« | Amos 3 | » |
1 Listen to this word that the Lord has spoken against you, people of Israel, against the whole family he brought out of Egypt.
2 "I have chosen only you out of all the families of the earth, so I will punish you for all your sins."
3 Two people will not walk together unless they have agreed to do so.
4 A lion in the forest does not roar unless it has caught an animal; it does not growl in its den when it has caught nothing.
5 A bird will not fall into a trap where there is no bait; the trap will not spring shut if there is nothing to catch.
6 When a trumpet blows a warning in a city, the people tremble. When trouble comes to a city, the Lord has caused it.
7 Before the Lord God does anything, he tells his plans to his servants the prophets.
8 The lion has roared! Who wouldn't be afraid? The Lord God has spoken. Who will not prophesy?
9 Announce this to the strong buildings of Ashdod and to the strong buildings of Egypt: "Come to the mountains of Samaria, where you will see great confusion and people hurting others."
10 "The people don't know how to do what is right," says the Lord. "Their strong buildings are filled with treasures they took by force from others."
11 So this is what the Lord God says: "An enemy will take over the land and pull down your strongholds; he will take the treasures out of your strong buildings."
12 This is what the Lord says: "A shepherd might save from a lion's mouth only two leg bones or a scrap of an ear of his sheep. people who now sit on their beds and on their couches."
13 "Listen and be witnesses against the family of Jacob," says the Lord God, the God All-Powerful.
14 "When I punish Israel for their sins, I will also destroy the altars at Bethel. The corners of the altar will be cut off, and they will fall to the ground.
15 I will tear down the winter house, together with the summer house. The houses decorated with ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end," says the Lord.
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.