An Annotated Translation of a Colonial Yucatec Manuscript:
On Religious and Cosmological Topics by a Native Author

(On Holy Scripture)
ms. p.129-150

In the continuation of the teaching on wisdom, following the Bible passages from Isaiah and Ezekiel, the author returns to the theme of Hun Ahau as the source of false wisdom, on earth as in heaven. He brings the discussion to the human plane, to the deception of Eve. The original sins of Eve and Adam condemn all humankind to death, with no hope of redemption were it not for Christ’s incarnation and intervention with His father.

In structure similar to the first teaching on wisdom, the passage cites Church fathers, but also invokes Maya imagery. Birds of prey, coot and hun kuk, represent those with false wisdom, who destroy the less powerful among their fellow creatures. The author argues that man possesses an innate ability to distinguish true from false wisdom, and returns to the metaphor of odor. Bees, for example, shun fetid odors, and soon move to a new hive in order to avoid them. They depend on cux ol, judgment or instinct, to know what nourishes and what endangers them. How much greater then is man, with not only cux ol, but pixan, soul, and naat, understanding. The author recommends observation of the ants, who lay up their food in the dry season, to be ready for the time of xaman caan chaac, the cold rains of winter. So man should lay up spiritual food while living on earth, to prepare for the world to come.

Finally, the author extols the benefits of Holy Scripture. Holy Scripture is likened to a river, which may be forded by little lambs, representing the humble, but drowns great cattle and deer, the arrogant. Access to scriptural writings was a topic of heated debate within the Church during the colonial era. The author takes a radical stand when he states, "For whoever wishes to read it, having really devoted himself to it, not one thing in it has been covered up" (ms. p.148).

Bala macx. yax cambalte = ti Uincob. U lobol U tuz miatzil = hun ahau - Luzifer -
So whom did Hun Ahau, Lucifer, first teach among men the evil of his false wisdom,

ta thanex loe =
in your opinion?

EVa = U chuplil. yax anom = ti adan =
It was Eve, the woman of first man Adam;

yoltah hunnac miatzhal = yetel. yooltah^Vyohelte - Vtz = yt. loob -
she wished to become all knowing, and she wished to know good and evil.

bay alabic ti = tumen cisin = yah tabsahule = ca u kasah U yaalmahthanil Dios.
As it was suggested to her by the devil, her ensnarer, she broke the command of God,

Ca u ppataah. U yax tibilil = yetel U yax Utzil =              [p.130]
and she abandoned her first virtue and her first goodness,

sihsabcij. tumenel Dios - ah tepal cuchie.
that was created by God the ruler formerly.

tu chij. ca ocij. U kinam keban ti yole = ca u tabsah yichami -
Then the force of sin entered into her mind, and she deceived her husband,

ca tun ca ham netzhob = tu uich Dios.
so that the two, one and the other, became vile in the eyes of God.

tu cambesah miatzil. hun ahau. Luzifer tiob = ca u canahobe =
When Hun Ahau, Lucifer, taught his wisdom to them, they learned it,

hek bay tun - U chun tohlabciob = tu ciotzilil cuch = yanilob cuchie
which is the reason they were banished from the pleasant place they were before;

hach ma utz Dzoc cij ti obi = ti tun hoppi U - yocol U numyail tiob =
really not well it ended for them, when they began entering into suffering,

yetel. yohelticob = U yail = yetel. U kinam = balcahil miatz =
and they came to know the suffering and the pain of worldly wisdom;

yoheltahoob. U canbobe =
they came to know it; they learned it.

Layx U chun ca yail = con yal U mehen = con U chibal. adan = yt. eVa =
This is the cause of our suffering, we the children, we the descendants of Adam and Eve,

Uay yokol cab lae tix tali ca c canah = U xihul ca pixan -
here on this earth, and whence it came that we learned the stain on our soul;

ti yax keban = U kabae = tu kebannob lae
original sin is the name for these sins of theirs,

Layx U chun xotcij U kinob = ti cimil -
and it is the reason that they were condemned to death,

yt. toon. con U chibale = ma DzeDz ti numyail yuulsah ton =
and as for us, their descendants, not a little the suffering they brought to us,

Uchcij U yocsicob = U tabsah cisin = yax anom lae. U kebanob -              [p.131]
since the sins of first man made him enter the snare of the devil,

tahmen. mac cij U hool caan tiob. yt chibal. tu pachobe =
for which the entrance to heaven was closed to them and generations after them,

Layx U kebanob. hach leppci yol Dios tiob = y. tu chibalobe =
and these sins of theirs really angered God with them and with their descendants.

yoklalix. mayl kuchan = U mukob = Uchbal U temcunnicob yool Dios ah tepal =
And because their efforts have never been sufficient to placate God, the ruler,

hach. kananhij U uilal = U chaic. yt. U hunpaktecunnic =
it really became necessary that He would take and join together as one,

U ca Dzic santissima = trinidad. Dios mehenbil = Ca uinicil = tu kuil.
the second person of the most holy trinity, God the son, our humanity with His divinity,

Uchebal U Dzaic U kinam = U cilich Numyail. Coklal. U temcunic yol U yum =
in order that He give His pain, His blessed suffering for us, to placate His father,

yt. U hecijx U hool caan toon. macan tumen keban cuchie =
and so that He open the entrance of heaven for us, closed by sin formerly.

Lay U cilich numyail U ppelel mehen Dios. Cah lohil ti Jhesu christo -
This, the blessed suffering of the only son of God, our redeemer Jesus Christ,

yt. U naahben beilil. yalcuncij. yolobe = adan = yt. eVa =
and the worthy action of Adam and Eve when they repented,

Ca yutzcinnahob = U yayatulul U kebanob - yt. U numcoycab -
when they performed the penance for their sins, along with their chastity,

U chun kamciob. tumen Dios ah tepale = ti yetaylil. tu caten =              [p.132]
are the reasons that they were received by God the ruler into His company once again,

ca u satsah U sipilobe =
when He pardoned their sins.

mayite u kamahob U pixan. ti yahaulil. tu cici olal. ca cimobe =
In no way did He receive their souls in His kingdom, His glory, when they died;

heuac Dzabiob. tumen Dios. tu kasal metnal = limbo U kaba -
rather they were placed by God in a terrible underworld named Limbo,

mananil numya = yt. cici olal =
lacking (both) suffering and happiness.

U pakteob - yulel. U ppelel mehen Dios Vchmal ti Uinichal.
They awaited the coming of the only son of God becoming man,

U lohob balcaah- yt. U heeb U hol can tiob =
to redeem them in the world, and to open the entrance of heaven for them,

macchahij - tumen. yax kebanob. cuchie.
that became closed because of the original sins back then.

paktumtex heleli cex Uince = Ua bahun ppetayanil. tu Uich Dios.
Consider now, you men, just how hateful in the eyes of God,

U ppochool. U cilich almah thanil . ti Lay U hool kebannob . tzicbail.
is the disrespect of His blessed commandment with this, the apex of sins, arrogance,

U tusah hun ahau. Luzifer loe =
that Hun Ahau, Lucifer invented.

bay yaalcij. ah bolon pixan Tobias = tu tzec thanil. tu mehene =
So said blessed Tobit¹⁴³ in his sermon to his son:

Mehene = cij U than ti =
"Son," so he spoke to him,

ma a uilic U yanhal ychil a naat - y. ta chij. U keban tzicbaile =              [p.133]
"do not let the sin of pride exist in your understanding and in your mouth,

yoklal ti tzicbail = U chaah U chun U satal pixan
because from pride the loss of the soul takes its origin;

hach ppecben tu uich Dios yetel Uincob. tzicbail loe.
that arrogance is really hateful in the eyes of God and men."

Lay tahoklal. yaalcij = Santiago = apostor
This is the reason that St. James the apostle said,

Ca puDzlic = yetel ca ppecic. baalcaah. miatzil. yanil U kebanil. miatziloe
that we flee and we hate worldly wisdom, which is that sinful wisdom,

yoklal. ma u nah canbaltabal = tumenel tumen pixanob.
because there is nothing fit to be learned concerning it by souls,

U lukul = yoklal cambaltaben = bay yalcij san pablo aposto(r)le¹⁴⁴ =
that comes forth on account of its being studied; as St. Paul the apostle said,

tepali ti Uinic = Ca u cambalte. yan U nah. Uchbal U tanlic Diose
"It is sufficient for men that they learn what is necessary in order to serve God,

Uayx uil Ca u tu^clob Uinic tulacal loe -
or what all men should consider,

hijx U puDzlob. hijx U nachcunUba = yt. U pikesUbaob.
if they would flee, and if they would distance themselves, and separate themselves,

ti balcah miatzil loe yoklal ma utzil miatzile = mayx kuil miatzil xani =
from that worldly wisdom, because it is not good wisdom nor godly wisdom either,

heuac balcahil - cisinil miatzil = U kabae = ti hunlukul =
but rather worldly, devilish wisdom is its name forever.

belatun. ceex ah miatzex = ta thanex -
Alas, you who are wise men in your own opinions,

cex ah ohelil = tu Dzi a uolexe =              [p.134]
you who are knowing in your imaginations,

otzilex kalo -yoklal ma utz bin Dzocbal tex a miatzilex. ti hunlukul loe =
you are poor indeed, because your wisdom will not be ending well for you, ever."

cij - U than esallas = profeta. hach hahi otzilob. tu hahil loe =
So spoke Isaiah, the prophet, "Really they are truly poor, in truth,

yoklal mabal - chabenij yt. Vtz bin chabacij = tu miatzilob.
because there is nothing worth taking, nor good that will be taken from their wisdom,

mayxnan DzeDzec Utzie = lacech DzeDzecije =
nor is the least good in it, even the least bit of it,

hach mayx Utz bin Dzocbal tiob = tu nenetz buyukil miatzilob =
nor will it be ending well for them, with their vile, foolish wisdom,

yoklal he u miatzilob bal caah lae = miatzil yilabal ti lobal =
because these worldly wisdoms of theirs are seen as wisdom, but they are not.

hach bobi. coot¹⁴⁵ - yt. hunkuk¹⁴⁶ =
Really they are like the black hawk-eagle and the ornate hawk-eagle,

heklay ah lappoob lae hach ciotzil U yilabal =
which are birds of prey, really delightful to be seen;

kan thuthubil U uichob = ti tu chayan xiknalob =
their yellow, deep-set eyes are on the rest of the winged creatures;

hach sasix U pacatob = yokol tulacal babalob - bacix nach yan tiobe =
their gaze is really clear, above all things, however distant they are from them,

heuache u belobe. cimsah U belob lapp U cahoob =
but as for their occupation, killing is their office, preying their habit,

tu chayan xiknalob
on the rest of the winged creatures,

yt. ma kuchan U mukob ti = Uchebal U ppisicUbaob tiobe              [p.135]
and their efforts are not sufficient to struggle against them.

heuac ah lappob kala = ah satsahobix ti = ti ah ma ohelticob xane =
Rather, they are predators indeed, and the destroyers of the unknowing also,

yoklal he u miatz bal caahe = hach nohnohob = ti kebanchahal =
because in their worldly wisdom they are really intent in becoming sinful,

tumen hach satanil. U subtal. tu Uichob =
because really the shame in their eyes has been lost,

hach hunkul satalix U subtal U pucsikalob =
and really the shame in their hearts is forever lost also,

Layx tahmen = mayl yohelob. yutzcin Utz. = yt. tibil. tu tanlahil Dios ah tepal loe =
and for this reason they never know goodness and virtue in the service of God, the ruler.

bay yalcij = Helemias = laobi ah tzicbail = tu miatzob.
So said Jeremiah of those arrogant in their wisdom,

Lic U tohol Ueclahal - nachil = tu Uich Dios = ah tepal =
"It is they whose reward is to become scattered far from the eyes of God the ruler,

yoklal ma utz tu Uich Dios = U ma tibelilob.
because their iniquity is not good in the eyes of God."

heuac Ua mac U kati = yohelte Ua U miatzil Dios yan ti =
But if someone wants to know if he has the wisdom of God,

Uayx U miatzil balcah yan tie =
or if it is worldly wisdom that he has,

Uchac U tuclic = yt. U paktumtic = Uba tuhunal =
it is possible that he think about it and consider it by himself alone,

bay yalcij. san bernardoe.              [p.136]
as St. Bernard said.

yoklal Ua u ppatma U ma tibelile = Uayx U ppecma U uich kebane =
Because if he has abandoned his iniquity, and if he has shunned the face of sin,

Ua matan yoces = U Dza Dzibolal balcahe = yt. U cucutil tie xane =
if he never entered the desires of the world and of his body also,

Uala U Dzibolma = yt. - yuulolma = U hunkul cuxtal U pixan. ti caan =
but if he has desired and devoted himself to the eternal life of his soul in heaven,

ti u yahaulil Dios = U ciciolte U uich U yahsihsahule.
in the kingdom of God, he delights the eyes of his creator,

ti mabal chicanil U tucul. ti utial balcaah = Uay yokol cab lae =
with nothing registered in his thought concerning the world here on this earth,

ti Layx U kati U tanle Dios tuhunale =
he then wishes to serve God alone,

Vchacix tun yoheeltic = U hahil = yanil kuil miatzil. tu pixan loe =
then it is possible that he know the true existence of godly wisdom in his soul.

Lay hach cij = hach chahuc = bin yubub = u pixan -
This is really good, really sweet; his soul will sense it,

Ca bin lukuc Uay yokol cabe = ti hach Dzocan U tanlic Diose =
and he will depart from here on earth, having perfectly served God.

Lay yutzil miatz = Lay kuil miatz = bin sascunnic u Uich = U naat = yt. U pixan
This, his good wisdom, this godly wisdom, will light the face of his understanding and his soul,

Uchbal yilic. yt. yoheltic = tulacal -
so that he sees and he comes to know everything,

hecen kochbesan yoheltice - yt U tanlice =              [p.137]
whatever has been obligatory for him to know and serve,

Uchebal U nahaltic = U yetail Dios ah tepal
in order to merit the company of God the ruler,

tij latulah U binel U ciciolte te ti caane =
until he goes to rejoice there in heaven,

heelbal yt. cuxlahebal ti ma xulumte ti cici olale.
resting and dwelling endlessly in happiness.

heix Uchac U likil yol Uinic U canbalte. yutzil miatz lae.
And so that it may inspire man to learn this good wisdom,

Uchac V paktumtic U belob. xacnalob. yt. xiknalob.
he may consider the ways of the four-footed beasts and the winged creatures,

ma chanchantac lic cilicob sansamale.
not a few of which we see everyday.

yoklal Va yan U cuxyolob - Uchbal. U puDzlicob. lic U yulsic lob. yt. ya tiobe =
Because if they have the instinct to flee that which brings harm and pain to them,

tilic yohelticob. U chacanhal tiob - yt. U yeyeb Utz = yt. tibil tiobe
by which they know; it becomes clear to them to choose what is good and right for them,

U nohmeteli tun Uinic. yan U pixan. yan U nate =
how much greater then is man, having a soul and understanding.

paktumteex = hebix U cah yiklil cabe =
Consider, all of you, just how the bees behave;

U hach ppecmaob hach tuu = V booc ti babale =
they really have shunned the really fetid odor of something,

yoklal he tu yanhal tuu = yt. Lob U booc. yicnalobe = yetel yicnal U hobonobe -
so that when the odor becomes fetid and bad near them and near their hives,

ma xan U paxalobi = Ca xicob. U pachab. U yanal hobon. nachil.
before long they swarm, and go to seize another hive far away,

caahbalob hetux mananil tuu -yt. lob u boce =              [p.138]
dwelling where there is nothing whose odor is fetid and bad.

bala yanni Ua yet kin. yet ppisan. ta thanex -
So must it not be equal, comparable, in your opinion,

U hach tuil U booc yt. hach lobil U boc U miatz. baalcaah
the real fetid odor and the real bad odor of the wisdom of the world,

tu nij - U naat. yetel tu nij U pixan. Uinic.
to the nose of the understanding and to the nose of the soul of man?

yan U cux yol. ti Uinice = mananij ti hunlukul loe
Man has discretion surpassing that forever,

bala ma u nah = U cambalte Uinic = yetel U yancunte
hence it is not fitting that man learn and perform,

U tutu balcahil U miatzil tilobal loe
the stinking worldly wisdom, wisdom in name only;

ena U nah U nach puDzle = yt. U ppeceb. tumen hach ppecben =
rather it is fitting he flee far away and shun it, because it is really hateful.

hex tun likbal yol Uinic. U chaab.Uba ti babal. cu talel tu tane =
Therefore, inspiring man to prepare himself from something that comes before him,

bin yanac U uilal tie = U hach nanaoltic = bicx U caah sincobe =
it will be useful for him to really contemplate how the ants behave,

licil yalabal U xicin ah makolalob lae = tumen espiritu santo.
by which these lazy ones are admonished by the Holy Spirit.

ah makolale - cij u than = xic a tuclic = V caah sincobe =
"Lazy one," so He spoke, "Go consider the behavior of the ants,

cayx a cambal Dzilibte = U miatzob = hek hach tanolannil = tumenob =
so that you learn to imitate the wisdom of those really diligent in their deeds;

U caxante = yt. V xacheteob U hanalob Ca u hach putob = ti yax kin =              [p.139]
they seek and they procure their food, which they really bear away in spring,

U tacuntob. ychil U luumob. U haantantoob = ti akyabile =
to hide it within their "earths" to have it to eat in winter;

ti mayxmac payic U belob = yt. cambesicobie = hetun loe - matan U makoltoob =
with no one who leads them and teaches them, nevertheless, they never are lazy,

yoklal hach tan olan tumenob = Utial U macbob = Utial U cuxcinticUbaob =
really diligent in their deeds, in order to hide it, in order to sustain themselves,

Licil U meyahob. ti yax kin = bin U haantantoob = te ychil akyabile =
so by means of their work in spring, they will have something to eat then in winter,

tu kinil ahaan xaman caan chaac = yt. tu kinil ppo ppo hail =
in the time when north-sky-rain has awakened, and in the time of pouring rain,

tilic U tumticob = hach kananil U uilal = U meyahobe = ti yax kin =
by which they prove the real necessity of their work in spring,

heklay ticnil Lum = manbalob = tu put hanalob =
during which they are passing on dry land to carry their food,

yoklal ma uchac U hokolob = Valel loe = U caxante U hanalob =
because it is not possible that they go forth afterwards to seek their food,

tu kinil U kaxal haa = ti akyabile =
in the time of pouring rain, in winter.

hex tun tech cech Uince = miatzil a kat ti lobal =
Therefore you who are men, the wisdom you seek is wisdom in name only,

bala Dza olte = U tanlahil Dios. ah tepal. ychil U yax kinil = a cuxtal =
so attend to the service of God the ruler within the spring of your life,

heklay. ti yan U kinil tech = Uay yokol - cab lae -              [p.140]
which is while you have time here on this earth;

he ca bin tac akyabil = a uokole = heklay tu^kinil = bin xulebal. a cuxtal =
surely winter will come for you, which is the time when your life will be ending,

ca bin cimicech -
when you will die,

tumen mail Uchac a tanlic. yt. Vchac a yancunnic =
because before that it is possible that you serve and possible that you perform,

yan U naah lubbal a pixan =
what will be necessary at the passing away of your soul,

ca yanac yutzil teche = te tu yanal cabe =
that it may be good for you, there in the other world.

hach ma xan U manel kin = bay yaalcij san pablo - apostole =
Really time passes before long, so said St. Paul the apostle,

tu kinil Dzayatzil = yt. U yutzil = yn Uuuyhech =
"In the time of mercy and goodness, I heard you;

yn Uaantahechi xan = tu kinil a tooholal¹⁴⁷
I helped you then also, in the time of your health."

Cu than Dios toon = Lay kambil kin =
So God speaks to us, "This is the time to receive it;

lay U kinil. yanhijci tech tooholal = tac pixan = ti cuxanon = Uay yokol cab lae =
this is the time while you have health in your souls, while living here on this earth,

Vayx ca a hach tanle Dios = tu hach hahil colahe =
and it is here that you really may serve God, by the real truth of our will,

bin cilab yutzil = tu yahaulil Dios. ti hun lukul¹⁴⁸ =
we will see His goodness in the kingdom of God forever."

Lay hij mac bin putic = yt. bin macic = U hanal = tu kinile =              [p.141]
Whoever will carry and will store up his food in his time,

ah miatz mehentzil - bin alabebal =
wise man, honored son, he will be called;

Cu than espiritu santo yoklal hij mac. chaanUba = tu hanal
so says the Holy Spirit, because whoever has prepared himself with his food,

bin U haantante = ti kinoob cu talel tu tane =
will have it to eat in the days that come before him.

ah miatzilo = ah ohelili xan = bala Uayx ah miatze = yabal bal lic U caxantic =
He is wise in that, knowing in that also; so if he is a wise man, he seeks many things,

yt. lic U tanoltic = U yancuntes loe = U hanal = cuxlaheebal U cucutilie =
and takes care to ensure that food of his, for sustaining life in his body.

U nohmeteli tun = U hunnac ah miatzil = U naah alabebal =
How much greater then, fit to be called supreme wise man,

lic U caxantic hanal = cuxlahebal U pixan =
is he who seeks food for the survival of his soul,

heklay ti yetaylil. Dios. yt. ti yahaulil caan =
which is in the company of God and in His kingdom in heaven.

lay lic U nahaltic Uinic = tu tanlic Dios =
It is this which man earns while serving God,

tu kinil = U matan cuxtal = Uay yokol cab loe =
in the time of his gift of life here on earth then.

maak baay. U cah = ah can can eDz. miatz.
Unlike this is the behavior of they who feign wisdom,

lic U sutcabtic. U Uichob = tumen. U tzicbailob = yt. U nonohbaylob =
who avert their faces because of their arrogance and their vainglory;

hach alan yolob. ti U yohelob = tu hunal =              [p.142]
really they have trusted in their knowing alone;

layobij = tac xicin lic yautabal = tumenel = ysallas = profeta =
it is they to whose ears it is shouted by Isaiah the prophet,

ti lic yalic tiob =ti lobal = U caxante = yetel U yeyeb utz = yt. tibil =
while he tells them it is in vain that they seek and they choose goodness and virtue;

tiobe = nohmeteli tun = Uinic yan U pixan = yan U naate =
as for them, how much greater then is man, having his soul, having his understanding,

ti lic yalic profeta = ysallas = ti ob = ti lobal loe =
which the prophet Isaiah says to them, but in vain,¹⁴⁹

beelatun. cex = ah miatzeex = ta thanex = ti ocan ta uolex =
"Woe to you who are wise men, so you say, so you believe,

lay ah hach nonohbaylexe = yoklal bin hach satsabaceex = tumenel Dios =
these of you who are really vainglorious, because you will really be destroyed by God,"

ti bay lic yalic lae =
just as he says here,

bin yn sates = U miatzil bal caah = miatzobe = yt. U tumtah =
"I will destroy the wisdom of the world, the wisdoms, and those who prove them;

ah tumtahobe =heklay ah balcahil miatzobe = cijx U than = Dios tiob xan =
as for they who prove them, who are worldly wise," God said to them also,

Ua bin U mucultacunte = Ubaob yokol Uitz = canale = bin chactahacob ten =
"If they will hide themselves on a mountain, on high, they will become visible to me."

blax uil. tahmen. ta thanexie =              [p.143]
What would be the reason, does it seem to you?

yoklal he miatz bal cahe = buyukil = yt. coyl tu uich Dios =
Because this wisdom of the world is folly and madness in the eyes of God.

bin yn chucbob = ah bal cahil miatzob = tu coylob = cu than Dios
"I will capture them, the worldly-wise, in their madness," God says.

Cijx U than. david. xan =
And so said David also,

Dios tuhunal sasil lae= heten cen hahal Diose = hach mahancen = chicanil tin Uich =
"God alone is this light here; He who is truly God, really manifest, visible to my eyes;

U tuculob = ah bal cahil miatzobe = pakmaab tiob = U tumtahob =
as for the thoughts of the worldly wise, it is in vain that they prove them,

tulacal = ti hunlukul =
all of them, forever."

mamac ti u nah = U nohcinUba = tu miatz = yokol cab =
"There is no one deserving to aggrandize himself for his wisdom on earth,"

tu than. San pablo. apostol = layx lic U tohcabtic = cilich apostol =
in the word of St. Paul the apostle, and this is what the blessed apostle declares,

tu Dzib hunil = tu cambesah = Uinicilob = ti bay lae =
in his epistle, in his teaching of men, like this,

ViDzinexe = cu than tiob. ma u yanal. ti miatzil yan ten =
"You my younger brothers," he says to them, "there is no other wisdom I have,

mayx U yanal = Vohelma = ti yanen ta yamex xan =
nor any other I have known while I am among you also,

tu hunali ka: yn miatz = yt. Uohelma lae. caah lohil ti Jhesu christo: sinan ti cruz =
my only wisdom, and this I have known, is our redeemer Jesus Christ crucified."¹⁵⁰

cijx U than xan manan U nah ten - yn cicunnic uol. tu yanal =              [p.144]
And he said also, "It is without benefit for me to rejoice in anything else,

hach halili - licil yn [ci]cunnic. Uol = V cilich cruzil = ca yumil ti Jhesu christo.
really in truth, that in which I rejoice is the blessed cross of our lord Jesus Christ,"

hach bolon U pixan apostol = ti hunlukul loe =
really saintly that apostle forever,

yoklal. naahcij - tu nooh. ah hunnac. ah miatzil Dios.
because he was worthy of the great, supreme wisdom of God,

heklay cah lohil. ti Jhesu christo. U cambaltah. tu cilich cruz.
which our redeemer Jesus Christ taught on His blessed cross,

heklay tu cilich numyail = yumilbil loe =
which is from the blessed suffering of the lord,

yoklal hij mac bin oheltic. cah lohil. ti Jhesu christo tu hahil. ti bay u nahe =
because whoever will know our redeemer Jesus Christ truly, thus he is worthy;

ti lic U kuulticob yt. U nohtzicicob = yt. V yacunticob = ti paynum yokol tulacal.
those who worship and glorify and love Him most above everything,

lay bin naheeb U miatz Dios. citbil U kaba =
they will earn the wisdom of God, the father;

tu hach hahil - lay noh tzican = V miatz Dios.
in real truth, this greatly respected wisdom of God,

cu talel. ca chicbesic = yt. ca Dzaic V kahlail = tu uich. Vooh = ti picil huun =
it comes that we represent it and we give its memorial in the face of the sign, in the book,

a cambalteex = yt. a Uohelticeex = ceex ah maya. Uinic.
that you may learn it and that you may come to know it, you who are Maya men,

Vchbal a hach ohelticeex = Dios. a kuultex a tanlex =              [p.145]
so that you really come to know God, to worship, to serve Him.

lay yan. U uilal toon.
This really is necessary for us,

hijbahun Dziban tu picil hunil = kulem Dzib U kaba =
whatever has been written in the book called Holy Scripture,

bay yalcij apostol = san pabloe = UiDzinexe = cu than toon =
as when the apostle St. Paul said, "Oh you my younger brothers," so he speaks to us,

hij bahun Dziban ychil U picil hunil = kulem Dzib =
"however much has been written within the book of Holy Scripture,

Dzibannob. yichil. U picil hunil. Vchbal = V cambaltic. yan U naah toon = coheltic =
has been written within the book so that it may teach what is necessary for us to know,

yoklal ta mukolal = yt. tu nohcinnah ol = kulem Dzib =
so that by your long-suffering and by the Holy Scripture enlarging the spirit,

U yanhal = alab olal toon = ti Dios.
we come to have trust in God.

Va hij ma ychil kulem Dzib = lic yoheltic - Uinic = yan U naah. U beelte =
Is it not within the Holy Scripture, from which man knows what he must do,

lukbal U pixan = ca xic ti helel. ti yahaulil Dios.
for freeing his soul that it may go to rest in the kingdom of God?

yoklal he kulem Dzib tulacale = Dios ah tepal tzole =
Because as for all this Holy Scripture, God the ruler explained it;

V thanil. Ca Dzibtabij = cayx chicilbesabij = tu uich Vooh -
it is His word, that was written and was represented in the face of the writing,

tumenel. bolon U pixan. patricachaob = yt. profetaob =
done by the blessed patriarchs and prophets,

hex kulem Dzib lic cilic lae = hach kananhij. U uilal toon. con Uince.
so this Holy Scripture that we see here is really necessary for us, we who are men,

yoklal bay yalcij = apostol = san pablo - he u tzol thanil¹⁵¹ Dios.
because as the apostle St. Paul, this interpreter of God, said,

yan ychil kulem Dzib. tulacale. hach kanan U uilal toon = taclacale. ti hunlukul =
there is within Holy Scripture, all that is really necessary for us, for all of you, forever,

tumen yoklalix. U mucul talanil¹⁵². ma cantac = ychil kulem Dzib =
because on account of its mystery, not (all) has been related within the Holy Scripture,

ma cet Dzaanil ti Uincob = U natoob loe =
nor has it been given equally to men to understand it;

yet kin Dzabcij = kulem Dzib = ti yoc haa = tumen. san gregorio = ti lic yalice.
Holy Scripture was likened to a river by St. Gregory, when he said:

hach yet kin. V yet ppisan yoc haa kulem Dzibe =
"Holy Scripture is really like and equal to a river,

lay lic U manchacathaatabal. tumen chichan yalam ======//=======//======
which may be crossed over by little lambs,

heklay Uincob. U palilob Dios = Utztac yolob hanil U uich U pucsikalob =
which are men, the servants of God, of good will, pure the faces of their hearts,

hach thoncabalob = yt. chinantacob = loe =
those who are really humble and downcast,

heix tun yoc hail kulem Dzib lae =
but then this river of Holy Scripture,

tijx laac = lic u pacathatabal = tumen nucuch = Vacax = yt. ceehobe.
even though it may be seen across by the great cows and deer,

kamkam nac yokol. ti ma uchac U uatalie =
rises in a torrent above them, so that they can not stand up in it,

yoklal. hach tamil = U hach canalil =
because of its real depth, its real height,

canal = ti heklaobij = hunnac ah miatzob =              [p.147]
above those of great wisdom,

lic u ppisicUbaob = U kuches U naatob. ti lobal = tu pach. U talantacil =
who struggle vainly to make their understanding suffice to follow the difficulty,

heklay balantac. yan ychil. kulem Dzibe =
of that which has been hidden, that is within the Holy Scripture,

ti mayx Vchac. U chactahaltiob =
without it being possible that it become apparent to them,

yoklal = lic U bulul U natobij = cijx U than. san agustin xan =
on account of which their understanding drowns in it, so St. Augustine said also,

lic U cabalcunic yolob = lic U thoncinnic = U naatoob = ah nonohbaylob =
that it subdues the spirits, that it humbles the understanding of the vainglorious,

tu xocicob. U uich kulem Dzibe =
when they read the face of the Holy Scripture,

cayx hakaac yolob. tumen U hach talan tzicannil =
so that they become astounded because of the real mystery that is honored,

ti halan ti caan = kuil than yanie =
having been said in heaven, the divine word that is in it.

bala lic U tohtal yol = yt. lic u nayal yol = ah tanlah Dios =
Yet it is this which consoles and solaces the hearts of they who serve God,

tu Dzaoltic. U xocob = U uich kulem Dzibe =
when they devote themselves to reading the face of the Holy Scripture,

tijx lic U chichhal yolob. yt. ti cu chaic yikob = yx ma - chich olalob xanie =
and from which the timid take heart and inspiration also,

tijx lic yalic san Ju^o - crisostomo xane = ychil kulem Dzib =
and there within Holy Scripture, as Saint Chrisostome says also,

lic U chichhal. yt. lic U chicanpahal. cambaltabeen =
that it is strengthened and made manifest what is worthy to be learned,

tumen mabal yohelmaobe =
by they who have known nothing,

ti lic U hakal yol = ah nol nol pucsikalobie -              [p.148]
while it astounds the hard-hearted,

ti lic U chicanhal. ah tanlah Dios = U macul U kab U tanlahicie =
while it becomes apparent to he who serves God, the reward for his service,

ti lic U chichhal yol - ayan¹⁵³ yoli =
while it fortifies the heart of the oppressed,

ti lic U nahaancil = U pixan = Vijhie =
while it satisfies the soul of he who hungers,

ti lic U Dzacal. U pixan = cinpahaan = U pixanie =
while the soul is healed of he whose soul had been sick,

ti lic U sishal yol = ah chacau olal = yt. ah chitan olalie =
while it cools the heart of the one inflamed with anger, and he who is irate.

laobi tulacal = lic u mahaancen = chicanhal = ychil kulem Dzib =
It is all of these which manifestly become apparent within the Holy Scripture;

he max katic - U xocob = ti hach Dzaan yolie =
for whoever wishes to read it, having really given his heart to it,

mayx hunppel tuba = macaan. ychil kulem Dzib =
not even one thing in it has been covered up, within the Holy Scripture,

hach kanan U uilal toon = hach yan U nah. tac pixan =
that is really necessary for us, really of benefit to our souls,

Va ca chicanpahac toon = tu yabal thontal = yt. ca chintalie =
if it is manifest in us, great humility and our abasement before it,

tu nohlayli V naah = ti christianoob = tulacal. ca yoheeltoob =
it is of the greatest benefit for all Christians to come to know it,

U tzican nucul = ca santo okolal =
the revered significance of our holy faith,

yt. Vahij bic. lohci pixan = tu ppentacil keban = yanilob cuchie =
and how souls have been redeemed from the slavery of sin where they were before,

tumenel U cilich numya = yt. V cimil. cah lohil ti Jhesu - christo =
by the blessed suffering and the death of our redeemer Jesus Christ,

V ppelel mehen Dios -
the only son of God,

Vchcijx U temic yol U yume = coklal.
since it is He who has placated His father on our behalf,

tumen ma kuchan ca kinab. yt. cuchucili = cuchi loe =              [p.149]
because our strength and power was insufficient before that.

bacacix uil = ma laah Dziban = tumen euangelistaobe =
So even though it may not all have been written by the evangelists,

tulacal U beeltah yumilbil = ti cuxan Uay yokol cab =
everything the lord did while He lived here on earth,

ti ma U Dzauba. ti numsabal ti ya =
before He gave himself to be tortured,

ca cimi ti cruze = tumen ah ma ti . Judiosob = cuchie =
when He died on the cross because of the shameless Jews back then,

tepali toon = cac coheelte = chicbesan. U kaahlail = U beeltah. coklal =
sufficient for us that we know the account of what He did for us that has been recorded,

ti evangelio. tumen evangelistaobie
in the gospel by the evangelists who were there.

bay yalcij = san Ju^o. tu Dzib. evangelioyle =
So said St. John in the writing of his gospel,

hach yab. U yanal. mactzilob = cu than = yt noh tzicilob. yutzcinnah =
"Really there are many other miracles," he says, "and great wonders that He performed,

tu uichoob = U cambesah Uinicilob = ma chicilbesan ti picil huun lae =
for the eyes of His disciples, that are not recorded in this book here;

halili chicilbesan yanob lae =
these things only are recorded here,

Uchebal a uokolticex = layl U hahal ppelel mehen Dios = ah tepal = christo loe =
so you mourn for the true, only son of God the ruler, that is Christ,

ca a nahaltex hunkul cuxtal = tu cilich kaba = ti lic a uokolticex = loe
that you may earn eternal life in His blessed name, by taking that to heart.

lay christianoyl = miatzil = binix ca Dzab = yt. = bin ca nucbes = te ta maya thanilex
This Christian wisdom that we will give and we will translate into your Maya language,

cex ah maya Uinic lae = Vchebal a uohelticex- huntulili Dios =
you who are Maya men here, is in order that you come to know the one-ness of God,

a kulteex = a tanleex = yt. a yacunteex = paynum . yokol tulacal =              [p.150]
that you worship, you serve, and you love Him most above everything,

tu hach likul = tu volol - a pucsikalex = yt. ta naatex =
really thence, from the center of your hearts, and from your understanding,

ta pixannex y. tu sinan a mukexe =
with your souls and with all your strength,

ti lic a puDzlicex = yt. ti lic a sahticaba ti = a tabaal = tu thin leil cisin
by which you flee, and by which you escape being trapped in the set snare of the devil,

licil U bin a uocex = ti lean U yoch U lei = ^Vmiatzil baal caahi =
into which goes the bait of his snare, worldly wisdom, that you may enter ensnared,

licil U temtemDzactic¹⁵⁴ = U pixan Vincob = bin lukijc = U yoch U lee cisin loe =
which takes one by one the souls of men who will swallow that bait in the devil’s trap,

yoklal hij mac bin lukijcce = hach hahi binil = xic mitnal = V pixan.
because whoever will swallow it, really in truth, his soul is going to go to hell,

ti tocabal = ti kak = ti hunkul elel = yt. chacalie =
there to be burned with fire, with eternal burning and lacerations,

yt. ti hach numsabal ti yai = Va bin cimic ychil kebane =
and to be tormented there, if he will die within (a state of) sin.

bala. xic a xociceex = ti Dzaan yolil =
Therefore, go read it with devotion,

yt. hach Dzaa uolex ti Dzaan yolil. ta uolex =
and really devote yourselves, with care in your hearts,

yan tu uich. Vooh. ti picil huun lae =
to what there is in the face of the writing in this book,

hex bin sihsic babale = ca a paktumteex = yt. ca a nanaolteex =
so it will give birth to something that you consider and that you contemplate,

chicbesan. tulacal = ti bay cu binel lae =
having been recorded all of it, just as it goes here,

U hunpeDz U hool U Dzibal licil U nucbesabal = a uubiex =
the first part, the opening of the writing, in which is translated that you may hear it,

U hunnabil Dios = ti oxtul personasile -
the one-ness of God in three persons.

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