2 Esdras (4 Ezra) · Revised Version with Apocrypha
2 Esdras (4 Ezra) 7 Revised Version with Apocrypha
1 And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights afore:
1 When I had finished speaking these words, the angel which had been sent to me the nights before was sent to me.
2 and he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am come to tell thee.
2 He said to me, “Rise, Esdras, and hear the words that I have come to tell you.”
3 And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then he said unto me, There is a sea set in a wide place, that it might be broad and vast.
3 I said, “Speak on, my Lord.” Then he said to me, “There is a sea set in a wide place, that it might be broad and vast,
4 But the entrance thereof shall be set in a narrow place so as to be like a river;
4 but its entrance is set in a narrow place so as to be like a river.
5 whoso then should desire to go into the sea to look upon it, or to rule it, if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into the broad?
5 Whoever desires to go into the sea to look at it, or to rule it, if he didn’t go through the narrow entrance, how could he come into the broad part?
6 Another thing also: There is a city builded and set in a plain country, and full of all good things;
6 Another thing also: There is a city built and set in a plain country, and full of all good things,
7 but the entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place to fall, having a fire on the right hand, and on the left a deep water:
7 but its entrance is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place to fall, having fire on the right hand, and deep water on the left.
8 and there is one only path between them both, even between the fire and the water, [so small ] that there could but one man go there at once.
8 There is only one path between them both, even between the fire and the water, so that only one person can go there at once.
9 If this city now be given unto a man for an inheritance, if the heir pass not the danger before him, how shall he receive his inheritance?
9 If this city is now given to a man for an inheritance, if the heir doesn’t pass the danger before him, how will he receive his inheritance?”
10 And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so also is Israel’s portion.
10 I said, “That is so, Lord.” Then said he to me, “Even so also is Israel’s portion.
11 Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.
11 I made the world for their sakes. What is now done was decreed when Adam transgressed my statutes.
12 Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, and sorrowful and toilsome: they are but few and evil, full of perils, and charged with great toils.
12 Then the entrances of this world were made narrow, sorrowful, and toilsome. They are but few and evil, full of perils, and involved in great toils.
13 For the entrances of the greater world are wide and sure, and bring forth fruit of immortality.
13 For the entrances of the greater world are wide and safe, and produce fruit of immortality.
14 If then they that live enter not these strait and vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.
14 So if those who live don’t enter these difficult and vain things, they can never receive those that are reserved for them.
15 Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal?
15 Now therefore why are you disturbed, seeing you are but a corruptible man? Why are you moved, since you are mortal?
16 and why hast thou not considered in thy mind that which is to come, rather than that which is present?
16 Why haven’t you considered in your mind that which is to come, rather than that which is present?”
17 Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, lo, thou hast ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.
17 Then I answered and said, “O sovereign Lord, behold, you have ordained in your law that the righteous will inherit these things, but that the ungodly will perish.
18 The righteous therefore shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: but they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.
18 The righteous therefore will suffer difficult things, and hope for easier things, but those who have done wickedly have suffered the difficult things, and yet will not see the easier things.”
19 And he said unto me, Thou art not a judge above God, neither hast thou understanding above the Most High.
19 He said to me, “You are not a judge above God, neither do you have more understanding than the Most High.
20 Yea, rather let many that now be perish, than that the law of God which is set before them be despised.
20 Yes, let many perish who now live, rather than that the law of God which is set before them be despised.
21 For God straitly commanded such as came, even as they came, what they should do to live, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.
21 For God strictly commanded those who came, even as they came, what they should do to live, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.
22 Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake against him, and imagined for themselves vain things;
22 Nevertheless, they weren’t obedient to him, but spoke against him and imagined for themselves vain things.
23 and framed cunning devices of wickedness; and said moreover of the Most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:
23 They made cunning plans of wickedness, and said moreover of the Most High that he doesn’t exist, and they didn’t know his ways.
24 but they despised his law, and denied his covenants; they have not been faithful to his statutes, and have not performed his works.
24 They despised his law and denied his covenants. They haven’t been faithful to his statutes, and haven’t performed his works.
25 Therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and for the full are the full things.
25 Therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and for the full are the full things.
26 For behold, the time shall come, and it shall be, when these tokens, of which I told thee before, shall come to pass, that the bride shall appear, even the city coming forth, and she shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.
26 For behold, the time will come, and it will be, when these signs of which I told you before will come to pass, that the bride will appear, even the city coming forth, and she will be seen who now is withdrawn from the earth.
27 And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils, the same shall see my wonders.
27 Whoever is delivered from the foretold evils will see my wonders.
28 For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and shall rejoice them that remain four hundred years.
28 For my son Jesus will be revealed with those who are with him, and those who remain will rejoice four hundred years.
29 After these years shall my son Christ dieof them that, and all that have the breath of life.
29 After these years my son Christ will die, along with all of those who have the breath of life.
30 And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days, like as in the first beginning: so that no man shall remain.
30 Then the world will be turned into the old silence seven days, like as in the first beginning, so that no human will remain.
31 And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall be raised up, and that shall die that is corruptible.
31 After seven days the world that is not yet awake will be raised up, and what is corruptible will die.
32 And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and so shall the dust those that dwell therein in silence, and the secret places shall deliver those souls that were committed unto them.
32 The earth will restore those who are asleep in it, and the dust those who dwell in it in silence, and the secret places will deliver those souls that were committed to them.
33 And the Most High shall be revealed upon the seat of judgement, and compassion shall pass away, and longsuffering shall be withdrawn:
33 The Most High will be revealed on the judgment seat, and compassion will pass away, and patience will be withdrawn.
34 but judgement only shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith shall wax strong:
34 Only judgment will remain. Truth will stand. Faith will grow strong.
35 and the work shall follow, and the reward shall be shewed, and good deeds shall awake, and wicked deeds shall not sleep.
35 Recompense will follow. The reward will be shown. Good deeds will awake, and wicked deeds won’t sleep.
36 And the pit of torment shall appear, and over against it shall be the place of rest: and the furnace of hell shall be shewed, and over against it the paradise of delight.
36 The pit of torment will appear, and near it will be the place of rest. The furnace of hellwill be shown, and near it the paradise of delight.
37 And then shall the Most High say to the nations that are raised from the dead, See ye and understand whom ye have denied, or whom ye have not served, or whose commandments ye have despised.
37 Then the Most High will say to the nations that are raised from the dead, ‘Look and understand whom you have denied, whom you haven’t served, whose commandments you have despised.
38 Look on this side and on that: here is delight and rest, and there fire and torments. Thus shall he speak unto them in the day of judgement:
38 Look on this side and on that. Here is delight and rest, and there fire and torments.’ Thus he will speak to them in the day of judgment.
39 This is a day that hath neither sun, nor moon, nor stars,
39 This is a day that has neither sun, nor moon, nor stars,
40 neither cloud, nor thunder, nor lightning, neither wind, nor water, nor air, neither darkness, nor evening, nor morning,
40 neither cloud, nor thunder, nor lightning, neither wind, nor water, nor air, neither darkness, nor evening, nor morning,
41 neither summer, nor spring, nor heat, nor winter, neither frost, nor cold, nor hail, nor rain, nor dew,
41 neither summer, nor spring, nor heat, nor winter, neither frost, nor cold, nor hail, nor rain, nor dew,
42 neither noon, nor night, nor dawn, neither shining, nor brightness, nor light, save only the splendour of the glory of the Most High, whereby all shall see the things that are set before them:
42 neither noon, nor night, nor dawn, neither shining, nor brightness, nor light, except only the splendor of the glory of the Most High, by which all will see the things that are set before them.
43 for it shall endure as it were a week of years.
43 It will endure as though it were a week of years.
44 This is my judgement and the ordinance thereof; but to thee only have I shewed these things.
44 This is my judgment and its prescribed order; but I have only shown these things to you.”
45 And I answered, I said even then, O Lord, and I say now: blessed are they that be now alive and keep the [statutes ] ordained of thee.
45 I answered, “I said then, O Lord, and I say now: Blessed are those who are now alive and keep your commandments!
46 But as touching them for whom my prayer was made, [what shall I say? ] for who is there of them that be alive that hath not sinned, and who of the sons [of men ] that hath not transgressed thy covenant?
46 But what about those for whom I prayed? For who is there of those who are alive who has not sinned, and who of the children of men hasn’t transgressed your covenant?
47 And now I see, that the world to come shall bring delight to few, but torments unto many.
47 Now I see that the world to come will bring delight to few, but torments to many.
48 For an evil heart hath grown up in us, which hath led us astray from these [statutes, ] and hath brought us into corruption and into the ways of death, hath shewed us the paths of perdition and removed us far from life; and that, not a few only, but well nigh all that have been created.
48 For an evil heart has grown up in us, which has led us astray from these commandments and has brought us into corruption and into the ways of death. It has shown us the paths of perdition and removed us far from life—and that, not a few only, but nearly all who have been created.”
49 And he answered me, and said, Hearken unto me, and I will instruct thee; and I will admonish thee yet again:
49 He answered me, “Listen to me, and I will instruct you. I will admonish you yet again.
50 for this cause the Most High hath not made one world, but two.
50 For this reason, the Most High has not made one world, but two.
51 For whereas thou hast said that the just are not many, but few, and the ungodly abound, hear [the answer ] thereunto.
51 For because you have said that the just are not many, but few, and the ungodly abound, hear the explanation.
52 If thou hath choice stones exceeding few, wilt thou set for thee over against them according to their number [things of ] lead and clay?
52 If you have just a few precious stones, will you add them to lead and clay?”
53 And I said, Lord, how shall this be?
53 I said, “Lord, how could that be?”
54 And he said unto me, Not only this, but ask the earth, and she shall tell thee; intreat her, and she shall declare unto thee.
54 He said to me, “Not only that, but ask the earth, and she will tell you. Defer to her, and she will declare it to you.
55 For thou shalt say unto her, Thou bringest forth gold and silver and brass, and iron also and lead and clay:
55 Say to her, ‘You produce gold, silver, and brass, and also iron, lead, and clay;
56 but silver is more abundant than gold, and brass than silver, and iron than brass, lead than iron, and clay than lead.
56 but silver is more abundant than gold, and brass than silver, and iron than brass, and lead than iron, and clay than lead.’
57 Judge thou therefore which things are precious and to be desired, whatso is abundant or what is rare.
57 Judge therefore which things are precious and to be desired, what is abundant or what is rare?”
58 And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, that which is plentiful is of less worth, for that which is more rare is more precious.
58 I said, “O sovereign Lord, that which is plentiful is of less worth, for that which is more rare is more precious.”
59 And he answered me, and said, Weigh within thyself the things that thou hast thought, for he that hath what is hard to get rejoiceth over him that hath what is plentiful.
59 He answered me, “Weigh within yourself the things that you have thought, for he who has what is hard to get rejoices over him who has what is plentiful.
60 So also is the judgement which I have promised: for I will rejoice over the few that shall be saved, inasmuch as these are they that have made my glory now to prevail, and of whom my name is now named.
60 So also is the judgment which I have promised; for I will rejoice over the few that will be saved, because these are those who have made my glory to prevail now, and through them, my name is now honored.
61 And I will not grieve over the multitude of them that perish; for these are they that are now like unto vapour, and are become as flame and smoke; they are set on fire and burn hotly, and are quenched.
61 I won’t grieve over the multitude of those who perish; for these are those who are now like mist, and have become like flame and smoke; they are set on fire and burn hotly, and are extinguished.”
62 And I answered and said, O thou earth, wherefore hast thou brought forth, if the mind is made out of dust, like as all other created things?
62 I answered, “O earth, why have you produced, if the mind is made out of dust, like all other created things?
63 For it were better that the dust itself had been unborn, so that the mind might not have been made therefrom.
63 For it would have been better that the dust itself had been unborn, so that the mind might not have been made from it.
64 But now the mind groweth with us, and by reason of this we are tormented, because we perish and know it.
64 But now the mind grows with us, and because of this we are tormented, because we perish and we know it.
65 Let the race of men lament and the beasts of the field be glad; let all that are born lament, but let the fourfooted beasts and the cattle rejoice.
65 Let the race of men lament and the animals of the field be glad. Let all who are born lament, but let the four-footed animals and the livestock rejoice.
66 For it is far better with them than with us; for they look not for judgement, neither do they know of torments or of salvation promised unto them after death.
66 For it is far better with them than with us; for they don’t look forward to judgment, neither do they know of torments or of salvation promised to them after death.
67 For what doth it profit us, that we shall be preserved alive, but yet be afflicted with torment?
67 For what does it profit us, that we will be preserved alive, but yet be afflicted with torment?
68 For all that are born are defiled with iniquities, and are full of sins and laden with offences:
68 For all who are born are defiled with iniquities, and are full of sins and laden with transgressions.
69 and if after death we were not to come into judgement, peradventure it had been better for us.
69 If after death we were not to come into judgment, perhaps it would have been better for us.”
70 And he answered me, and said, When the Most High made the world, and Adam and all them that came of him, he first prepared the Judgement and the things that pertain unto the judgement.
70 He answered me, “When the Most High made the world and Adam and all those who came from him, he first prepared the judgment and the things that pertain to the judgment.
71 And now understand from thine own words, for thou hast said that the mind groweth with us.
71 Now understand from your own words, for you have said that the mind grows with us.
72 They therefore that dwell upon the earth shall be tormented for this reason, that having understanding they have wrought iniquity, and receiving commandments have not kept them, and having obtained a law they dealt unfaithfully with that which they received.
72 They therefore who dwell on the earth will be tormented for this reason, that having understanding they have committed iniquity, and receiving commandments have not kept them, and having obtained a law they dealt unfaithfully with that which they received.
73 What then will they have to say in the judgement, or how will they answer in the last times?
73 What then will they have to say in the judgment, or how will they answer in the last times?
74 For how great a time hath the Most High been longsuffering with them that inhabit the world, and not for their sakes, but because of the times which he hath foreordained!
74 For how long a time has the Most High been patient with those who inhabit the world, and not for their sakes, but because of the times which he has foreordained!”
75 And I answered and said, if I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, shew this also unto thy servant, whether after death, even now when every one of us giveth up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come, in which thou shalt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented forthwith.
75 I answered, “If I have found grace in your sight, O Lord, show this also to your servant, whether after death, even now when every one of us gives up his soul, we will be kept in rest until those times come, in which you renew the creation, or whether we will be tormented immediately.”
76 And he answered me, and said, I will shew thee this also; but join not thyself with them that are scorners, nor number thyself with them that are tormented.
76 He answered me, “I will show you this also; but don’t join yourself with those who are scorners, nor count yourself with those who are tormented.
77 For thou hast a treasure of [good ] works laid up with the Most High, but it shall not be shewed thee until the last times.
77 For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High, but it won’t be shown you until the last times.
78 For concerning death the teaching is: When the determinate sentence hath gone forth from the Most High that a man should die, as the spirit leaveth the body to return again to him who gave it, it adoreth the glory of the Most High first of all.
78 For concerning death the teaching is: When the decisive sentence has gone out from the Most High that a man shall die, as the spirit leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, it adores the glory of the Most High first of all.
79 And if it be one of those that have been scorners and have not kept the way of the Most High, and that have despised his law, and that hate them that fear God,
79 And if it is one of those who have been scorners and have not kept the way of the Most High, and that have despised his law, and who hate those who fear God,
80 these spirits shall not enter into habitations, but shall wander and be in torments forthwith, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways.
80 these spirits won’t enter into habitations, but will wander and be in torments immediately, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways.
81 The first way, because they have despised the law of the Most High.
81 The first way, because they have despised the law of the Most High.
82 The second way, because they cannot now make a good returning that they may live.
82 The second way, because they can’t now make a good repentance that they may live.
83 The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for them that have believed the covenants of the Most High.
83 The third way, they will see the reward laid up for those who have believed the covenants of the Most High.
84 The fourth way, they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.
84 The fourth way, they will consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.
85 The fifth way, they shall see the dwelling places of the others guarded by angels, with great quietness.
85 The fifth way, they will see the dwelling places of the others guarded by angels, with great quietness.
86 The sixth way, they shall see how forthwith some of them shall pass into torment.
86 The sixth way, they will see how immediately some of them will pass into torment.
87 The seventh way, which is more grievous than all the aforesaid ways, because they shall pine away in confusion and be consumed with shame, and shall be withered up by fears, seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they have sinned whilst living, and before whom they shall be judged in the last times.
87 The seventh way, which is more grievous than all the aforesaid ways, because they will pine away in confusion and be consumed with shame, and will be withered up by fears, seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they have sinned while living, and before whom they will be judged in the last times.
88 Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they shall be separated from the corruptible vessel.
88 “Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they will be separated from their mortal body.
89 In the time that they dwelt therein they painfully served the Most High, and were in jeopardy every hour, that they might keep the law of the lawgiver perfectly.
89 In the time that they lived in it, they painfully served the Most High, and were in jeopardy every hour, that they might keep the law of the lawgiver perfectly.
90 Wherefore this is the teaching concerning them:
90 Therefore this is the teaching concerning them:
91 First of all they shall see with great joy the glory of him who taketh them up, for they shall have rest in seven orders.
91 First of all they will see with great joy the glory of him who takes them up, for they will have rest in seven orders.
92 The first order, because they have striven with great labour to overcome the evil thought which was fashioned together with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death.
92 The first order, because they have labored with great effort to overcome the evil thought which was fashioned together with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death.
93 The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the ungodly wander, and the punishment that awaiteth them.
93 The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the ungodly wander, and the punishment that awaits them.
94 The third order, they see the witness which he that fashioned them beareth concerning them, that while they lived they kept the law which was given them in trust.
94 The third order, they see the testimony which he who fashioned them gives concerning them, that while they lived they kept the law which was given them in trust.
95 The fourth order, they understand the rest which, being gathered in their chambers, they now enjoy with great quietness, guarded by angels, and the glory that awaiteth them in the last days.
95 The fourth order, they understand the rest which, being gathered in their chambers, they now enjoy with great quietness, guarded by angels, and the glory that awaits them in the last days.
96 The fifth order, they rejoice, [seeing ] how they have now escaped from that which is corruptible, and how they shall inherit that which is to come, while they see moreover the straitness and the painfulness from which they have been delivered, and the large room which they shall receive with joy and immortality.
96 The fifth order, they rejoice that they have now escaped from that which is corruptible, and that they will inherit that which is to come, while they see in addition the difficulty and the pain from which they have been delivered, and the spacious liberty which they will receive with joy and immortality.
97 The sixth order, when it is shewed unto them how their face shall shine as the sun, and how they shall be made like unto the light of the stars, being henceforth incorruptible.
97 The sixth order, when it is shown to them how their face will shine like the sun, and how they will be made like the light of the stars, being incorruptible from then on.
98 The seventh order, which is greater than all the aforesaid orders, because they shall rejoice with confidence, and because they shall be bold without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they hasten to behold the face of him whom in their lifetime they served, and from whom they shall receive [their ] reward in glory.
98 The seventh order, which is greater than all the previously mentioned orders, because they will rejoice with confidence, and because they will be bold without confusion, and will be glad without fear, for they hurry to see the face of him whom in their lifetime they served, and from whom they will receive their reward in glory.
99 This is the order of the souls of the just, as from henceforth is announcer unto them, [and ] aforesaid are the ways of torture which they that would not give heed shall suffer from henceforth.
99 This is the order of the souls of the just, as from henceforth is announced to them. Previously mentioned are the ways of torture which those who would not give heed will suffer from after this.”
100 And I answered and said, shall time therefore be given unto the souls after they are separated from the bodies, that they may see that whereof thou hast spoken unto me?
100 I answered, “Will time therefore be given to the souls after they are separated from the bodies, that they may see what you have described to me?”
101 And he said, Their freedom shall be for seven days, that for seven days they may see the things whereof thou hast been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered together in their habitations.
101 He said, “Their freedom will be for seven days, that for seven days they may see the things you have been told, and afterwards they will be gathered together in their habitations.”
102 And I answered and said, if I have found favour in thy sight, shew further unto me thy servant whether in the day of judgment the just will be able to intercede for the ungodly or to intreat the Most High for them,
102 I answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, show further to me your servant whether in the day of judgment the just will be able to intercede for the ungodly or to entreat the Most High for them,
103 whether fathers for children, or children for parents, or brethren for brethren, or kinsfolk for their next of kin, or friends for them that are most dear.
103 whether fathers for children, or children for parents, or kindred for kindred, or kinsfolk for their next of kin, or friends for those who are most dear.”
104 And he answered me, and said, Since thou hast found favor in my sight, I will shew thee this also: The day of judgement is a day of decision, and displayeth unto all the seal of truth; even as now a father sendeth not his son, or a son his father, or a master his slave, or a friend him that is most dear, that in his stead he may be sick, or sleep, or eat, or be healed:
104 He answered me, “Since you have found favor in my sight, I will show you this also. The day of judgment is a day of decision, and displays to all the seal of truth. Even as now a father doesn’t send his son, or a son his father, or a master his slave, or a friend him that is most dear, that in his place he may understand, or sleep, or eat, or be healed,
105 so never shall anyone pray for another in that day, neither shall one lay a burden on another, for then shall all bear every one his own righteousness or unrighteousness.
105 so no one will ever pray for another in that day, neither will one lay a burden on another, for then everyone will each bear his own righteousness or unrighteousness.”
106 And I answered and said, How do we now find that first Abraham prayed for the people of Sodom, and Moses for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness:
106 I answered, “How do we now find that first Abraham prayed for the people of Sodom, and Moses for the ancestors who sinned in the wilderness,
107 and Joshua after him for Israel in the days of Achar:
107 and Joshua after him for Israel in the days of Achan,
108 and Samuel in the days of Saul; and David for the plague: and Solomon for them that [should worship ] in the sanctuary:
108 and Samuel in the days of Saul, and David for the plague, and Solomon for those who would worship in the sanctuary,
109 and Elijah for those that received rain; and for the dead, that he might live:
109 and Elijah for those that received rain, and for the dead, that he might live,
110 and Hezekiah for the people in the days of Sennacherib: and many for many?
110 and Hezekiah for the people in the days of Sennacherib, and many others prayed for many?
111 If therefore now, when corruption is grown up, and unrighteousness increased, the righteous have prayed for the ungodly, wherefore shall it not be so then also?
111 If therefore now, when corruption has grown and unrighteousness increased, the righteous have prayed for the ungodly, why will it not be so then also?”
112 He answered me, and said, This present world is not the end; the full glory abideth not therein: therefore have they who were able prayed for the weak.
112 He answered me, “This present world is not the end. The full glory doesn’t remain in it. Therefore those who were able prayed for the weak.
113 But the day of judgement shall be the end of this time, and the beginning of the immortality for to come, wherein corruption is passed away,
113 But the day of judgment will be the end of this age, and the beginning of the immortality to come, in which corruption has passed away,
114 intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off, but righteousness is grown, and truth is sprung up.
114 intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off, but righteousness has grown, and truth has sprung up.
115 Then shall no man be able to have mercy on him that is cast in judgement, nor to thrust down him that hath gotten the victory.
115 Then no one will be able to have mercy on him who is condemned in judgment, nor to harm someone who is victorious.”
116 I answered then and said, this is my first and last saying, that it had been better that the earth had not given [thee ] Adam: or else, when it had given [him, ] to have restrained him from sinning.
116 I answered then, “This is my first and last saying, that it would have been better if the earth had not produced Adam, or else, when it had produced him, to have restrained him from sinning.
117 For what profit is it for all that are in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?
117 For what profit is it for all who are in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?
118 O thou Adam, what hast thou done? For though it was thou that sinned, the evil is not fallen on thee alone, but upon all of us that come of thee.
118 O Adam, what have you done? For though it was you who sinned, the evil hasn’t fallen on you alone, but on all of us who come from you.
119 For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?
119 For what profit is it to us, if an immortal time is promised to us, but we have done deeds that bring death?
120 And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas ourselves most miserably are become vain?
120 And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, but we have most miserably failed?
121 And that there are reserved habitations of health and safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?
121 And that there are reserved habitations of health and safety, but we have lived wickedly?
122 And that the glory of the Most High shall defend them which have led a pure life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?
122 And that the glory of the Most High will defend those who have led a pure life, but we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?
123 And that there shall be shewed a paradise, whose fruit endureth without decay, wherein is abundance and healing, but we shall not enter into it,
123 And that a paradise will be revealed, whose fruit endures without decay, in which is abundance and healing, but we won’t enter into it,
124 for we have walked in unpleasant places?
124 for we have lived in perverse ways?
125 And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?
125 And that the faces of those who have practiced self-control will shine more than the stars, but our faces will be blacker than darkness?
126 For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not what we should have to suffer after death.
126 For while we lived and committed iniquity, we didn’t consider what we would have to suffer after death.”
127 Then he answered and said, This is the condition of the battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight;
127 Then he answered, “This is the significance of the battle which humans born on the earth will fight:
128 that, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said: but if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I say.
128 if they are overcome, they will suffer as you have said, but if they get the victory, they will receive the thing that I say.
129 For this is the way whereof Moses spake unto the people while he lived, saying, Choose thee life, that thou mayest live.
129 For this is the way that Moses spoke to the people while he lived, saying, ‘Choose life, that you may live!’
130 Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets after him, no, nor me which have spoken unto them;
130 Nevertheless they didn’t believe him or the prophets after him, not even me, who have spoken to them.
131 so that there shall not be such heaviness in their destruction, as there shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation.
131 Therefore there won’t be such heaviness in their destruction, as there will be joy over those who are assured of salvation.”
132 I answered then and said, I know, Lord, that the Most High is now called merciful, in that he hath mercy upon them which are not yet come into the world;
132 Then I answered, “I know, Lord, that the Most High is now called merciful, in that he has mercy upon those who have not yet come into the world;
133 and compassionate, in that he hath compassion upon those that turn to his law;
133 and compassionate, in that he has compassion upon those who turn to his law;
134 and longsuffering, for that he long suffereth those that have sinned, as his creatures;
134 and patient, in that he is patient with those who have sinned, since they are his creatures;
135 and bountiful, for that he is ready to give rather than to exact;
135 and bountiful, in that he is ready to give rather than to take away;
136 and of great mercy, for that he multiplieth more and more mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and also to them which are to come;
136 and very merciful, in that he multiplies more and more mercies to those who are present, and who are past, and also to those who are to come—
137 (for if he multiplied not [his mercies, ] the world would not continue with them that dwell therein;)
137 for if he wasn’t merciful, the world wouldn’t continue with those who dwell in it—
138 and one that forgiveth, for if he did not forgive of his goodness, that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thousandth part of men would not remain living;
138 and one who forgives, for if he didn’t forgive out of his goodness, that those who have committed iniquities might be relieved of them, not even one ten thousandth part of mankind would remain living;
139 and a judge, [for ] if he did not pardon them that were created by his word, and blot out the multitude of offences,
139 and a judge, for if he didn’t pardon those who were created by his word, and blot out the multitude of sins,
140 there would peradventure be very few left in an innumerable multitude.
140 there would perhaps be very few left of an innumerable multitude.”