The Jefferson Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth

By Thomas Jefferson

The Jefferson Bible as it is formally titled was a book constructed by Thomas Jefferson in the latter years of his life by cutting and pasting numerous sections from various Bibles as extractions of the doctrine of Jesus. Jefferson, who had no desire to preach, refused to let his Bible beyond a circle of close friends, and

• Language: English
• Publisher: GENERAL PRESS
• Release date: Apr 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9789389716214

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd president of the United States. William Peden is professor emeritus of English at the University of Missouri.

Book preview

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Say nothing of my religion. It is known to my God and myself alone. Its evidence before the world is to be sought in my life; if that has been honest and dutiful to society, the religion which has regulated. It cannot be a bad one.

—Thomas Jefferson

Chapter 1

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1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus.

9. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

10. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

11. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast.

12. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

13. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances.

14. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

15. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

16. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

17. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

18. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.

19. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature.

20. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

21. Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests,

22. John did baptize in the wilderness.

23. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

24. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

25. And were baptized of him in Jordan.

26. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

27. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age.

28. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

29. And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

30. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

31. And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

32. And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

33. After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

34. Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

35. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.

36. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.

37. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

38. For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

39. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

40. And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

41.