« | 2 Samuel 9 | » |
1 David asked, "Is anyone still left in Saul's family? I want to show kind- ness to that person for Jonathan's sake!"
2 Now there was a servant named Ziba from Saul's family. So David's servants called Ziba to him. King David said to him, "Are you Ziba?" He answered, "Yes, I am your servant."
3 The king asked, "Is anyone left in Saul's family? I want to show God's kindness to that person." Ziba answered the king, "Jonathan has a son still living who is crippled in both feet."
4 The king asked Ziba, "Where is this son?" Ziba answered, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar."
5 Then King David had servants bring Jonathan's son from the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.
6 Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, came before David and bowed facedown on the floor. David said, "Mephibosheth!" Mephibosheth said, "I am your servant."
7 David said to him, "Don't be afraid. I will be kind to you for your father Jonathan's sake. I will give you back all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
8 Mephibosheth bowed to David again and said, "You are being very kind to me, your servant! And I am no better than a dead dog!"
9 Then King David called Saul's servant Ziba. David said to him, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family.
10 You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land and harvest the crops. Then your family will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will always eat at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)
11 Ziba said to King David, "I, your servant, will do everything my master, the king, commands me." So Mephibosheth ate at David's table as if he were one of the king's sons.
12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. Everyone in Ziba's family became Mephibosheth's servants.
13 Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king's table. And he was crippled in both feet.
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.