Luke 18

Read on churchofjesuschrist.org (with footnotes)

1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 1

And he spake a parable unto them, saying that men ought always to pray and not faint,
IV v. 1 (Inspired Version, 1867)

2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 2

Saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God nor regarded man.
IV v. 2 (Inspired Version, 1867)

3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with men?
IV v. 7 (Inspired Version, 1867)

8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 8

I tell you that he will come; and when he does come, he will avenge his saints speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
IV v. 8 (Inspired Version, 1867)

9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 9

He spake this parable unto certain men, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:
IV v. 9 (Inspired Version, 1867)

10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
IV v. 11 (Inspired Version, 1867)

12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 13

But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
IV v. 13 (Inspired Version, 1867)

14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 14

I tell you, This man went down to his house justified, rather than the other; for everyone who exalteth himself shall be abased; and he who humbleth himself shall be exalted.
IV v. 14 (Inspired Version, 1867)

15And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 15

And they brought unto him also infants, that he might touch them; but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
IV v. 15 (Inspired Version, 1867)

16But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 16

But Jesus called them and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.
IV v. 16 (Inspired Version, 1867)

17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 17

Verily, I say unto you, Whosoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
IV v. 17 (Inspired Version, 1867)

18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 19

Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one—that is God.
IV v. 19 (Inspired Version, 1867)

20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 20

Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy mother.
IV v. 20 (Inspired Version, 1867)

21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 22

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet thou lackest one thing. Sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.
IV v. 22 (Inspired Version, 1867)

23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 24

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they who have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
IV v. 24 (Inspired Version, 1867)

25For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 26

And they who heard said unto him, Who then can be saved?
IV v. 26 (Inspired Version, 1867)

27And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 27

And he said unto them, It is impossible for them who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God; but he who forsaketh the things which are of this world, it is possible with God that he should enter in.
IV v. 27 (Inspired Version, 1867)

28Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

29And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 29

And he said unto them, Verily, I say unto you, There is no man who has left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
IV v. 29 (Inspired Version, 1867)

30Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

31Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 31

Then he took the twelve and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and all things which are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished.
IV v. 31 (Inspired Version, 1867)

32For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:

33And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 33

And they shall scourge and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again.
IV v. 33 (Inspired Version, 1867)

34And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 34

And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them; neither remembered they the things which were spoken.
IV v. 34 (Inspired Version, 1867)

35And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 35

And it came to pass, as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging.
IV v. 35 (Inspired Version, 1867)

36And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 37

And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passed by.
IV v. 37 (Inspired Version, 1867)

38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 38

And he cried, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
IV v. 38 (Inspired Version, 1867)

39And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 39

And they who went before rebuked him, telling him that he should hold his peace; but he cried so much the more, saying, Son of David, have mercy on me.
IV v. 39 (Inspired Version, 1867)

40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

JSTJoseph Smith Translation of v. 43

And immediately he received his sight; and he followed him, glorifying God. And all the disciples, when they saw this, gave praise unto God.
IV v. 43 (Inspired Version, 1867)

Also cited in commentary

2 Nephi 28 — False Churches in the Latter Days — The Lull of Carnal Security, the Few Stripes, the Line upon Line
- Where this lands
2 Nephi 32 — Feast Upon the Words of Christ — Angels, the Holy Ghost, and the Doctrine of Pray Always
- Pray always
- Where this lands
Alma 22 — I Will Give Away All My Sins to Know Thee — The Great King Converted, and the Geography Insert
- The chapter's architecture
Alma 31 — The Rameumptom — Worship Turned Inside Out, and the Prayer of a Sorrowing Heart
- How the chapter is built
Alma 33 — Then Cast About Your Eyes — Zenos, Zenock, and the Brazen Serpent, or How to Plant the Seed
- How the chapter is built
Alma 34 — The Great and Last Sacrifice — Amulek on the Infinite Atonement, the Mediator, and the Time to Prepare to Meet God
- How the chapter is built
Alma 36 — I Could Remember My Pains No More — Alma's Conversion to Helaman, and the Chiasm That Turns on the Name of Christ
- How the chapter is built
Alma 38 — Bridle All Your Passions — Alma's Charge to Steady Shiblon
- How the chapter is built
- The disciplines of a faithful young man
Ether 1 — From the Great Tower — Moroni Opens the Jaredite Record, and a Brother's Prayer Against the Confounding
- How the chapter is built
Jacob 2 — Tender Feelings Wounded — Jacob's Temple Sermon on Pride, Riches, and the David-Solomon Sin
- The rebuke of pride and wealth
- Where this lands
Mosiah 21 — Limhi's Bondage Deepens — Three Defeats, Humbled to the Dust, the Lord Slow to Hear, and Many Desire Baptism but None Have Authority
- The three defeats and the humbling to dust
- Where this lands
Mosiah 24 — Burdens Made Light — Amulon's Authority, the Forbidden Prayer, the Voice of the Lord in Their Affliction, the Deep Sleep upon the Lamanites, and the Valley Named Alma
- Where this lands
Mosiah 27 — The Angel, the Three Days of Death-Like Sleep, and the Born-Again — Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah Converted, the Earth Trembling, the Soul Redeemed from the Gall of Bitterness
- The persecutors named and the angelic arrest
Mosiah 28 — The Sons of Mosiah Depart for the Lamanites — They Could Not Bear That Any Soul Should Perish, Mosiah Translates the Jaredite Plates by the Interpreters, the Office of the Seer Defined
- The sons of Mosiah desire the Lamanite mission
- Where this lands
Doctrine and Covenants 101 — Be Still and Know That I Am God
Nehemiah 2 — The Prayer Between the Question and the Answer — Nehemiah's Sad Face, the Arrow Prayer, the Good Hand of God, and the Night Ride to the Ruined Wall
- How this chapter changes the reader
- The prayer between the question and the answer
Psalms 26 — Judge Me, and Try My Reins — A Psalm of Integrity, the Washed Hands, and the Love of the House of the LORD
- How this chapter changes the reader
Psalms 28 — Be Not Silent to Me — A Cry from the Edge of the Pit, and the Sudden Blessing of a Prayer Heard
- Be not silent to me
- How this chapter changes the reader

Cross-references are extracted from the project’s chapter essays — every link below points back into the original prose.

Public-domain text. The modern LDS edition with footnotes and chapter summaries is available on churchofjesuschrist.org ↗.

Study

Joseph Smith Translation

v. 1
And he spake a parable unto them, saying that men ought always to pray and not faint,
v. 2
Saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God nor regarded man.
v. 7
And shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with men?
v. 8
I tell you that he will come; and when he does come, he will avenge his saints speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
v. 9
He spake this parable unto certain men, who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:
v. 11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself: God, I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
v. 13
But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
v. 14
I tell you, This man went down to his house justified, rather than the other; for everyone who exalteth himself shall be abased; and he who humbleth himself shall be exalted.
v. 15
And they brought unto him also infants, that he might touch them; but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
v. 16
But Jesus called them and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.
v. 17
Verily, I say unto you, Whosoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
v. 19
Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one—that is God.
v. 20
Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy mother.
v. 22
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet thou lackest one thing. Sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.
v. 24
And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they who have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
v. 26
And they who heard said unto him, Who then can be saved?
v. 27
And he said unto them, It is impossible for them who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God; but he who forsaketh the things which are of this world, it is possible with God that he should enter in.
v. 29
And he said unto them, Verily, I say unto you, There is no man who has left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
v. 31
Then he took the twelve and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and all things which are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished.
v. 33
And they shall scourge and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again.
v. 34
And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them; neither remembered they the things which were spoken.
v. 35
And it came to pass, as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging.
v. 37
And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passed by.
v. 38
And he cried, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
v. 39
And they who went before rebuked him, telling him that he should hold his peace; but he cried so much the more, saying, Son of David, have mercy on me.
v. 43
And immediately he received his sight; and he followed him, glorifying God. And all the disciples, when they saw this, gave praise unto God.