English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
16 "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
16
"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way.
17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.
17
We're not keeping secrets; we're telling them. We're not hiding things; we're bringing everything out into the open.
18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
18
So be careful that you don't become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."
19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd.
19
His mother and brothers showed up but couldn't get through to him because of the crowd.
20 And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you."
20
He was given the message, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside wanting to see you."
21 But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."
21
He replied, "My mother and brothers are the ones who hear and do God's Word. Obedience is thicker than blood."
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.