5 Helpful Studies to Make You Want to Avoid Adultery

Adultery is betrayal in marriage! It is an extremely destructive sin. At least three people suffer as a result. Don’t miss this insightful 5-part Bible Study to help you avoid being one of them.

Summary

Think about this

The act of adultery destroys trust. Causes long-term pain. Most of all adultery is a sin that can prevent you from going to heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9).

An adulterer is selfish. They think only of themselves and not the effect on others. If you are married think of the likely damages before you allow this to happen.

All these bad things begin inside a person, in the mind: bad thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, 22 adultery, greed, doing bad things to people, lying, doing things that are morally wrong, jealousy, insulting people, proud talking, and foolish living. 23 These evil things come from inside a person. And these are the things that make people unacceptable to God” [Mark 7:21-23 (ERV)].

Key Points:

1. Unfaithful in marriage

   Marriage is a life-long commitment promise of faithfulness, love, and respect. When one is unfaithful, it breaks the promise.

   • A wife should put her husband first, as she does the Lord. Ephesians 5:22 (CEV)
   • Men ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:28 (GNT)
   • So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 (NLT)

2. Consider the damages

   Being unfaithful in marriage brings personal, collateral and spiritual damages. Avoid all situations that lead to cheating/adultery, e.g., spending too much time alone with someone you like, falling-out-of-love with your spouse, etc. “Dear friends, you are like visitors and strangers in this world. So I beg you to stay away from the evil things your bodies want to do. These things fight against your soul” [1 Peter 2:11 (ICB)].

3. A destructive sin

   Adulterers risk destroying their natural and spiritual life, is it worth it? “You know that wicked people will not inherit the kingdom of God, don’t you? Stop deceiving yourselves! Sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunks, slanderers, and robbers will not inherit the kingdom of God” [1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ISV)].

Avoid cheating! Sex with someone who is not your spouse is cheating and being unfaithful! It damages your marriage and destroys trust. Do not cheat on your spouse! Bishop Tim

A serious issue

If you are married or single, young or old, a believer or non-believer this Bible study is for you. Please understand, that adultery is a serious issue.

Skip to the end.

What is Adultery?

Study #1 – breaking the promise/trust; not faithful.

Sexual adultery not spiritual

The topic is sexual adultery and not spiritual adultery which is similar to idolatry. One point I want to cover before we begin, adultery is a forgivable sin under very specific conditions. Consider the story of the woman caught in adultery:

Pharisees: Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. Jesus: Let the first stone be thrown by the one among you who has not sinned. Jesus: Dear woman, where is everyone? Are we alone? Did no one step forward to condemn you?

Woman Caught in Adultery: Lord, no one has condemned me. Jesus: Well, I do not condemn you either; all I ask is that you go and from now on avoid the sins that plague you^* [John 8:4, 7b, 10b and 11 (The Voice)].

[read John 8:1-12 (3-4, 7, 10 and 11) and reference: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11]. ^*There are many reasons Jesus forgave and told her “go and sin no more” (KJV). Jesus did not judge the sin nor the sinner.

Adultery is…

“For adultery is a heinous and lustful crime; Moreover, it would be a sin punishable by the judges. 12 “For it is a fire which consumes to Abaddon (destruction, ruin, final torment); And [illicit passion] would burn and rage and uproot all my [life’s] increase [destroying everything] [Job 31:11-12 (AMP)].

A sinful act

The word adultery in Galatians 5:19 is the Greek word moicheia (moy-khei’-ah) meaning adultery {sexual immorality}, but this does not define adultery from a Biblical point of view. Adultery is the act of voluntarily breaking the marriage bond by having sexual relations with someone that is not the spouse. Most accept the following to define adultery: infidelity, cheating, or being unfaithful to your husband or wife.

Now those things done by the sinful, physical nature [of a person] are evident; they are these: sexual immorality [adultery], moral impurity, indecent conduct, [Galatians 5:19 (AUV)].

A closer look

Bible translation replacements for the word “adultery”.

In Galatians 5:19, “adultery“, is used in the KJV and 25 other translations/revisions {t/r’s}, but is replaced by the following words or phrases as specified:

• “being sexually unfaithful” EXB, .
• “committing sexual sin” ETR.
• “evil desire“; “illicit sex“; and “whoredom“.
• “sexual immorality” – 21 t/r’s use some form of ‘immoral‘; “immorality“; “immoral ways“; “immoral actions“.

The replacement phrase or statement for ‘adultery‘ was either combined with other references, vague or omitted in 26 t/r’s.

Hebrew/Greek (skip)

The Hebrew word for adultery in Exodus 20:14 ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery’ is נָאַף na’aph (naw-af’). The Greek^[3] words for adultery:

Moichalis

Adulteress; adulterous

G3428 μοιχαλίς moichalis (moy-khal-is’) noun. an adulteress a. (that is, a married woman who commits adultery). b. Hebraistically: extended to those who worship any other than the true God.
[a prolonged form of the feminine of G3432] KJV: adulteress(-ous, -y)

You can find moichalis in Matthew 12:39 and 16:4; Mark 8:38 – adulterous. Romans 7:3 – adulteress. James 4:4 – adulterers. 2 Peter 2:14 – adultery.

Moichao

“Commit adultery”

G3429 μοιχάω moichao (moy-khah’-o) verb. I commit adultery, not only of a married woman but of a married man.
[from G3432] KJV: commit adultery

Moichao is always the phrase “commit adultery” in Matthew 5:32; 19:9 and Mark 10:11-12.

Moicheia

To commit adultery, adulteries, and adultery

G3430 μοιχεία moicheia (moi-chei’-a) n. adultery.
[from G3431] KJV: adultery.

Moicheia is found in Matthew 5:32 – “to commit adultery”. Matthew 15:19 and Mark 7:21 – adulteries. John 8:3 – adultery.

Moicheuo

Adultery

G3431μοιχεύω moicheuo (moy-khyoo’-o) verb. to commit adultery; an adulterer.
[from G3432] KJV: commit adultery

Moicheuo is found in Matthew 5:27-28 and 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 16:18 and 18:20; John 8:4; Romans 2:22 and 13:9; James 2:11; Revelation 2:22.

Moichos

Adulterers

G3432 μοιχός moichos (moi-chos’) n. 1. a (male) adulterer, that is, a man who is guilty with a married woman. 2. (figuratively) apostate.
[perhaps a primary word] KJV: adulterer

Moichos is always adulterers in Luke 18:11, 1 Corinthians 6:9, and Hebrews 13:4.

Matthew 5:27-28

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You must [shall] not be guilty of [commit] adultery [Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18].’ 28 But I tell you that if anyone looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her [lustfully; with a desire for her], in his mind [heart] he has already done that sin [committed adultery] with her. (EXB)

1 Corinthians 6:9

Bible translation replacements for the word “adulterers”. Used in the KJV and most t/r’s but is replaced by the following phrases as specified:

• “commit adultery” (NLT and GWT); “take part in adultery” (NCV).
• “is untrue when married” (BBE).
• “who engage in sex after marriage with someone other than their spouse” (CJB).
• “those who are sexually unfaithful to their mates” (AUV).

♥ Question for ‘adultery – defined’: Now do you know what the word adultery means?

Skip to the end.

Marriage

Study #2 – to be as one in the eyes of God.

Joining of man and woman

But from the beginning of creation, God made mankind male and female. 7 For this reason [i.e., since he made one woman for one man] a man will leave [the home of] his father and mother and will cling to his wife 8 and the two of them will [then] become one flesh [i.e., united in such a close relationship as to constitute one body], so that [upon becoming husband and wife] they no longer function as two persons but as one body.

9 Therefore, those whom God so joins together [in the marriage bond], no person must ever separate” [Mark 10:6-9 (AUV)].

[in verse 7 wife is gü-nā’ (goo-nay’) n. 1) “a woman” (Liddell and Scott {LSJ} definition)” 2) a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow” (Thayer’s definition)]

read Mark 10:1-12 [(6-9); compare: Matthew 19:1-10 {(4-6) and Genesis 2:8-25 (focus verses: 18-24; 23-24)}; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (2)]

Jesus clearly states marriage is the joining of a man and a woman. The biblically-correct marriage is a bond between a man and woman. It was meant to be a faithful and lasting promise/union.

2014 Marriage Infidelity Statistics^[4]

• Both spouses: the percentage of marriages where one or both spouses admit to infidelity, either physical or emotional was 41%.
• Men: the percentage of married men who have strayed at least once during their married lives was 22 %.
• Women: the percentage of married women who have strayed at least once during their married lives was 14 %.

Be faithful in marriage

Marriage is honorable in every way, so husbands and wives should be faithful to each other. God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery [Hebrews 13:4 (GW)].

A word about marriage—the legal union of a man and woman—a commitment of mutual trust for and faithfulness to each other. Is faithfulness a key element of marriage? Yes, too often the focus is on the ceremony, sex, conquest, emotional intimacy, security and jokingly being tied down—loss of freedom. Having a clear understanding of faithfulness will make us less likely to commit adultery.

Consider this: God made faithfulness one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I know the King James Version uses the word faith, but it should be faithfulness^[5]. Please learn to use the Spirit-given faithfulness to make your marriage work!

Save your marriage; avoid adultery

The husband should fulfill his [marital] duty to his wife, and the wife should do the same thing for her husband. 4 The wife does not have [sole] authority over her own [physical] body, but the husband [also has his right to it]. And in the same way, the husband also does not have [sole] authority over his own [physical] body, but the wife [i.e., has her right to it, as well].

5 Do not deprive each other [of these marital rights; of sexual fulfillment], except by mutual agreement, so that you can spend the time in prayer**. Then resume [normal sexual] relations again, so Satan is not able to tempt you [i.e., to have an affair] because of your lack of self-control [1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (AUV)].

**and fasting.

You made a commitment to be faithful and kind to each other. Be faithful to your spouse.

Be proactive

Get counseling and Spiritual guidance to help mend your relationship before cheating. Save your marriage and do all you can to avoid adultery.

♥ Question for ‘adultery – marriage’: Are you faithful to your spouse?

Skip to the end.

Personal Damages

Study #3 – you pay a price when you are not true in wedlock.

Do not dishonor God’s temple

This is what God wants. He wants you to live clean lives. He wants you to keep away from wrong sex. 4 Each of you should know how to control yourself. Honour your body to make it holy.

5 Do not have sex with a person you are not married to. Control your strong feelings. Do not act like the people who do not know God [1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (WE)].

Adultery is a sin against your body which is the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:18 warns you to avoid sexual immorality. Verses 19 and 20 tell you why:

• Your body is the temple (home; residence) of God.
• It now belongs to the Lord.
• Jesus paid for you with His blood [read 1 Peter 1:18-19]. So honor God and bring praise to (glorify) Him by living holy.

Your damages

In Proverbs 6:32 it tells us: a man who commits adultery [i.e., goes to bed with a woman to whom he is not married] lacks sense [lacks common sense and understanding; is a fool]; he will destroy himself [loose possessions].

Proverbs 6:33 He will be beaten up [wounded; hurt] and disgraced [i.e., find affliction, scandal, and scorn; dishonor], and his shame [reproach] will never go away [be blotted out; wiped away].

Will be punished, suffer – “So it is with him who goes in to his neighbour’s wife; he who has anything to do with her will not go free from punishment.” Proverbs 6:29 (BBE)

Proverbs 22:14 The sin of adultery is a trap, and the Lord gets very angry with those who fall into it. (ERV) ♦ Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there. (NKJV)

David’s example of personal damages

I will not go into full details about the story of David and Bathsheba, but give a few key points related to his suffering:

• He was humiliated by God. Wives were given to the neighbor (his son Absalom) for all of Israel to see. [read 2 Samuel 12:11-12; 2 Samuel 16:21-22)]
• David was tormented: his first son via Bathsheba died as a consequence of adultery. [read 2 Samuel 12:10-19 (10-11, 14 and 16)]

Death (under the Law)

“‘The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, even he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death [Leviticus 20:10 (WEB)].

The penalty for both parties was death according to the Law given to the Jews. Refer to Leviticus 20:1-27 (10-12) and Deuteronomy 22:13-30 (22).

2014 statistics

What are the damages or consequences to the two persons who commit adultery today? Legally, it really depends on where you live and how strictly the laws are enforced.

According to an article in USA Today, as of 2014, 21 states consider adultery a crime, the punishment varies. Certain countries still enforce adultery laws, the penalties vary quite drastically.

♥ Question for ‘adultery – personal damages’: Do you know how infidelity can hurt you?

Skip to the end.

Collateral damages

Study #4 – unplanned hurt and pain because of your actions.

The unfaithful wife

My son, pay attention to me, and watch closely what I do. 27 A prostitute is as dangerous as a deep pit, and an unfaithful wife is like a narrow well. 28 They ambush you like robbers and cause many men to be unfaithful to their wives [Proverbs 23:26-28 (NCV)].

I pray that this information helps you to realize the seriousness of the horrid sin of adultery. The damages extend far beyond the two parties involved; there is always at least one other person that will or might be hurt. Remember at least one of the participants is married to someone else.

Avoid unplanned injuries

Before you act on your adulterous feelings. Consider the collateral damages (unplanned injuries). Do you love yourself, your spouse, and your children? Child of God, if you love them do not cheat. Be mindful that your actions can hurt others.

The Law (of Moses) and the Royal Law tell us to be faithful in marriage. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” [Exodus 20:14 Law of Moses]. “Marriage should be respected by everyone. God will punish those who do sex sins and are not faithful in marriage” [Hebrews 13:4 (NLV)].

Others hurt because of you

Unfortunately, the persons who commit adultery are not the only ones that suffer. Not only did David and Bathsheba suffer, but so did their first son. He lived for one week. David killed Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah. As a result, some of David’s family suffered.

‘In every generation, some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah’s wife [2 Samuel 12:10 (NSB)].

For more proof that this awful act can damage the lives of others. Review the story of a Levite from Ephraim and his wife (servant; concubine); Judges 19:1-21:25. An extreme example of others suffering and dying because of one act of adultery.

The collateral damage of their adultery resulted in the deaths of over 80,160 people.

The rage of an adulteresses husband

A husband is never angrier than when he is jealous; his revenge knows no limits. 35 He will not accept any payment; no amount of gifts will satisfy his anger [Proverbs 6:34-35 (GNT)].

Use wisdom

Many people can suffer as a result of the foolish act of adultery. Unfortunately, many of us have participated or know someone who committed adultery. Often divorce is the outcome; separation of family, friends, and associates. So much damage from this terrible act; please consider the possible damages before doing anything. Use wisdom do not live a life led by the wrong sexual desires.

Obey my commands, and you will live. Protect my teachings as you would your own eyes. 3 Remind yourself of them. Write them down in your mind as if on a tablet. 4 Be good to wisdom as if she were your sister. Make understanding your closest friend.

5 Wisdom and understanding will keep you away from adultery. They will keep you away from the unfaithful wife and her pleasing words [Proverbs 7:2-5 (ICB)].

Sexual adultery is an extremely destructive sin. There are at least three people who can or will suffer pain as a result; the two participants and a spouse. Often when children are involved they suffer more than others, consider the effect on your loved ones.

♥ Question for ‘adultery – collateral damages’: I hate to ask but are you a victim of adultery?

Skip to the end.

Spiritual Damages

Study #5 – do harm to your vow (pledge) to God.

Repent or suffer the second death

But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations,

and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars (those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed) — [all of these shall have] their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death [Revelation 21:8 (AMPC)].

Spiritual damages of adultery affect your relationship with God, the church, and your eternal state. If you do not repent, you will experience the second death, the lake of fire and brimstone.

Your relationship with God

We must keep this in mind–God knows our thoughts [1 Chronicles 28:9]. He knows when we first start thinking about it. So sin starts as a thought and then becomes an action.

And he went on to say, “It is what comes out of you that makes you unclean. 21 For from the inside, from your heart, come the evil ideas which lead you to do immoral things, to rob, kill, 22 commit adultery, be greedy, and do all sorts of evil things; deceit, indecency, jealousy, slander, pride, and folly— 23 all these evil things come from inside you and make you unclean.” Mark 7:20-23 (GNT)

Adultery is the type of sin that does not “just happen”, David’s example is clear. He saw Bathsheba bathing, desired her, and sent for her. She came to him and they had sex… Keep marriage sacred, it is a commitment not only to your spouse but to God.

Your relationship with other Christians

Shunning is not just for the Amish or Scientologist, though Paul did not use the term in 1 Corinthians 5:9 and 11, the implication is there. Some would go further and excommunicate the “wicked person” if they continue the behavior. I will not debate this here but want to make us aware of the Scripture and recommended action. Few assemblies (churches) use this method of shaming/shunning guilty parties today.

They should separate from you:

What I wrote was that you should not keep on being with a person who calls himself a Christian if he does any kind of sex sins. You should not even eat with a person who says he is a Christian but always wants to get more of everything or uses bad language or who gets drunk or gets things in a wrong way. 12 It is not for me to judge those outside the church. You are to judge those who belong to the church [1 Corinthians 5:11-12 (NLV)].

Your eternal status

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 (NLT)

Will not enter heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9) – the unrepented who commit sexual sins will be left outside the city (New Jerusalem).

Outside are the dogs [the godless, the impure, those of low moral character] and the sorcerers [with their intoxicating drugs, and magic arts], and the immoral persons [the perverted, the molesters, and the adulterers], and the murderers, and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying (deception, cheating) [Revelation 22:15 (AMP)].

♥ Question for ‘adultery – spiritual damages’: Are you aware of the potential spiritual consequence?

Skip to the end.

Adultery wrap-up

The Lord is especially hard on people who disobey him and don’t think of anything except their own filthy desires. They are reckless and proud and are not afraid of cursing the glorious beings in heaven.

11 Although angels are more powerful than these evil beings, even the angels don’t dare to accuse them to the Lord. 12 These people are no better than senseless animals that live by their feelings and are born to be caught and killed. They speak evil of things they don’t know anything about. But their own corrupt deeds will destroy them.

13 They have done evil, and they will be rewarded with evil. They think it is fun to have wild parties during the day. They are immoral, and the meals they eat with you are spoiled by the shameful and selfish way they carry on.

14 All they think about is having sex with someone else’s husband or wife. There is no end to their wicked deeds. They trick people who are easily fooled, and their minds are filled with greedy thoughts. But they are headed for trouble [2 Peter 2:10-14 (CEV)]!

Consider this

Some use the following Scriptures to say that watching pornography is a form of committing adultery. I only mention this to bring an awareness to all sexual activity, physical and mental. Whether it is a porn star or the woman/man next door, do not lust {to have a desire for, long for, to desire} for her/him.

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery: 28 But I say to you, That whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart [Matthew 5:27-28 (RKJNT)]

Reference Proverbs 6:20-35 (25).

Be faithful to your spouse

This is the end of the Bible study on adultery; please do not be a sexual cheater. Be faithful to your spouse. If you are involved with someone that is married or a person that is not your spouse, stop what you are doing. It is not worth it!

I urge you to do all that you can to avoid adultery and be blessed—♥ Tim ☺!

If you have questions about any part of this Bible study, please send me an email: Tim.

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:

^[5] Faithfulness in the Time of Little Faith in God – an estimated 19-minute read.

Self-control; Take Control Now with This Gift From God – an estimated 19-minute read.

Christian Life; A Life in Christ Full of Love – an estimated 32-minute read.

Changed Life: Experience Your Best Using God’s Free Gift – an estimated 18-minute read.

References

^[1] biblehub.com Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance || ^[2] blueletterbible.org lexicon || ^[3] From: Public Domain Greek-English lexicon by John Jeffrey Dodson (2010) || ^[4] “Infidelity Statistics – Statistic Brain.” 2014 Statistic Brain Research Institute, publishing as Statistic Brain – Date: January 1, 2014

Study Outline/Scriptures

Note: the key verse(s) are enclosed in parenthesis.

• Summary: Mark 7:1-23 (21-23; compare Matthew 15:1-20 (19-20); Romans 7:1-6 (2-3); 1 Peter 2:11-12 (11); 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 (9-10) and 6:12-20 (18-19); Mark 10:1-12 (11-12)
• What is Adultery?:
  • Sexual adultery not spiritual: John 8:1-12 (3-4, 7, 10 and 11); Galatians 5:16-26 (19-21)
  • Adultery is: Job 31:9-12 (11-12); Matthew 5:27-30 [(27-28); reference Exodus 20:1-17 (14); Deuteronomy 5:1-22 (18)]
• Marriage:
  • Joining of man and woman: Mark 10:1-12 [(6-9); compare: Matthew 19:1-10 {(4-6) and Genesis 2:8-25 (focus verses: 18-24; 23-24)}]; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (2)
  • Be faithful in marriage: Hebrews 13:1-6 (4); Galatians 5:16-26 (22)
  • Save your marriage; avoid adultery: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9 (3-5)
• Personal Damages:
  • Do not dishonor God’s temple: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (3-5); 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (13 and 18-20); 1 Peter 1:13-21 (18-19)
  • Your damages: Proverbs 6:20-35 (26, 29, and 32-33); Proverbs 22:14. David’s example: 2 Samuel 11:1-12:30 (12:11-12); 2 Samuel 16:15-17:4 (16:21-22); 2 Samuel 12:10-19 (10-11, 14 and 16)
  • Death (under the Law): Leviticus 20:1-27 (10-12); Deuteronomy 22:13-30 (22)
• Collateral Damages:
  • The unfaithful wife: Proverbs 23:26-28; reference Proverbs 2:16-19
  • Avoid unintentional injuries: Romans 13:8-10 (9-10)
  • Others hurt because of you: 2 Samuel 12:10-19 (10) {2 Samuel 13:28-29; 2 Samuel 18:14-18; 1 Kings 2:22-25}. Judges 19:1-21:25. Proverbs 6:20-35 (34-35). Proverbs 7:1-5 (2-5)
• Spiritual Damages: Revelation 21:1-8 (8)
  • Your relationship with God: Isaiah 59:1-8 (2); Proverbs 15:26 {Proverbs 6:16-19 (18)}
  • With other Christians: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (11-12) {2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 (6 and 14-15)}
  • Eternal status: James 1:12-18 (14-15) {Romans 6:15-23 (23); 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 (9-10); Revelation 22:12-17 (14-15)
• Conclusion: 2 Peter 2:4-17 (10-14); Proverbs 5-7
  • Something to think about: Matthew 5:27-30 (27-28) {Proverbs 6:20-35 (25)}; Psalms 101: (2-4)

Copyright information:

A-G

(AMP) Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) || Common English Bible (CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible Scripture quoted by permission. || Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission. || (ERV) Taken from the HOLY BIBLE: EASY-TO-READ VERSION © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission. || (EXB) The Expanded Bible Scripture taken from The Expanded Bible. Copyright ©2011 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. || (GW) Scripture is taken from GOD’S WORD®, © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

I-W

(ICB) Scripture taken from the International Children’s Bible®. Copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. || (ISV) Scripture taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version®. Copyright © 1996-forever by The ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission. || (NLV) It is our understanding that the New Life Version is in the public domain via New Life Version – studylight.org. || (The Voice) The Voice Scripture taken from The Voice™. Copyright © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. || (WE) Taken from THE JESUS BOOK – The Bible in Worldwide English. Copyright SOON Educational Publications, Derby DE65 6BN, UK. Used by permission.