Amos 1 | » |
1 The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa--what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.
2 He said: "The LORD roars from Zion and thunders from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds dry up, and the top of Carmel withers."
3 This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Damascus, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. Because she threshed Gilead with sledges having iron teeth,
4 I will send fire upon the house of Hazael that will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.
5 I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will destroy the king who is in the Valley of Aven and the one who holds the sceptre in Beth Eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir," says the LORD.
6 This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Gaza, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. Because she took captive whole communities and sold them to Edom,
7 I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza that will consume her fortresses.
8 I will destroy the king of Ashdod and the one who holds the sceptre in Ashkelon. I will turn my hand against Ekron, till the last of the Philistines is dead," says the Sovereign LORD.
9 This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Tyre, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. Because she sold whole communities of captives to Edom, disregarding a treaty of brotherhood,
10 I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre that will consume her fortresses."
11 This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Edom, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. Because he pursued his brother with a sword, stifling all compassion, because his anger raged continually and his fury flamed unchecked,
12 I will send fire upon Teman that will consume the fortresses of Bozrah."
13 This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Ammon, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. Because he ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to extend his borders,
14 I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah that will consume her fortresses amid war cries on the day of battle, amid violent winds on a stormy day.
15 Her king will go into exile, he and his officials together," says the LORD.
The New International Version UK (NIVUK)
The New International Version UK (NIVUK) is a specialized edition of the widely respected New International Version (NIV) Bible tailored for readers in the United Kingdom. First published in 1979, the NIVUK retains the same translation principles and scholarly rigor as the original NIV but incorporates British English spellings, grammar, and idiomatic expressions. This adaptation ensures that the language resonates more naturally with readers in the UK, enhancing their engagement and understanding of the biblical texts.
A significant feature of the NIVUK is its commitment to the principles of "optimal equivalence," which aims to balance word-for-word accuracy with thought-for-thought readability. This translation philosophy strives to remain faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts while conveying the meaning in clear and contemporary British English. The result is a translation that is both reliable for in-depth study and accessible for public reading and personal devotion, appealing to a wide audience across the UK.
The NIVUK also includes various features designed to aid comprehension and deepen the reader’s understanding of the Scriptures. These features include introductions to each book of the Bible, comprehensive cross-references, and explanatory footnotes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. The NIVUK is available in numerous formats, including study Bibles, devotional editions, and digital versions, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of readers. This versatility makes it a valuable resource for churches, schools, and individuals seeking a clear and accurate translation in British English.
Despite its widespread acceptance and popularity, the NIVUK has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while enhancing readability, can sometimes result in a loss of subtle nuances and interpretative bias. Additionally, the use of gender-inclusive language in certain passages has sparked debate among readers and scholars. Nevertheless, the New International Version UK remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its balance of accuracy and readability, and its ability to connect with readers in the United Kingdom through familiar language and expressions.