« | Deuteronomy 30 | » |
1 AND WHEN all these things have come upon you, the blessings and the curses which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you,
2 And shall return to the Lord your God and obey His voice according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being,
3 Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion upon you and will gather you again from all the nations where He has scattered you.
4 Even if any of your dispersed are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and from there will He bring you.
5 And the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will do you good and multiply you above your fathers.
6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being, that you may live.
7 And the Lord your God will put all these curses upon your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecute you.
8 And you shall return and obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments which I command you today.
9 And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers,
10 If you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being.
11 For this commandment which I command you this day is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off.
12 It is not [a secret laid up] in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it to us, that we may hear and do it?
13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear and do it?
14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it.
15 See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil.
16 [If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which] I command you today, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land into which you go to possess.
17 But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,
18 I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land which you pass over the Jordan to enter and possess.
19 I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live
20 And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Amplified Bible (AMP) is a unique translation of the Bible that aims to provide a richer and deeper understanding of the scriptures by incorporating various shades of meaning found in the original languages. First published in 1965, the AMP was developed by The Lockman Foundation and its team of scholars, who sought to expand on the text by including additional words and phrases within brackets and parentheses. These amplifications are intended to clarify and explain the nuances of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, offering readers a more comprehensive view of the biblical text.
One of the defining features of the Amplified Bible is its use of multiple English words to translate single Hebrew or Greek terms. This approach acknowledges that no single English word can fully capture the breadth of meaning contained in the original languages. By providing synonyms and explanatory phrases, the AMP helps readers grasp the fuller implications of the text, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the scriptures. This makes the AMP particularly valuable for in-depth Bible study, as it opens up the text in a way that more concise translations might not.
The Amplified Bible also pays careful attention to the context in which words are used. The amplifications often reflect the cultural, historical, and theological background of the passages, offering insights into how the original audience might have understood the text. This contextual sensitivity helps modern readers bridge the gap between the ancient world and contemporary times, making the Bible messages more relatable and accessible. The comprehensive approach of AMP is especially helpful for those new to biblical studies, as well as for seasoned scholars looking for a fresh perspective.
While the Amplified Bible is widely appreciated for its depth and clarity, it has faced some criticism for its interpretive nature. Some readers and scholars argue that the extensive use of amplifications can lead to a cluttered and sometimes overwhelming reading experience. Additionally, there is a concern that the interpretive additions might sway readers toward particular theological viewpoints. Despite these critiques, the Amplified Bible remains a popular and respected translation, valued for its ability to enrich the reader in understanding of the scriptures and to illuminate the multifaceted meanings contained within the biblical text.