Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
4:8 Come close to God: This is the language of friendship (2:23) and loyalty (1:6-8). • Wash your hands . . . purify your hearts: The language of ceremonial cleansing is applied to the inner purity of one’s intentions (cp. Mark 7:1-23).
Literal English (YLT)ⓘYoung's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose. Covers the New Testament only.Young's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose. Covers the New Testament only.
be exceeding afflicted, and mourn, and weep, let your laughter to mourning be turned, and the joy to heaviness;
Greek (New Testament)ⓘA Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.A Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.
ταλαιπωρησατε και πενθησατε και κλαυσατε ο γελως υμων εις πενθος μεταστραφητω και η χαρα εις κατηφειαν
King James VersionⓘKing James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written with a ~1,000-word vocabulary. Easiest to read, least precise wording.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written with a ~1,000-word vocabulary. Easiest to read, least precise wording.
Be troubled, with sorrow and weeping; let your laughing be turned to sorrow and your joy to grief.