The Bible is vast; where should we start with the translation? We have selected some passages. These are passages that are relatively short, easily understandable without larger contexts, and are more well-known. We suggest our translators work with these passages.
Old Testament
| Genesis 1,1-2,3 | The Creation of the World God creates and arranges the world to serve as the foundation for human life. |
| Genesis 11,1-9 | The Tower of Babel The Tower of Babel is a symbolic narrative about how humans, in their pride and vanity, attempted to build a powerful structure that displeased God. Through the confusion of languages, God forced their dispersal, leading to a diversity of languages and peoples. The story underscores the importance of humility and respect for God’s plans. |
| Genesis 12,1-9 | God’s Call to Abraham Genesis 12 marks the beginning of Abraham’s story, a central character in the Old Testament. This passage emphasizes Abraham’s faith and obedience to God’s call, which promises him significant blessings. This text lays the groundwork for the history of the chosen people of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham. |
| Genesis 15,1-6 | God’s Covenant with Abraham Genesis 15 contains one of the most important promises God made to Abram (later Abraham) regarding his descendants. Abram is shown how numerous his descendants will be, and his belief in this promise is recognized as righteousness. This passage highlights the significance of faith and trust in God’s plans and lays the foundation for the emergence of the chosen people of Israel. |
| Genesis 22,1-19 | The Testing of Abraham This passage tells of the extreme test of faith and obedience that God demands from Abraham. This event illustrates Abraham’s devotion to God and God’s willingness to reward Abraham’s faith. God blesses Abraham for his obedience and promises to make his descendants numerous and to bless all nations through them. |
| Exodus 3,1-15 | The Calling of Moses Exodus 3 marks the moment when God calls Moses to liberate the oppressed people of Israel from Egypt. The encounter with the burning bush is a significant episode in which God reveals His name as JHWH and emphasizes His presence and power. This event initiates the liberation of Israel from Egyptian slavery and establishes Moses as the leader of the people on their journey to freedom. |
| Exodus 12,1-14 | Passover (Pesach) Exodus 12 describes the institution of the Passover festival as a remembrance of the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery. The Passover sacrifice and the blood on the doorposts were meant to protect the Israelites from the tenth plague, the killing of the firstborn. This day is celebrated as a memorial and established as an eternal ordinance across generations. |
| Exodus 14,10-31 | Crossing the Sea As the Egyptians pursue the fleeing Israelites, the Red Sea is divided by God’s hand. The Israelites walk through the sea on dry ground, while the Egyptians follow. In the morning, the sea collapses upon the Egyptian army, and all are consumed. The Israelites witness the miracle God has performed for them and believe. |
| Exodus 20,1-17 | The Ten Words Verse 2 serves as the key to understanding the Ten Words („Ten Commandments“). Because JHWH is God, humans do not need to do evil. It establishes a self-commitment to fundamental ethical principles for coexistence. |
| Exodus 23,14-19 | Three Festivals God gives instructions for three annual festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest (Weeks or Pentecost), and the Feast of Ingathering (Tabernacles or Booths). |
| Deuteronomy 6,4-9 | Hear, O Israel This section is known as the „Shema Israel.“ It emphasizes the uniqueness of God and the command to love God unconditionally. It instructs people to internalize these words, pass them on to their children, and keep them present in all life situations. |
| Deuteronomy 30,15-20 | Choose Life In these verses, God presents the Israelites with a choice between life and death, blessing and curse. If they listen to His commandments, love Him, and follow His ways, they will be blessed and live in the promised land. |
| 2 Kings 17,1-8 | Conquest of Samaria This section marks the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel due to its unfaithfulness and violation of the covenant with God. The conquest by Assyria and the deportation of the Israelites signify a turning point in Israel’s history and illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands |
| 2 Kings 25,8-12 | Destruction of Jerusalem This text describes the tragic destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. This marked the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity, during which many Jews were deported to Babylon. This event holds deep historical and religious significance for the Jewish people. |
| Ezra 1,1-11 | Cyrus’s Edict Ezra 1 marks the beginning of the return of the Israelites from the Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem and the start of the Temple’s reconstruction. King Cyrus of Persia issues an edict allowing the Jews to return to their land and restore the Temple. |
| Jes 2,1-5 | Nations’ Pilgrimage to Zion Isaiah envisions a prophetic vision of the end times, where the mountain of the Lord’s house, the Temple mount in Jerusalem, will be exalted above all other mountains. Many nations will stream to the Temple to learn the ways of the Lord. God will act as judge among the nations, and wars will cease. Instead of weapons, tools for agriculture will be forged. An era of peace and knowledge of God will prevail, and people will live in the light of the Lord. |
| Isaiah 55,8-11 | The Effectiveness of God’s Word In these verses, God, through the prophet Isaiah, emphasizes that His thoughts and ways surpass human imagination. God’s word is reliable, and His intentions will be fulfilled. |
| Isaiah 58,1-13 | Righteous Fasting Isaiah emphasizes the importance of inner attitude and acts of love in addition to outward piety. True worship is not achieved solely through ritual fasting but through practical acts of mercy, justice, and love toward others. People are encouraged to connect external religiosity with inner commitment and social action. |
| Isaiah 61,1-11 | The Anointed One of the Lord One anointed with God’s Spirit is also sent by God. This mission includes bringing the good news of restoration, justice, and peace |
| Jer 7,1-15 | Temple Discourse God sends Jeremiah with a message to the people, to be proclaimed at the temple gate. He calls for improved life and behavior, righteous action, and not relying on false securities. God points out that external religiosity is insufficient if behavior is marked by sin and injustice. God recalls previous punishments and urges true repentance. If the people do not repent, God will forsake the sanctuary. |
| Jeremiah 29,1-14 | Letter to the Exiles Jeremiah writes to the Israelites in Babylonian captivity. He encourages them to lead productive lives despite circumstances and to pray for the well-being of the city where they reside. This passage includes the promise that God has plans of peace and hope for them that will be fulfilled after seventy years |
| Ezekiel 36,22-28 | Gathering of Israel God plans to gather the people from the nations, bring them back to the promised land, and renew them through purification. God promises to change people’s hearts, give them a new spirit, and place His spirit within them, so they can follow His commandments. |
| Malachi 3,6-12 | Call to Repentance God speaks through the prophet Malachi, reminding that while God remains unchanged, people have strayed from His commandments. God calls them to return to Him and correct their deviation from His ordinances. Specifically, God criticizes neglecting support for the temple by disregarding tithing. |
| Micah 5,1-5 | Promise of the Future Ruler This passage from the book of Micah contains a messianic prophecy about the birth of a future ruler in Bethlehem. This prophecy is linked to Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem in the New Testament. |
| Psalms 1 | The Right Way Psalm 1 serves as the key to understanding all Psalms, intended as humanity’s response to God’s word. The Psalm encourages fear of God, meditation on His law, and avoiding the paths of the wicked |
| Psalms 23 | The Good Shepherd Using imagery from the shepherd’s life, this passage illustrates God’s care and guidance in our lives. God protects and abundantly provides. |
| Psalms 137 | By the Rivers of Babylon This Psalm reflects the feelings of the Israelites in the Babylonian exile, far from their homeland, Jerusalem. They mourn their homeland and are overwhelmed by memories of the land and the Temple. The Psalm expresses both the attachment to the homeland and the despair of captivity. |
| Song of Songs 8,5-7 | Love The Song of Solomon is a love poem with strong symbolic imagery. This section emphasizes the intensity and power of love. The metaphors highlight the durability and resilience of love, even in challenging circumstances. |
| Ecclesiastes 3,1-8 | To Everything There Is a Season The Book of Ecclesiastes explores various aspects of life and existence. This section is one of the most well-known passages of the book and expresses the idea that there is an appropriate time for every human experience. The emphasis on contrasts and juxtapositions in these verses illustrates the diversity and changes in life experiences. |
New Testament
| Luke 1,46-55 | Song of Mary This hymn, often referred to as the „Magnificat,“ is an expression of joy and gratitude by Mary after the announcement of the impending birth of Jesus. Mary praises God for His mercy and the great things God has done for her. Mary emphasizes God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel and recalls the promises God made to her ancestors, especially Abraham. |
| Luke 2,1-20 | The Birth of Jesus This section describes the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Due to an imperial decree, Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born and placed in a manger. Nearby in the fields, shepherds are visited by an angel. The angel announces the birth of Jesus as great joy for all people and directs the shepherds to the child in the manger |
| Matthew 2,1-12 | Adoration of the Magi The story of the Magi from the East underscores the universal significance of Jesus’ birth and his special status as the King of the Jews. The wise men who bring gifts and kneel before the child symbolize the worship and recognition of Jesus’ divine presence. |
| Matthew 5,1-12 | Beatitudes The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most well-known and significant teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. In this section, Jesus teaches fundamental principles for life in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes emphasize the virtues and attitudes that God desires and contrast divine values with the values of the world. |
| Matthew 6,5-15 | On Prayer The “Our Father” prayer is presented as a model prayer that includes devotion to God, a desire for God’s kingdom and will, and requests for daily bread, forgiveness, and protection from temptation. Together with Jesus, we are allowed to call God Abba – Daddy. |
| Matthew 14,13-21 | Feeding of the Five Thousand The feeding of the five thousand is one of the most well-known miracle stories in the New Testament. The event underscores the importance of compassion for people’s needs. The fact that thousands of people were satisfied from a limited amount of food highlights divine abundance. |
| Matthew 14,22-32 | Revelation on the Water Peter’s attempt to walk on water symbolizes bold faith that wavers when he notices the strong wind. Jesus’ action in saving Peter and calming the wind underscores Jesus’ power and care for his disciples. |
| Matthew 22,34-40 | The Greatest Commandment The question about the greatest commandment was a common topic in the discussions among religious leaders in Jesus’ time. In his response, Jesus emphasized the importance of loving God and neighbor as central principles of faith. In these two commandments, everything is summarized. |
| Luke 15,1-7 | Parable of the Lost Sheep In this section, Jesus encounters criticism from the Pharisees and scribes for dining with sinners and tax collectors. In his response, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. This parable emphasizes the importance of the individual relationship with God and the value of each person in God’s eyes. |
| John 2,1-12 | Sign at the Wedding When Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding, the miracle is not so much about his power over the laws of nature but about people beginning to believe in him. |
| Mark 14,17-25 | The Last Supper During the celebration of the Passover meal, Jesus uses bread and wine as symbols for his body and blood. He explains that his blood of the covenant is poured out for many. |
| Mark 15,1-15 | The Trial This section describes the condemnation of Jesus by the Roman governor Pilate, a pivotal event on the way to Jesus’ crucifixion. The people’s reaction, calling for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus, highlights the tension between religious leaders and the population. Pilate’s ambivalent attitude, shaped by political considerations and pressure from the high priests, leads to his approval of Jesus’ execution. |
| Mark 15,22-41 | The Crucifixion Jesus is crucified. On the cross, he prays to God until his death. The various reactions of people around the cross, from mockery to a glimmer of realization, reflect the tension between faith and rejection. |
| Luke 24,1-11 | At the Empty Tomb This section tells of the discovery of the empty tomb by the women early in the morning on the first day of the week after Jesus’ crucifixion. The angels proclaim the joyful news of the resurrection and recall Jesus’ own predictions. These events form the foundation of the Christian belief in Easter and demonstrate the living hope that arises from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The initial disbelief of the apostles illustrates how surprising and difficult to comprehend the resurrection was for the disciples until they were strengthened by later encounters with the risen Jesus. |
| Matthew 28,16-20 | The Commission of the Risen One Jesus commissions his disciples to spread his message to the entire world and make all people his disciples. |
| John 20,24-29 | The Faith of Thomas When the disciples reported seeing Jesus, Thomas was skeptical, stating that he would only believe if he could touch the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and put his hand into Jesus’ side. Jesus’ appearance and invitation to touch His wounds fulfill Thomas’ conditions, but at the same time, Jesus teaches the blessedness of faith without direct proof. |
| Acts 2,1-18 | The Pentecost Event The ability to speak in different languages underscores the universal reach of the Gospel. Peter’s sermon refers to an Old Testament prophecy of the prophet Joel and explains the theological significance of these events. |
| Acts 2,43-47 | The Early Community This section showcases the strong community of early Christian believers after Pentecost. They practiced a communal way of life, sharing their possessions and praying daily. This soon attracted attention from others |
| Romans 14,1-12 | Exhortation to Tolerance In the early Christian community, there were disagreements on various matters, such as dietary restrictions and the significance of certain days. Paul encourages believers to accept one another in love and not to take on the role of judges. He emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of their differing convictions |
| Philippians 2,5-11 | Christ Hymn This section is also known as the “Christ Hymn” and reflects the deep theological significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The passage conveys the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith and emphasizes His role as ruler over all creation. |
| 1 Corinthians 13,1-13 | The Greatest of These is Love 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the “Love Chapter.” Paul emphasizes the importance of love in the Christian life. He criticizes the Corinthian church for prioritizing spiritual gifts over love and highlights that true spiritual maturity is expressed through love. |
| Colossians 3,1-14 | The New Humanity Paul demonstrates how Christ transforms the lives of believers and leads them to a life of holiness and love. The instruction to “put on love over all things” underscores the central importance of love in the Christian life. |
| 1 Thessalonians 5,1-11 | Vigilance in Light of Christ’s Coming Paul speaks to the Thessalonians about the impending return of Christ. He compares the day of the Lord to a thief in the night – unexpected and sudden. He urges them to be vigilant and not to live in darkness but as children of light and day. |
| Revelation 4,1-8 | Adoration before the Throne of God The Revelation of John aims to provide comfort in powerful images. John sees an open door in heaven and witnesses the worship of God by all creation. |
| Revelation 21,1-5 | The New World of God This section serves as a bookend to the beginning of Scripture, Genesis 1:1. The new creation will be characterized by peace, harmony, and the immediate presence of God. |