« | Amos 6 | » |
1 How terrible it will be for those who have an easy life in Jerusalem, for those who feel safe living on Mount Samaria. You think you are the important people of the best nation in the world; the Israelites come to you for help.
2 Go look at the city of Calneh, and from there go to the great city Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. You are no better than these kingdoms. Your land is no larger than theirs.
3 You put off the day of punishment, but you bring near the day when you can do evil to others.
4 You lie on beds decorated with ivory and stretch out on your couches. You eat tender lambs and fattened calves.
5 You make up songs on your harps, and, like David, you compose songs on musical instruments.
6 You drink wine by the bowlful and use the best perfumed lotions. But you are not sad over the ruin of Israel,
7 so you will be some of the first ones taken as slaves. Your feasting and lying around will come to an end.
8 The Lord God made this promise; the Lord God All-Powerful says: "I hate the pride of the Israelites, and I hate their strong buildings, so I will let the enemy take the city and everything in it."
9 At that time there might be only ten people left alive in just one house, but they will also die.
10 When the relatives come to get the bodies to take them outside, one of them will call to the other and ask, "Are there any other dead bodies with you?" That person will answer, "No." Then the one who asked will say, "Hush! We must not say the name of the Lord."
11 The Lord has given the command; the large house will be broken into pieces, and the small house into bits.
12 Horses do not run on rocks, and people do not plow rocks with oxen. But you have changed fairness into poison; you have changed what is right into a bitter taste.
13 You are happy that the town of Lo Debar was captured, and you say, "We have taken Karnaimn by our own strength."
14 The Lord God All-Powerful says, "Israel, I will bring a nation against you that will make your people suffer from Lebo Hamath in the north to the valley south of the Dead Sea."
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.