Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

plural of “anna” — a former copper coin of Pakistan and India

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

plural of “ass” — the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

plural of “booth” — a table (in a restaurant or bar) surrounded by two high-backed benches

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

plural of “cart” — a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

a period of 100 years

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

required by rule

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

tending to bring about; being partly responsible for

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

deeply religious

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

plural of “dove” — any of numerous small pigeons

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

remove the dust from

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

plural of “earring” — jewelry to ornament the ear; usually clipped to the earlobe or fastened through a hole in the lobe

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

plural of “flock” — a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

cut into a desired shape

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

plural of “herd” — a group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

a major road for any form of motor transport

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

plural of “hoof” — the foot of an ungulate mammal

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

capital and largest city of the modern state of Israel (although its status as capital is disputed)

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

plural of “jew” — a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

plural of “lamb” — young sheep

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

in motion

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

not any; not one

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

and nothing more

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

in an open way

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

(Judaism) a Jewish festival (traditionally 8 days from Nissan 15) celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

plural of “portion” — something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

existing or coming before

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

plural of “return” — document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

used in or connected with a sacrifice

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

the basic unit of money in Israel

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

express in speech

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

a farm building for housing horses or other livestock

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

levy a tax on

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

in the direction of

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

something given or done as an expression of esteem

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

plural of “viper” — venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading By the morning of the day preceding that of the Great Feast, at an early hour all was life and excitement in the Outer Court of the Temple.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Not only was this income great, but there were yet greater returns from the tables of the money-changers.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading From all portions of the world came devout Jews to the Passover each contributing his compulsory half shekel tribute money.

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading YE GENERATION OF VIPERS For several days before the Passover celebration every highway leading to Jerusalem had been ground to fine dust by the hoofs of flocks and herds, and of slow asses laden with coops of doves and by the wheels of carts heavy with lambs--all moving toward the sacrificial knives of the Temple.

but in spite of that

From this reading Here booths and stalls had been erected for traffic in everything from oil and wine to graven earrings, and although such was forbidden, yet for more than half a century had the House of Annas grown rich from the tax on Temple traffic and no man had dared speak openly against it.