« | 1 Thessalonians 5 |
1 Now, brothers and sisters, we do not need to write you about times and dates.
2 You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief that comes in the night.
3 While people are saying, "We have peace and we are safe," they will be destroyed quickly. It is like pains that come quickly to a woman having a baby. Those people will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness, and so that day will not surprise you like a thief.
5 You are all people who belong to the light and to the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.
6 So we should not be like other people who are sleeping, but we should be alert and have self-control.
7 Those who sleep, sleep at night. Those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8 But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us, and the hope of salvation should be our helmet.
9 God did not choose us to suffer his anger but to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.
11 So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now.
12 Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you.
13 Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do. Live in peace with each other.
14 We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.
16 Always be joyful.
17 Pray continually,
18 and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit.
20 Do not treat prophecy as if it were unimportant.
21 But test everything. Keep what is good,
22 and stay away from everything that is evil.
23 Now may God himself, the God of peace, make you pure, belonging only to him. May your whole self -- spirit, soul, and body -- be kept safe and without fault when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.
24 You can trust the One who calls you to do that for you.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
26 Give each other a holy kiss when you meet.
27 I tell you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.