorted, 'Is our sister to be treated like a whore?'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 35
Jacob at Bethel
35:1 God
said to Jacob, 'Move on now and go to Bethel and settle there. Make an altar
there for the God who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother
Esau.'
35:2 Jacob
said to his family and to all who were with him, 'Get rid of the foreign gods
you have with you; wash, and change your clothes.
35:3 We
must move on and go to Bethel. There I will make an altar for the God who heard
me when I was in distress, and gave me his help on the journey I made.'
35:4 They
gave Jacob all the foreign gods in their possession, and the earrings that they
were wearing. Jacob buried them under the oak tree near Shechem.
35:5 They
broke camp; a divine terror struck the towns round about, and no one pursued
the sons of Jacob.
35:6 When
Jacob arrived at Luz in the land of Canaan-Bethel, in other words-and all the
people with him,
35:7 he
built an altar there, giving the place the name Bethel, because it was there
that God had appeared to him when he was fleeing from his brother.
35:8
Deborah, who had been Rebekah's nurse, died and was buried below Bethel, under
the oak tree; so they named it the Oak of Tears.
35:9 Once
more God appeared to Jacob on his return from Paddan-aram, and blessed him.
35:10 God
said to him, 'Your name is Jacob, but from now on you shall be named not Jacob
but Israel'. Accordingly they named him Israel.
35:11 God
said to him, 'I am El Shaddai. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed a
group of nations shall descend from you. Even kings shall be numbered among
your descendants.
35:12 I
give you this land, the land I gave to Abraham and to Isaac; and I will give
this land to your descendants after you.'
35:13 Then
God went up from him.
35:14 Jacob
raised a monument in the place where he had spoken with him, a stone monument,
on which he made a libation and poured oil.
35:15 Jacob
named the place Bethel where God had spoken with him.
The birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel
35:16 They
left Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began
to be in labour, and her pains were severe.
35:17 But
in her difficult delivery the midwife said to her, 'Do not be afraid; you have
another son here'.
35:18 At
the moment when she breathed her last, for she was dying, she named him
Ben-oni. His father however named him Benjamin[*a]
35:19 So
Rachel died and was buried on the road to Ephrath, at Bethlehem.
35:20 Jacob
raised a monument on her grave, and this is the monument of the tomb of Rachel
which is still there today.
Reuben's incest
35:21
Israel left and pitched his tent beyond Migdal-eder.
35:22 While
Israel was living in that district, Reuben went and slept with Bilhah his
father's concubine, and Israel learned of it.
The twelve sons of Jacob
Jacob's
sons numbered twelve.
35:23 The
sons of Leah: Jacob's eldest son Reuben, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and
Zebulun.
35:24 The
sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
35:25 The
sons of Bilhah, Rachel's slave-girl: Dan and Naphtali.
35:26 The
sons of Zilpah, Leah's slave-girl: Gad and Asher. These are the sons born to
Jacob in Paddan-aram.
Isaac's death
35:27 Jacob
reached the house of his father Isaac at Mamre, at Kiriath-arba-or Hebron-where
Abraham and Isaac had stayed.
35:28 Isaac
was one hundred and eighty years old
35:29 when
he breathed his last. He died and was gathered to his people, an old man who had
enjoyed his full span of life. His sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 36
Esau's wives and children in Canaan
36:1 Here
are the descendants of Esau, who is Edom.
36:2 Esau
married women of Canaan: Adah, the daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah,
the daughter of Anah, who was the son of Zibeon the Horite,
36:3
Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.
36:4 Adah
bore to Esau Eliphaz, Basemath bore Reuel,
36:5
Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These are the sons of Esau born to him
in the land of Canaan.
Esau's migration
36:6 Esau,
taking his wives, his sons and daughters, all the members of his household, his
livestock, all his cattle and all the goods he had acquired in the land of
Canaan, left for the land of Seir away from his brother Jacob.
36:7 For
they had acquired too much to live together. The land in which they were at
that time could not support them both because of their livestock.
36:8 That
is why Edom settled in the mountainous region of Seir. Esau is Edom.
Esau's descendants in Seir
36:9 Here
are the descendants of Esau, the father of Edom, in the mountainous region of
Seir.
36:10 Here
are the names of Esau's sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah, Esau's wife, and Reuel
the son of Basemath, Esau's wife.
36:11 The
sons of Eliphaz were: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz.
36:12
Eliphaz son of Esau had Timna for concubine and she bore him Amalek. These are
the sons of Adah, Esau's wife.
36:13 Here
are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, Mizzah. These are the sons of
Basemath, Esau's wife.
36:14 Here
are the sons of Esau's wife Oholibamah, daughter of Anah son of Zibeon: she
bore him Jeush, Jalam and Korah.
The chiefs of Edom
36:15 Here
are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, first-born of Esau:
chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,
36:16 chief
Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom, these
are the sons of Adah.
36:17 And
here are the sons of Reuel son of Esau: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah,
chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs of Reuel in the land of Edom, these are the
sons of Basemath, Esau's wife.
36:18 And
here are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau's wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief
Korah. These are the chiefs of Esau's wife Oholibamah, daughter of Anah.
36:19 These
are the sons of Esau and these are their chiefs. This is Edom.
The descendants of Seir the Horite
36:20 Here
are the sons of Seir the Horite,[*a] natives of the land: Lotan, Shobal,
Zibeon, Anah,
36:21 Dishon,
Ezer, Dishan, these are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir in the land
of Edom.
36:22 The
sons of Lotan were Hon and Hemam, and Lotan's sister was Timna.
36:23 Here
are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, Onam.
36:24 Here
are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah, Anah-the Anah who found the hot springs in the
wilderness as he pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon.
36:25 Here
are the children of Anah: Dishon, Oholibamah daughter of Anah.
36:26 Here
are the sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, Cheran.
36:27 Here
are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, Akan.
36:28 Here
are the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.
36:29 Here
are the chiefs of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief
Anah, chief Dishon, chief Ezer, chief Dishan.
36:30 These
are the chiefs of the Horites according to their clans in the land of Seir.
The kings of Edom
36:31 Here
are the kings who ruled in the land of Edom before an Israelite king ruled.
36:32 In
Edom there ruled Bela son of Beor; his city was called Dinhabah.
36:33 Bela
died and Jobab son of Zerah, from Bozrah, succeeded.
36:34 Jobab
died and Husham of the land of the Temanites succeeded.
36:35
Husham died and Hadad son of Bedad succeeded; he defeated the Midianites in the
country of Moab, and his city was called Avith.
36:36 Hadad
died and Samlah of Masrekah succeeded.
36:37
Samlah died and Shaul of Rehoboth-han-nahar succeeded.
36:38 Shaul
died and Baal-hanan son of Achbor succeeded.
36:39
Baal-hanan died and Hadad succeeded; his city was called Pau; his wife's name
was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, from Me-zahab.
More chiefs of Edom
36:40 Here
are the names of the chiefs of Esau according to their clans and localities, by
name: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth,
36:41 chief
Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
36:42 chief
Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,
36:43 chief
Magdiel, chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom according to their residence
in the land that was theirs. This is Esau, father of Edom.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 37
37:1 But Jacob
lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.
IV. THE STORY OF JOSEPH
Joseph and his brothers
37:2 This
is the story of Joseph. Joseph was seventeen years old. As he was still young,
he was shepherding the flock with his brothers, with the sons of Bilhah and
Zilpah his father's wives. Joseph informed their father of the evil spoken
about them.
37:3 Israel
loved Joseph more than all his other sons, for he was the son of his old age,
and he had a coat with long sleeves made for him.
37:4 But
his brothers, seeing how his father loved him more than all his other sons,
came to hate him so much that they could not say a civil word to him. Now
Joseph had a dream, and he repeated it to his brothers.
37:5
'Listen' he said 'to this dream I have had.
37:6 We
were binding sheaves in the countryside; and
37:7 my
sheaf, it seemed, rose up and stood upright; then I saw your sheaves gather
round and bow to my sheaf.'
37:8 'So
you want to be king over us,' his brothers retorted 'or to lord it over us?'
And they hated him still more, on account of his dreams and of what he said.
37:9 He had
another dream which he told to his brothers. 'Look, I have had another dream'
he said. 'I thought I saw the sun, the moon and eleven stars, bowing to me.'
37:10 He
told his father and brothers, and his father scolded him. 'A fine dream to
have!' he said to him. 'Are all of us then, myself, your mother and your
brothers, to come and bow to the ground before you?'
37:11 His
brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the thing in mind.
Joseph sold by his brothers
37:12 His
brothers went to pasture their father's flock at Shechem.
37:13 Then
Israel said to Joseph, 'Are not your brothers with the flock at Shechem? Come,
I am going to send you to them.'. 'I am ready' he replied.
37:14 He
said to him, 'Go and see how your brothers and the flock are doing, and bring
me word'. He sent him from the valley of Hebron, and Joseph arrived at Shechem.
37:15 A man
found him wandering in the countryside and the man asked him, 'What are you
looking for?'
37:16 'I am
looking for my brothers' he replied. 'Please tell me where they are pasturing
their flock.'
37:17 The
man answered, 'They have moved on from here; indeed I heard them say, "Let
us go to Dothan"'. So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at
Dothan.
37:18 They
saw him in the distance, and before he reached them they made a plot among
themselves to put him to death.
37:19 'Here
comes the man of dreams' they said to one another.
37:20 'Come
on, let us kill him and throw him into some well; we can say that a wild beast
devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams.'
37:21 But
Reuben heard, and he saved him from their violence. 'We must not take his life'
he said.
37:22 'Shed
no blood,' said Reuben to them 'throw him into this well in the wilderness, but
do not lay violent hands on him' - intending to save him from them and to
restore him to his father.
37:23 So,
when Joseph reached his brothers, they pulled off his coat, the coat with long
sleeves that he was wearing,
37:24 and
catching hold of him they threw him into the well, an empty well with no water
in it.
37:25 They
then sat down to eat. Looking up they saw a group of Ishmaelites who were
coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, tragacanth, balsam and resin,
which they were taking down into Egypt.
37:26 Then
Judah said to his brothers, 'What do we gain by killing our brother and
covering up his blood?[*a]
37:27 Come,
let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, but let us not do any harm to him. After
all, he is our brother, and our own flesh.' His brothers agreed.
37:28 Now
some Midianite merchants were passing, and they drew Joseph up out of the well.
They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty silver pieces, and these men
took Joseph to Egypt.
37:29 When
Reuben went back to the well there was no sign of Joseph. Tearing his clothes,
37:30 he
went back to his brothers. 'The boy has disappeared' he said. 'What am I going
to do?'
37:31 They
took Joseph's coat and, slaughtering a goat, they dipped the coat in the blood.
37:32 Then
they sent back the coat with long sleeves and had it taken to their father,
with the message, 'This is what we have found. Examine it and see whether or
not it is your son's coat.'
37:33 He
examined it and exclaimed, 'It is my son's coat! A wild beast has devoured him.
Joseph has been the prey of some animal and has been torn to pieces.'
37:34
Jacob, tearing his clothes and putting on a loin-cloth of sackcloth, mourned
his son for a long time.
37:35 All
his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.
'No,' he said 'I will go down in mourning to Sheol, beside my son.' And his
father wept for him.
37:36
Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's
officials and commander of the guard.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 38
The story of Judah and Tamar
38:1 It
happened at that time that Judah left his brothers, to go down and stay with an
Adullamite called Hirah.
38:2 There Judah
saw the daughter of a Canaanite called Shua. He made her his wife and slept
with her.
38:3 She
conceived and gave birth to a son whom she named Er.
38:4 She
conceived again and gave birth to a son whom she named Onan.
38:5 Yet
again she gave birth to a son whom she named Shelah. She was at Chezib when she
gave birth to him.
38:6 Judah
took a wife for his first-born Er, and her name was Tamar.
38:7 But
Er, Judah's first-born, offended Yahweh greatly, so Yahweh brought about his
death.
38:8 Then
Judah said to Onan, 'Take your brother's wife, and do your duty as her
brother-in-law, to produce a child for your brother'.
38:9 But
Onan, knowing the child would not be his, spilt his seed on the ground every
time he slept with his brother's wife, to avoid providing a child for his
brother.
38:10 What
he did was offensive to Yahweh, so he brought about his death also.
38:11 Then
Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, 'Return home as a widow to your father,
and wait for my son Shelah to grow up', for he was thinking, 'He must not die
like his brothers'. So Tamar went back home to her father.
38:12 A
long time passed, and then Shua's daughter, the wife of Judah, died. After
Judah had been comforted[*a] he went up to Timnah to the men who sheared his
sheep, himself and Hirah, his Adullamite friend.
38:13 This
was reported to Tamar, 'Listen, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah
for the shearing of his sheep'.
38:14 She
therefore changed her widow's clothes, wrapped a veil around her, and sat down,
heavily swathed, where the road to Enaim branches off the road to Timnah.
Shelah had now grown up, as she saw, and yet she had not been given to him as
his wife.
38:15
Judah, seeing her, took her for a prostitute, since her face was veiled.
38:16 Going
up to her on the road, he said, 'Come, let me sleep with you'. He did not know
that she was his daughter-in-law. 'What will you give me to sleep with me?'
she asked.
38:17 'I
will send you a kid from the flock' he answered. 'Agreed, if you give me a
pledge until you send it' she answered.
38:18 'What
pledge shall I give you?' he asked. 'Your seal, your cord and the stick you are
holding' she answered. He gave them to her and slept with her, and she
conceived by him.
38:19 Then
she rose and left him, and taking off her veil she put on her widow's weeds.
38:20 Judah
sent the kid by his Adullamite friend to recover the pledge from the woman. But
he did not find her.
38:21 He
inquired from the men of the place, 'Where is the prostitute who was by the
roadside at Enaim?' 'There has been no prostitute there', they answered.
38:22 So
returning to Judah he said, 'I did not find her. What is more, the men of the
place told me there had been no prostitute there.'
38:23 'Let
her keep what she has' Judah replied 'or we shall become a laughing-stock. At
least I sent her this kid, even though you did not find her.'
38:24 About
three months later it was reported to Judah, 'Your daughter-in-law has played
the harlot; furthermore, she is pregnant, as a result of her misconduct'. 'Take
her outside and burn her' said Judah.
38:25 But
as she was being led off she sent this message to her father-in-law, 'It was
the man to whom these things belong who made me pregnant. Look at them' she
said 'and see whose seal and cord and stick these are.'
38:26 Judah
examined them and then said, 'She is in the right, rather than I. This comes of
my not giving her to my son Shelah to be his wife.' He had no further
intercourse with her.
38:27 When
the time for her confinement came she was found to have twins in her womb.
38:28
During the delivery one of them put out a hand, and the midwife caught it and
tied a scarlet thread to it, saying, 'This is the first to arrive'.
38:29 But
he drew his hand back, and it was his brother who came out first. Then she
said, 'What a breach you have opened for yourself!'
38:30 So he
was named Perez. Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand,
so he was named Zerah.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 39
Joseph's early days in Egypt
39:1 Now
Joseph had been taken down into Egypt. Potiphar the Egyptian, one of
Pharaoh's officials and commander of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites
who had brought him down there.
39:2 Yahweh
was with Joseph, and everything went well with him. He lodged in the
house of his Egyptian master,
39:3 and
when his master saw how Yahweh was with him and how Yahweh made everything
succeed that he turned his hand to,
39:4 he was
pleased with Joseph and made him his personal attendant; and his master put him
in charge of his household, entrusting everything to him.
39:5 And
from the time he put him in charge of his household and all his possessions,
Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's household out of consideration for Joseph;
Yahweh's blessing extended to all his possessions, both household and estate.
39:6 So he
left Joseph to handle all his possessions, and with him at hand, concerned
himself with nothing beyond the food he ate.
The attempt to seduce Joseph
Now Joseph was
well built and handsome,
39:7 and it
happened some time that his master's wife looked desirously at him and said,
'sleep with me'.
39:8 But he
refused and answered his master's wife, 'Because of me, my master does not
concern himself with what happens in the house; he has handed all his
possessions to me.
39:9 He is
no more master in this house than I am; he has withheld nothing from me except
yourself, because you are his wife. How could I do anything so wicked, and sin
against God?'
39:10
Although she spoke to Joseph day after day he would not agree to sleep with her
and surrender to her.
39:11 But
one day Joseph in the course of his duties came to the house, and there was not
a servant there in doors.
39:12 The
woman caught hold of him by his tunic and said, 'Sleep with me'. But he left
the tunic in her hand and ran out of the house.
39:13
Seeing he had left the tunic in her hand and left the house,
39:14 she
called her servants and said to them, 'Look at this! He has brought us a Hebrew
to insult us. He came to me to sleep with me, but I screamed,
39:15 and
when he heard me scream and shout he left his tunic beside me and ran out of
the house.'
39:16 She
put the tunic down by her side until the master came home.
39:17 Then
she told him the same tale, 'The Hebrew slave you bought us came to insult me.
39:18 But
when I screamed and called out he left his garment by my side and made his
escape.'
39:19 When
the master heard his wife say, 'This is how your slave treated me', he was
furious.
39:20
Joseph's master had him arrested and committed to the gaol where the king's
prisoners were kept.
Joseph in gaol
And there
in gaol he stayed.
39:21 But
Yahweh was with Joseph. He was kind to him and made him popular with the chief
gaoler.
39:22 The
chief gaoler put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners in the goal, making him
responsible for everything done there.
39:23 The
chief gaoler did not need to interfere with Joseph's administration, for Yahweh
was with him, and Yahweh made everything he undertook successful.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 40
Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's officials
40:1 It
happened some time later that the king of Egypt's cup-bearer and his baker
offended their master the king of Egypt.
40:2
Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cup-bearer and the chief
baker,
40:3 and
put them under arrest in the house of the commander of the guard, in the gaol
where Joseph was a prisoner.
40:4 The
commander of the guard assigned Joseph to them to attend to their wants, and they
remained under arrest for some time.
40:5 Now
both of them had dreams on the same night, each with its own meaning for the
cup-bearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were prisoners in the gaol.
40:6 When
Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they looked gloomy,
40:7 and he
asked the two officials who were with him under arrest in his master's house,
'Why these black looks today?'
40:8 They
answered him, 'We have had a dream, but there is no one to interpret it'. 'Are
not interpretations God's business?' Joseph asked them. 'Come, tell me.'
40:9 So the
chief cup-bearer described his dream to Joseph, telling him, 'In my dream I saw
a vine in front of me.
40:10 On
the vine were three branches; no sooner had it budded than it blossomed, and
its clusters became ripe grapes.
40:11 I had
Pharaoh's cup in my hand; I picked the grapes and squeezed them into Pharaoh's
cup, and put the cup into Pharaoh's hand.'
40:12 'Here
is the interpretation of it' Joseph told him. 'The three branches are three days.
40:13 In
another three days Pharaoh will release you and restore you to your place. Then
you will hand Pharaoh his cup, as you did before, when you were his cup-bearer.
40:14 But
be sure to remember me when things go well with you, and do me the kindness of
reminding Pharaoh about me, to get me out of this house.
40:15 I was
kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews in the first place, and even here I have
done nothing to warrant imprisonment.'
40:16 The
chief baker, seeing that the interpretation had been favourable, said to
Joseph, 'I too had a dream; there were three trays of cakes on my head.
40:17 In
the top tray there were all kinds of Pharaoh's favourite cakes, but the birds
ate them off the tray on my head.'
40:18
Joseph gave him this answer, Here is the interpretation of it: the three trays
are three days.
40:19 In
another three days Pharaoh will release you and hang you on a gallows, and the
birds will eat the flesh off your bones.'
40:20 And
so it happened; the third day was Pharaoh's birthday and he gave a banquet for
all his officials, and he released the chief cup-bearer and the chief baker in
the presence of his officials.
40:21 The
chief cup-bearer he restored to his position as cup-bearer, to hand Pharaoh his
cup;
40:22 the
chief baker he hanged. It was as Joseph had said in his interpretation.
40:23 But
the chief cup-bearer did not remember Joseph: he forgot him.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 41
Pharaoh's dreams
41:1 Two
years later it happened that Pharaoh had a dream: he was standing by the Nile,
41:2 and
there, coming up from the Nile, were seven cows, sleek and fat, and they began
to feed among the rushes.
41:3 And
seven other cows, ugly and lean, came up from the Nile after them; and these
went over and stood beside the other cows on the bank of the Nile.
41:4 The
ugly and lean cows ate the seven sleek and fat cows. Then Pharaoh awoke.
41:5 He
fell asleep and dreamed a second time: there, growing on one stalk, were seven
ears of corn full and ripe.
41:6 And
sprouting up after them came seven ears of corn, meagre and scorched by the
east wind.
41:7 The
scanty ears of corn swallowed the seven full and ripe ears of corn. Then
Pharaoh awoke; it was a dream.
41:8 In the
morning Pharaoh, feeling disturbed, had all the magicians and wise men of Egypt
summoned to him. Pharaoh told them his dream, but no one could interpret it for
Pharaoh.
41:9 Then
the chief cup-bearer addressed Pharaoh, 'Today I must recall my offences.
41:10
Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put myself and the chief baker under arrest
in the house of the commander of the guard.
41:11 We
had a dream on the same night, he and I, and each man's dream had a meaning for
himself.
41:12 There
was a young Hebrew with us, one of the slaves belonging to the commander of the
guard. We told our dreams to him and he interpreted them, giving each of us the
interpretation of his dream.
41:13 It
turned out just as he interpreted for us: I was restored to my place, but the
other man was hanged.'
41:14 Then
Pharaoh had Joseph summoned, and they hurried him from prison. He shaved and
changed his clothes, and came into Pharaoh's presence.
41:15
Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I have had a dream which no one can interpret. But I
have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.'
41:16
Joseph answered Pharaoh, 'I do not count. It is God who will give Pharaoh a
favourable answer.'
41:17 So
Pharaoh told Joseph, 'In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile.
41:18 And
there were seven cows, fat and sleek, coming up out of the Nile, and they began
to feed among the rushes.
41:19 And
seven other cows came up after them, starved, ugly and lean; I have never seen
such poor cows in all the land of Egypt.
41:20 The
lean and ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows.
41:21 But
when they had eaten them up, it was impossible to tell they had eaten them, for
they remained as lean as before. Then I woke up.
41:22 And
then again in my dream, there, growing on one stalk, were seven ears of corn,
beautifully ripe; but sprouting up after them came seven ears of corn,
withered, meagre, and scorched by the east wind.
41:23 The
shrivelled ears of corn swallowed the seven ripe ears of corn.
41:24 I
told the magicians this, but no one could tell me the meaning.'
41:25
Joseph told Pharaoh, 'Pharaoh's dreams are one and the same: God has revealed
to Pharaoh what he is going to do.
41:26 The
seven fine cows are seven years and the seven ripe ears of corn are seven
years; it is one and the same dream.
41:27 The
seven gaunt and lean cows coming up after them are seven years, as are the
seven shrivelled ears of corn scorched by the east wind: there will be seven
years of famine.
41:28 It is
as I have told Pharaoh: God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is going to do.
41:29 Seven
years are coming, bringing great plenty to the whole land of Egypt,
41:30 but
seven years of famine will follow them, when all the plenty in the land of
Egypt will be forgotten, and famine will exhaust the land.
41:31 The
famine that is to follow will be so very severe that no one will remember what
plenty the country enjoyed.
41:32 The
reason why the dream came to Pharaoh twice is because the event is already
determined by God, and God is impatient to bring it about,
41:33
'Pharaoh should now choose a man who is intelligent and wise to govern the land
of Egypt.
41:34
Pharaoh should take action and appoint supervisors over the land, and impose a
tax of one-fifth on the land of Egypt during the seven years of plenty.
41:35 They
will collect all food produced during these good years that are coming. They
will store the corn in Pharaoh's name, and place the food in the towns and hold
it there.
41:36 This
food will serve as a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine that
will afflict the land of Egypt. And so the land will not be destroyed by the
famine.'
Joseph's promotion
41:37
Pharaoh and all his ministers approved of what he had said.
41:38 Then
Pharaoh asked his ministers, 'Can we find any other man like this, possessing
the spirit of God?'
41:39 So
Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Seeing that God has given you knowledge of all this,
there can be no one as intelligent and wise as you.
41:40 You
shall be my chancellor, and all my people shall respect your orders; only this
throne shall set me above you.'
41:41
Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I hereby make you governor of the whole land of
Egypt'.
41:42
Pharaoh took the ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's. He clothed him in
fine linen and put a gold chain round his neck.
41:43 He
made him ride in the best chariot he had after his own, and they cried before
him 'Abrek'.[*a] This is the way he was made governor of the whole land of
Egypt.
41:44
Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I am Pharaoh: without your permission no one is to
move hand or foot throughout the whole land of Egypt'.
41:45
Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah, and gave him Asenath the daughter of
Potiphera, priest of On,[*b] for his wife. Joseph travelled through the land of
Egypt.
41:46
Joseph was thirty years old when he appeared before Pharaoh king of Egypt.
After leaving Pharaoh's presence Joseph went through the whole land of Egypt.
41:47
During the seven years of plenty, the soil yielded generously.
41:48 He
collected all, the food of the seven years when there was an abundance in the
land of Egypt, and allotted food to the towns, placing in each the food from
the surrounding countryside.
41:49
Joseph stored the corn like the sand of the sea, so much that they stopped
reckoning, since it was beyond all estimating.
Joseph's sons
41:50
Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph: Asenath, the
daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore him these.
41:51
Joseph named the first-born Manasseh, 'Because' he said 'God has made me forget
all my suffering and all my father's household'.
41:52 He
named the second Ephraim, 'Because' he said 'God has made me fruitful in the
country of my misfortune'.
41:53 Then
the seven years of plenty that there had been in the land of Egypt came to an
end.
41:54 The
seven years of famine began to come as Joseph had said. There was famine
in every country, but there was bread to be had throughout the land of Egypt.
41:55 When
the whole country began to feel the famine, the people cried out to Pharaoh for
bread. But Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, 'Go to Joseph and do what he tells
you'.-
41:56 There
was famine all over the world.-Then Joseph opened all the granaries and sold
grain to the Egyptians. The famine grew worse in the land of Egypt.
41:57
People came to Egypt from all over the world to buy grain from Joseph, for the
famine had grown severe throughout the world.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 42
The first meeting between Joseph and his brothers
42:1 Jacob,
seeing that there was grain for sale in Egypt, said to his sons, 'Why do you stand
looking at one another?
42:2 I
hear' he said 'that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down and buy grain for
us there, that we may survive and not die.'
42:3 So ten
of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt.
42:4 But
Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers. 'Nothing must
happen to him' he said.
42:5
Israel's sons with others making the same journey went to buy grain, for there
was famine in the land of Canaan.
42:6 It was
Joseph, as the man in authority over the country, who sold the grain to all
comers. So Joseph's brothers went and bowed down before him, their faces
touching the ground.
42:7 When
Joseph saw his brothers he recognised them. But he did not make himself known
to them, and he spoke harshly to them. 'Where have you come from?' he asked.
'From the land of Canaan to buy food' they replied.
42:8 So
Joseph recognised his brothers, but they did not recognise him.
42:9
Joseph, remembering the dreams he had had about them, said to them, 'You are
spies. You have come to discover the country's weak points.'
42:10 'No,
my lord,' they told him 'your servants have come to buy food.
42:11 We
are all sons of the same man. We are honest men, your servants are not spies.'
42:12 'Not
so!' he replied 'It is the country's weak points you have come to discover.'
42:13 'Your
servants are twelve brothers,' they said 'sons of the same man, from the land
of Canaan. The youngest, we should explain, is at present with our father, and
the other one is no more.'
42:14
Joseph answered them, 'It is as I said, you are spies.
42:15 This
is the test you are to undergo: as sure as Pharaoh lives you shall not leave
unless your youngest brother comes here.
42:16 Send
one of your number to fetch your brother; you others will remain under arrest,
so that your statements can be tested to see whether or not you are honest. If
not, then as sure as Pharaoh lives you are spies.'
42:17 Then
he kept them all in custody for three days.
42:18 On
the third day Joseph said to them, 'Do this and you shall keep your lives, for
I am a man who fears God.
42:19 If
you are honest men let one of your brothers be kept in the place of your
detention; as for you, go and take grain to relieve the famine of your
families.
42:20 You
shall bring me your youngest brother; this way your words will be proved true,
and you will not have to die!' This they did.
42:21 They
said to one another, 'Truly we are being called to account for our brother. We
saw his misery of soul when he begged our mercy, but we did not listen to him and
now this misery has come home to us.'
42:22
Reuben answered them, 'Did I not tell you not to wrong the boy? But you did not
listen, and now we are brought to account for his blood.'
42:23 They
did not know that Joseph understood, because there was an interpreter between
them.
42:24 He
left them and wept. Then he went back to them and spoke to them. Of their
number he took Simeon and had him bound while they looked on.
Jacob's sons return to Canaan
42:25
Joseph gave the order to fill their panniers with corn, to put back each man's
money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done
for them.
42:26 They
loaded the grain on their donkeys and went away.
42:27 But
when they camped for the night one of them opened his corn-sack to give fodder
to his donkey and saw his money in the mouth of his sack.
42:28 He
said to his brothers, 'My money has been put back; here it is in my corn-sack'.
Their hearts sank, and they looked at one another in panic, saying, 'What is this
that God has done to us?'
42:29
Returning to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they gave him a full
report of what had happened to them,
42:30 'The
man who is lord of the land spoke harshly to us, taking us for men spying on
the country.
42:31 We
told him, "We are honest men, we are not spies.
42:32 We
are twelve brothers, sons of the same father. One of us is no more, and the
youngest is at present with our father in the land of Canaan."
42:33 But
the man who is lord of the land said to us, "This is how I shall know if
you are honest: leave one of your brothers with me. Take the grain your
families stand in need of and go.
42:34 But
bring me back your youngest brother and then I shall know that you are not
spies but honest men. Then I will hand over your brother to you, and you can
trade in the country."'
42:35 As
they emptied their sacks, each discovered his bag of money in his sack. On
seeing their bags of money they were afraid, and so was their father.
42:36 Then
their father Jacob said to them, 'You are robbing me of my children; Joseph is
no more; Simeon is no more; and now you want to take Benjamin. All this I must
bear.'
42:37 Then
Reuben said to his father, 'You may put my two sons to death if I do not bring
him back to you. Put him in my care and I will bring him back to you.'
42:38 But
he replied, 'My son is not going down with you, for now his brother is dead he
is the only one left. If any harm came to him on the journey you are to
undertake, you would send me down to Sheol with my white head bowed in grief.'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 43
Jacob's sons leave again with Benjamin
43:1 But
the country was hard-pressed by famine,
43:2 and
when they had finished eating the grain they had brought from Egypt their
father said to them, 'Go back and buy us a little food'.
43:3 'But
the man expressly warned us' Judah told him. 'He said, "You will not be
admitted to my presence unless your brother is with you".
43:4 If you
are ready to send our brother with us, we are willing to go down and buy food
for you.
43:5 But if
you are not ready to send him we will not go down, for the man told us,
"You will not be admitted to my presence unless your brother is with
you".'
43:6 Then
Israel said, 'Why did you bring this misery on me by telling the man you had
another brother?'
43:7 They
replied, 'He kept questioning us about ourselves and our kinsfolk, "Is
your father still alive?" and, "Have you a brother?" That is why
we told him. How could we know he was going to say, "Bring your brother
down here"?'
43:8 Judah
said to his father Israel, 'Send the boy with me. Let us start off and go, so
that we may save our lives and not die, we, you, and our dependants.
43:9 I will
go surety for him, and you can hold me responsible for him[*a]. If I do not
bring him back to you and set him before you, let me bear the blame all my
life.
43:10
Indeed, if we had not wasted so much time we should have been back again by
now!'
43:11 Then
their father Israel said to them, 'If it must be so, then do this: take some of
the land's finest products in your panniers, and carry them down to the man as
a gift, a little balsam, a little honey, gum, tragacanth, resin, pistachio nuts
and almonds.'
43:12 Take
double the amount of money with you and return the money put back in the mouths
of your sacks; it may have been a mistake.
43:13 Take
your brother, and go back to the man.
43:14 May
El Shaddai move the man to be kind to you, and allow you to bring back your
other brother and Benjamin. As for me, if I must be bereaved, bereaved I must
be.'
The meeting with Joseph
43:15 The
men took this gift; they took double the amount of money with them, and
Benjamin. They started off and went down to Egypt. They presented themselves to
Joseph.
43:16 When
Joseph saw Benjamin with them he said to his chamberlain, 'Take these men to
the house. Slaughter a beast and prepare it, for these men are to eat with me
at midday.'
43:17 The
man did as Joseph had ordered, and took the men to Joseph's house.
43:18 The
men were afraid at being taken to Joseph's house, thinking, 'We are being taken
there because of the money replaced in our corn-sacks the first time.
They will set on us; they will fall on us and make slaves of us, and take
our donkeys too.'
43:19 So
they went up to Joseph's chamberlain and spoke to him at the entrance to the
house.
43:20 'By
your leave, sir,' they said 'we came down once before to buy food,
43:21 and
when we reached camp and opened our corn-sacks, there was each man's money in
the mouth of his sack, to its full amount. But we have brought it back with us,
43:22 and
we have brought more money with us to buy food. We do not know who put our
money in our corn-sacks.'
43:23
'Peace to you,' he replied 'do not be afraid. Your God and your father's God
has put a treasure in your corn-sacks. Your money reached me safely.' And he
brought Simeon out to them.
43:24 The
man took the men into Joseph's house. He offered them water to wash their feet,
and gave their donkeys fodder.
43:25 They
arranged their gift while they waited for Joseph to come at midday, for they
had heard they were to dine there.
43:26 When
Joseph arrived at the house they offered him the gift they had with them, and
bowed before him to the ground.
43:27 But
he greeted them kindly, asking, 'Is your father well, the old man you told me of?
Is he still alive?'
43:28 'Your
servant our father is well,' they replied 'he is still alive', and they bowed
low in homage.
43:29
Looking up he saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son. 'Is this your
youngest brother,' he asked 'of whom you told me?' Then he said to him, 'God be
good to you, my son'.
43:30
Joseph hurried out, for his heart was moved at the sight of his brother and he
was near to weeping. He went into his room and there he wept.
43:31 After
bathing his face he returned and, controlling himself gave the order: 'Serve
the meal'.
43:32 He
was served separately; so were they, and so were the Egyptians who ate in his
household, for Egyptians cannot take food with Hebrews: they have a horror of
it.
43:33 They
were placed opposite him each according to his rank, from the eldest to the
youngest, and the men looked at one another in amazement.
43:34 He
had portions carried to them from his own dish, the portion for Benjamin being
five times larger than any of the others. They drank with him and were happy.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 44
Joseph's cup in Benjamin's sack
44:1 Joseph
gave this order to his chamberlain: 'Fill these men's sacks with as much food
as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack.
44:2 And
put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one's sack as well as
the money for his grain.' He carried out the instructions Joseph had given.
44:3 When
morning came and it was light, the men were sent off with their donkeys.
44:4 They
had scarcely left the city, and had not gone far before Joseph said to his
chamberlain, 'Away now and follow those men. When you catch up with them say to
them, "Why did you reward good with evil?
44:5 Is
this not the one my lord uses for drinking and also for reading omens? What you
have done is wrong."'.
44:6 So
when he caught up with them he repeated these words.
44:7 They
asked him, 'What does my lord mean? Your servants would never think of doing
such a thing.
44:8 Look, the
money we found in the mouths of our corn-sacks we brought back to you from the
land of Canaan. Are we likely to have stolen silver or gold from your master's
house?
44:9
Whichever of your servants is found to have it shall die, and we ourselves
shall be slaves of my lord.'
44:10 'Very
well, then,' he replied 'it shall be as you say. The one on whom it is found
shall become my slave, but the rest of you can go free.'
44:11 Each
of them quickly lifted his corn-sack to the ground, and each opened his own.
44:12 He
searched them, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest, and
found the cup in Benjamin's sack..
44:13 Then
they tore their clothes, and when each man had reloaded his ass they returned
to the city.
44:14 When
Judah and his brothers arrived at Joseph's house he was still there, so they
fell on the ground in front of him.
44:15 'What
is this deed you have done?' Joseph asked them. 'Did you not know that a man
such as I am is a reader of omens?'
44:16 'What
can we answer my lord?' Judah replied 'What can we say? How can we clear
ourselves? God himself has uncovered your servants' guilt. Here we are then, my
lord's slaves, we no less than the one in whose possession the cup was found.'
44:17
'I could not think of doing such a thing' he replied. 'The man in whose
possession the cup was found shall be my slave, but you can go back safe and
sound to your father.'
Judah intervenes
44:18 Then
Judah went up to him and said, 'May it please my lord, let your servant have a
word privately with my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are
like Pharaoh himself.
44:19 My
lord questioned his servants, "Have you father or brother?"
44:20 And
we said to my lord, "We have an old father, and a younger brother born of
his old age. His brother is dead, so he is the only one left of his mother, and
his father loves him."
44:21 Then
you said to your servants, "Bring him down to me that my eyes may look on
him".
44:22 We
replied to my lord, "The boy cannot leave his father. If he leaves him,
his father will die."
44:23 But
you said to your servants, "If your youngest brother does not come down
with you, you will not be admitted to my presence again".
44:24 When
we went back to your servant my father, we repeated to him what my lord had
said.
44:25 So when
our father said, "Go back and buy us a little food",
44:26 we
said, "We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, we will go
down, for we cannot be admitted to the man's presence unless our youngest
brother is with us."
44:27 So
your servant our father said to us, "You know that my wife bore me two
children.
44:28 When
one left me, I said that he must have been torn to pieces. And I have not seen
him to this day.
44:29 If
you take this one from me too and any harm comes to him, you will send me down
to Sheol with my white head bowed in misery."
44:30 If I
go to your servant my father now, and we have not the boy with us, he will die
as soon as he sees the boy is not with us, for his heart is bound up with him.
44:31 Then
your servants will have sent your servant our father down to Sheol with his
white head bowed in grief.
44:32 Now
your servant went surety to my father for the boy. I said: If I do not bring
him back to you, let me bear the blame before my father all my life.
44:33 Let your
servant stay, then, as my lord's slave in place of the boy, I implore you, and
let the boy go back with his brothers.
44:34 How
indeed could I go back to my father and not have the boy with me? I could not
bear to see the misery that would overwhelm my father.'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 45
Joseph makes himself known
45:1 Then
Joseph could not control his feelings in front of all his retainers, and he
exclaimed, 'Let everyone leave me'. No one therefore was present with him while
Joseph made himself known to his brothers,
45:2 but he
wept so loudly that all the Egyptians heard, and the news reached Pharaoh's
palace.
45:3 Joseph
said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?' His
brothers could not answer him, they were so dismayed at the sight of him.
45:4 Then
Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come closer to me'. When they had come closer to
him he said, 'I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt.
45:5 But
now, do not grieve, do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here, since
God sent me before you to preserve your lives.
45:6 For
this is the second year there has been famine in the country, and there are
still five years to come of no ploughing or reaping.
45:7 God
sent me before you to make sure that your race would have survivors in the land
and to save your lives, many lives at that.
45:8 So it
was not you who sent me here but God, and he has made me father[*a] to Pharaoh,
lord of all his household and administrator of the whole land of Egypt.
45:9 Return
quickly to your father and tell him, "Your son Joseph says this: God has
made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me at once.
45:10 You
shall live in the country of Goshen[*b] where you will be near me, you, your
children and your grandchildren, your flocks, your cattle and all your
possessions.
45:11 I
will provide for you there, for there are still five years of famine, and I do
not want you to be in need, you and your household and all you have."
45:12 You
can see with your own eyes, and my brother Benjamin can see too that it is my
own mouth speaking to you.
45:13 Give
my father a full report of all the honour I enjoy in Egypt, and of all you have
seen. Then hurry and bring my father down here.'
45:14 Then
throwing his arms round the neck of his brother Benjamin he wept; and Benjamin
wept on his shoulder.
45:15 He
kissed all his brothers, weeping over them. After which his brothers talked
with him.
Pharaoh's invitation
45:16 News
reached Pharaoh's palace that Joseph's brothers had come, and Pharaoh was
pleased to hear it, as were his servants.
45:17
Pharaoh told Joseph, 'Say to your brothers, "Do this: load your beasts and
go off to the land of Canaan.
45:18 Fetch
your father and families, and come back to me. I will give you the best the
land of Egypt offers, and you shall feed on the fat of the land."
45:19 And
you, for your part, give them this command: "Do this: take waggons from
the land of Egypt, for your little ones and your wives. Get your father and
come.
45:20 Never
mind about your property, for the best that the land of Egypt offers is
yours."'
The return to Canaan
45:21
Israel's sons did as they were told. Joseph gave them waggons as Pharaoh had
ordered, and he gave them provisions for the journey.
45:22 To each
and every one he gave a festal garment, and to Benjamin three hundred shekels
of silver and five festal garments.
45:23 And
he sent his father ten donkeys laden with the best that Egypt offered, and ten
she-donkeys laden with grain, bread and food for his father's journey.
45:24 Then
he sent his brothers on their way. His final words to them were, 'Do not be
upset on the journey'.
45:25 And
so they left Egypt. When they reached the land of Canaan and their father
Jacob,
45:26 they
gave him this report, 'Joseph is still alive. Indeed it is he who is
administrator of the whole land of Egypt.' But he was as one stunned, for he
did not believe them.
45:27
However, when they told him all Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the
waggons that Joseph had sent to fetch him, the spirit of their father Jacob
revived,
45:28 and
Israel said, 'That is enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I must go and see
him before I die.'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 46
Jacob leaves for Egypt
46:1 Israel
left with his possessions, and reached Beersheba. There he offered
sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
46:2 God
spoke to Israel in a vision at night, 'Jacob, Jacob', he said. 'I am here', he
replied.
46:3 'I am
God, the God of your father', he continued. 'Do not be afraid of going
down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.
46:4 I
myself will go down to Egypt with you. I myself will bring you back again, and
Joseph's hand shall close your eyes.'
46:5 Then
Jacob left Beersheba. Israel's sons conveyed their father Jacob, their little
children and their wives in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to fetch him.
46:6 Taking
their livestock and all that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, they went
to Egypt, Jacob and all his family with him:
46:7 his
sons and his grand-sons, his daughters and his grand-daughters, in a word, all
his children he took with him to Egypt.
Jacob's' family
46:8 These
are the names of Israel's sons who came to Egypt, Reuben, Jacob's first born,
46:9 and
the sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, Carmi.
46:10 The
sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of the
Canaanite woman.
46:11 The
sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, Merari.
46:12 The
sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (though Er and Onan died in
the land of Canaan), and Hezron and Hamul, sons of Perez.
46:13 The
sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Jashub and Shimron.
46:14 The
sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, Jahleel.
46:15 These
are the sons that Leah had born to Jacob in Paddan-aram, besides his daughter
Dinah; in all, his sons and daughters numbered thirty-three.
46:16 The
sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Fri, Arodi, and Areli.
46:17 The
sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, with their sister Serah; the sons
of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.
46:18 These
are the sons of Zilpah whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah; she bore these to
Jacob - sixteen persons.
46:19 The
sons of Rachel, wife of Jacob: Joseph and Benjamin.
46:20 Born
to Joseph in Egypt were: Manasseh and Ephraim, children of Asenath, the
daughter of Potiphera priest of On.
46:21 The
sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim
and Ard.
46:22 These
are the sons that Rachel bore to Jacob - fourteen persons in all.
46:23 sons
of Dan: Hushim.
46:24 The sons
of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.
46:25 These
are the sons of Bilhah whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel; she bore these
to Jacob - seven persons in all.
46:26 The
people who went to Egypt with Jacob, of his own blood and not counting the
wives of Jacob's sons, numbered sixty-six all told.
46:27
Joseph's sons born to him in Egypt were two in number. The members of the
family of Jacob who went to Egypt totalled seventy.[*a]
Joseph welcomes them
46:28
Israel sent Judah ahead to Joseph, so that the latter might present himself to
him in Goshen. When they arrived in the land of Goshen,
46:29
Joseph had his chariot made ready and went up to meet his father Israel in
Goshen. As soon as he appeared he threw his arms round his neck and for a long
time wept on his shoulder.
46:30
Israel said to Joseph, 'Now I can die, now that I have seen you again, and seen
you still alive.'
46:31 Then
Joseph said to his brothers and his father's family, 'I will go up and break
the news to Pharaoh. I will tell him, "My brothers and my father's family
who were in the land of Canaan have come to me.
46:32 The
men are shepherds and look after livestock, and they have brought their flocks
and cattle and all their possessions."
46:33 Thus,
when Pharaoh summons you and asks, "What is your occupation?",
46:34 you
are to say, "Ever since our boyhood your servants have looked after
livestock, we and our fathers before us". And so you will be able to stay
in the land of Goshen.' For the Egyptians have a horror of all shepherds.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 47
Pharaoh grants an audience
47:1 So
Joseph went and told Pharaoh, 'My father and brothers, along with their flocks
and cattle and all their possessions, have come from the land of Canaan and are
now in the land of Goshen'.
47:2 He had
taken five of his brothers, and he now presented them to Pharaoh.
47:3
Pharaoh asked his brothers, 'What is your occupation?' and they gave Pharaoh
the answer, 'Your servants are shepherds, like our fathers before us'.
47:4 They
went on to tell Pharaoh, 'We have come to stay for the present in this land,
for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks, the land of Canaan is
hard-pressed by famine. Now give your servants leave to stay in the land of
Goshen.'
47:5a Then
Pharaoh said to Joseph,
47:6b 'They
may stay in the land of Goshen, and if you know of any capable men among them,
put them in charge of my own livestock'.
Another version
47:5b Jacob
and his sons went to Egypt where Joseph was. Pharaoh, king of Egypt, heard of this
and said to Joseph, 'Your father and brothers have come to you.
47:6a The
country of Egypt is open to you: settle your father and brothers in the best
region.'
47:7 Joseph
brought his father and presented him to Pharaoh. Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
47:8 Pharaoh
asked Jacob, 'How many years of life can you reckon?'
47:9 'My
life of wandering has lasted one hundred and thirty years,' Jacob told Pharaoh
'few years and unhappy, falling short of the years of my fathers in their life
of wandering.'
47:10 Jacob
blessed Pharaoh and left Pharaoh's presence.
47:11
Joseph settled his father and brothers, giving them a holding in the land of
Egypt, and in the best region of the land, namely the land of Rameses,
according to Pharaoh's command.
47:12
Joseph provided his father, brothers and all his father's family with food
according to the number of their dependants.
Joseph's agrarian policy
47:13 There
was no bread in the whole land, for the famine had grown so severe that the
land of Egypt and the land of Canaan were weakened with hunger.
47:14
Joseph accumulated all the money there was to be found in the land of Egypt and
in the land of Canaan, in return for the grain which men were buying, and he
brought the money to Pharaoh's palace.
47:15 When
all the money in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan had run out, the
Egyptians all came to Joseph: 'Give us bread' they said. 'Have we to perish
before your eyes? For our money has come to an end.'
47:16
Joseph answered, 'Hand over your livestock; I am willing to give you bread in
exchange for your livestock, if your money has come to an end'.
47:17 So
they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread, in exchange
for horses and livestock, whether sheep or cattle, and for donkeys. Thus he fed
them that year with bread, in exchange for all their livestock.
47:18 When
that year was over, they came to him the next year, and said to him, 'We cannot
hide it from my lord: the truth is, our money has run out and the livestock is
in my lord's possession. There is nothing left for my lord except our bodies
and our land.
47:19 Have
we to perish before your eyes, we and our land? Buy us and our land in exchange
for bread; we with our land will be Pharaoh's serfs. But give us something to
sow, that we may keep our lives and not die and the land may not become
desolate.'
47:20 Thus
Joseph acquired all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, since one by one the
Egyptians sold their estates, so hard-pressed were they by the famine, and the
whole country passed into Pharaoh's possession.
47:21 As
for the people, he reduced them to serfdom from one end of Egypt to the other.
47:22 The
only land he did not acquire belonged to the priests, for the priests received
an allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them.
Therefore they did not have to sell their land.
47:23 Then
Joseph said to the people, 'This is how we stand: I have bought you out, with
your land, on Pharaoh's behalf. Here is seed for you so that you can sow the
land.
47:24 But
when harvest comes you must give a fifth to Pharaoh. The other four-fifths you
can have for sowing your fields, to provide food for yourselves and your
households, and food for your dependants.
47:25 'You
have saved our lives' they replied. 'If we may enjoy my lord's favour, we will
be Pharaoh's serfs.'
47:26 So
Joseph made a statute, still in force today, concerning the soil of Egypt: a
fifth goes to Pharaoh. The land of the priests alone did not go to Pharaoh.
Jacob's last wishes
47:27 The
Israelites stayed in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen. They acquired
property there; they were fruitful and increased in numbers greatly.
47:28 Jacob
lived seventeen years in the land of Egypt, and the length of his life was a
hundred and forty-seven years.
47:29 When Israel's
time to die drew near he called his son Joseph and said to him, 'If I enjoy
your favour, place your hand under my thigh and promise to be kind and good to
me, do not bury me in Egypt.
47:30 When
I sleep with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their tomb.' 'I
will do as you say' he replied.
47:31
'Swear to me' he insisted. So he swore to him, and Israel sank back on the
pillow.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 48
Jacob adopts Joseph's two sons and blesses them
48:1 Some
time later it was reported to Joseph, 'Your father has been taken ill'.
So he took with him his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim.
48:2 When
Jacob was told, 'Look, your son Joseph has come to you', Israel, summoning his
strength, sat up in bed.
48:3 'El
Shaddai appeared to me at Luz in the country of Canaan,' Jacob told Joseph 'and
he blessed me,
48:4 saying
to me, "I will make you fruitful and increase you in numbers. I will make
you a group of peoples and give this country to your descendants after you, to
own in perpetuity."
48:5 Now
your two sons, born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt,
shall be mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be as much mine as Reuben and Simeon.
48:6 But
with regard to the children you have had since them, they shall be yours, and
they shall be known by their brothers' names for the purpose of their
inheritance.
48:7 'When
I was on my way from Paddan, to my sorrow death took your mother Rachel from
me, in the land of Canaan, on the journey while we were still some distance
from Ephrath. I buried her there on the road to Ephrath at Bethlehem.'
48:8 When
Israel saw Joseph's two sons, he asked, 'Who are these?'
48:9 'They
are my sons, whom God has given me here' Joseph told his father. 'Then bring
them to me,' he said 'that I may bless them.'
48:10
Israel's sight was failing because of his great age, and so he could not see.
Joseph therefore made them come closer to him and he kissed and embraced them.
48:11 Then
Israel said to Joseph, 'I did not think that I should see you again, but God
has let me see your family as well'.
48:12
Joseph took them from his lap and bowed to the ground.
48:13
Joseph took hold of the two of them, Ephraim with his right hand so that he
should be on Israel's left, and Manasseh with his left hand, so that he should
be on Israel's right, and brought them close to him.
48:14 But
Israel held out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, the younger,
and his left on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands-Manasseh was, in fact,
the elder.
48:15 Then
he blessed Joseph saying: 'May God in whose presence my fathers Abraham and
Isaac walked, may God who has been my shepherd from my birth until this day,
48:16 may
the angel who has been my saviour from all harm, bless these boys, may my name
live on in them, and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. May they grow
and increase on the earth.'
48:17
Joseph saw that his father was laying his right hand on the head of Ephraim,
and this upset him. He took his father's hand and tried to shift it from the
head of Ephraim to the head of Manasseh.
48:18
Joseph protested to his father, 'Not like that, father! This one is the elder;
put your right hand on his head.'
48:19 But
his father refused. 'I know, my son, I know' he said. 'He too shall become a
people; he too shall be great. Yet his younger brother shall be greater than
he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.'
48:20 So he
blessed them that day saying: 'May you be a blessing in Israel; may they say,
"God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!"' In this way he put Ephraim
before Manasseh.
48:21 Then
Israel said to Joseph, 'Now I am about to die. But God will be with you and
take you back to the country of your fathers.
48:22 As
for me, I give you a Shechem[*a] more than your brothers, the one I took from
the Amorites with my sword and my bow.'
JB
GENESIS Chapter 49
Jacob's blessings
49:1 Jacob
called his sons and said, 'Gather together that I may declare to you what lies
before you in time to come.
49:2 'Gather
round, sons of Jacob, and listen; listen to Israel your father.
49:3
Reuben, you are my first-born, my vigour, and the first-fruit of my manhood,
foremost in pride, foremost in strength
49:4
uncontrolled as a flood: you shall not be foremost, for you mounted your
father's bed, and so defiled my couch, to my hurt.
49:5
'Simeon and Levi are brothers, they carried out their malicious plans
49:6 Let my
soul not enter into their counsel nor my heart join in their company, for in
their rage they have killed men; in their fury they hamstrung bulls.
49:7
Accursed be their rage for its ruthlessness, their wrath for its ferocity. I
will divide them among Jacob, I will scatter them among Israel.[*a]
49:8
'Judah, your brothers shall praise you: you grip your enemies by the neck, your
father's sons shall do you homage,
49:9 Judah
is a lion cub, you climb back, my son, from your kill; like a lion he crouches
and lies down, or a lioness: who dare rouse him?
49:10 The
sceptre shall not pass from Judah, nor the mace from between his feet, until he
come to whom it belongs, to whom the peoples shall render obedience.
49:11 He
ties up his young ass to the vine, to its stock the foal of his she-ass. He
washes his coat in wine, his cloak in the blood of the grape;
49:12 his
eyes are cloudy with wine, his teeth are white with milk.
49:13
Zebulun lives by the shore of the sea, he is a sailor on board the ships, he
has Sidon close by him.
49:14
'Issachar is a strong ass, lying down in the midst of the sheepfolds.
49:15 He
saw how good it was to take his ease, how pleasant was the country, so he bowed
his shoulders for the load, he became a slave to forced labour[*b].
49:16 'Dan
is judge of his people like each one of the tribes of Israel.
49:17 May
Dan be a serpent on the road, a viper on the path, who bites the horse on the
hock and its rider falls backward.
49:18 'I
trust in your salvation, Yahweh.
49:19 'Gad,
robbers rob him, and he, he robs and pursues them.
49:20
'Asher, his bread is rich, he provides food fit for a king.
49:21
'Naphtali is a swift hind, dropping beautiful fawns.
49:22
'Joseph is a fruitful creeper near the spring, whose tendrils climb over the
wall.
49:23
Bowmen provoked him, they drew and assailed him.
49:24 But
their bow was broken by a mighty one, the sinews of their arms were parted by
the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, by the name of the Stone of Israel,
49:25 by
the God of your father who assists you, by El Shaddai who blesses you: with
blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep lying below, blessings of
breasts and womb,
49:26
blessings of grain and flowers, blessings of ancient mountains; bounty of the
everlasting hills; may they descend on Joseph's head, on the brow of the
dedicated one among his brothers.
49:27 'Benjamin
is a ravening wolf, in the morning he devours his prey, in the evening he is
still dividing the spoil.'
49:28 All
these make up the tribes of Israel, twelve in number, and this is what their
father said to them. He blessed them, giving to each one an appropriate
blessing.
Jacob's last moments and his death
49:29 Then
he gave them these instructions, 'I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury
me near my fathers, in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,
49:30 in
the cave in the field at Machpelah, opposite Mamre, in the land of Canaan,
which Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial-plot.
49:31 There
Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. There Isaac was buried and his wife
Rebekah. There I buried Leah.
49:32 I
mean the field and the cave in it that were bought from the sons of Heth.'
49:33 When
Jacob had finished giving his instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up
into the bed, and breathing his last was gathered to his people.
JB
GENESIS Chapter 50
Jacob's funeral
50:1 At
this Joseph threw himself on his father, covering his face with tears and
kissing him.
50:2 Then
Joseph ordered the doctors in his service to embalm his father. The doctors
embalmed Israel,
50:3 and it
took them forty days, for embalming takes forty days to complete. The Egyptians
mourned him for seventy days.
50:4 When
the period of mourning for him was over, Joseph said to Pharaoh's household,
'If I may presume to enjoy your favour, please see that this message reaches
Pharaoh's ears,
50:5
"My father made me swear an oath: I am about to die, he said, I have a
tomb which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, and there you must bury me.
So now I seek leave to go up and bury my father, and then I shall come
back."'
50:6
Pharaoh replied, 'Go up and bury your father, in accordance with the oath he
made you swear'.
50:7 Joseph
went up to bury his father, all Pharaoh's servants and the palace dignitaries
going up with him, joined by all the dignitaries of the land of Egypt,
50:8 as
well as all Joseph's family and his brothers, along with his father's family.
They left no one in the land of Goshen but their dependants, with their flocks
and their cattle.
50:9
Chariots also and horsemen went up with them; it was a very large retinue.
50:10 On
arriving at Goren-ha-atad, which is across the Jordan, they performed there a
long and solemn lamentation, and Joseph observed three days' mourning for his
father.
50:11 When
the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, witnessed the mourning at Goren-ha-atad
they exclaimed, 'This is a solemn act of mourning for the Egyptians'. For this
reason they call this place Abel-mizraim[*a] - it is across the Jordan.
50:12 His
sons did what he had ordered them to do for him.
50:13 His
sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the field
at Machpelah opposite Mamre, which Abraham had bought from Ephron the Hittite
as a burial-plot.
50:14 Then
Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers, along with all those who had
come up with him for his father's burial.
From the death of Jacob to that of Joseph
50:15
Seeing that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers said, 'What if Joseph
intends to treat us as enemies and repay us in full for all the wrong we did
him?'
50:16 So they
sent this message to Joseph: 'Before your father died he gave us this order:
50:17
"You must say to Joseph: Oh forgive your brothers their crime and their
sin and all the wrong they did you" . Now therefore, we beg you, forgive
the crime of the servants of your father's God.' Joseph wept at the message
they sent to him.
50:18 His
brothers came themselves and fell down before him. 'We present ourselves before
you' they said 'as your slaves.'
50:19 But
Joseph answered them, 'Do not be afraid; is it for me to put myself in God's
place?
50:20 The
evil you planned to do me has by God's design been turned to good, that he
might bring about, as indeed he has, the deliverance of a numerous people.
50:21 So
you need not be afraid; I myself will provide for you and your dependants.' In
this way he reassured them with words that touched their hearts.
50:22 So
Joseph stayed in Egypt with his father's family; and Joseph lived a hundred and
ten years.
50:23
Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim's children, as also the children of
Machir, Manasseh's son, who were born on Joseph's lap.
50:24 At
length Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am about to die; but God will be sure to
remember you kindly and take you back from this country to the land that he
promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob'.
50:25 And
Joseph made Israel's sons swear an oath, 'When God remembers you with kindness
be sure to take my bones from here'.
50:26
Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten; they embalmed him and laid him in
his coffin in Egypt.
END
OF JB GENESIS [50 Chapters].