And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census be taken of all the empire.

And some [people] were present at that very time, reporting to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

But the mirth of the ungodly is a signal downfall, and the joy of transgressors is destruction:

For when he shall seem to be established, then he shall utterly perish, and those that knew him shall say, Where is he?

The eye has looked upon him, but shall not [see him] again; and his place shall no longer perceive him.

Behold, [the wicked] has travailed with unrighteousness; he has conceived trouble, and has brought forth iniquity.

He has opened a pit, and dug it up, and he shall fall into the ditch which he has made.

The heathen are caught in the destruction which they planned: in the very snare which they hid is their foot taken.

The Lord is known as executing judgments: the sinner is taken in the works of his hands. Pause.

But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword shall perish by the sword.

And some [people] were present at that very time, reporting to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all [other] Galileans, because they suffered such things?