« | Exodus 26 | » |
1 "Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman.
2 All the curtains are to be the same size-twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide.
3 Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five.
4 Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set.
5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other.
6 Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.
7 "Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle-eleven altogether.
8 All eleven curtains are to be the same size-thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.
9 Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent.
10 Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set.
11 Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit.
12 As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle.
13 The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it.
14 Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of hides of sea cows.
15 "Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.
16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide,
17 with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.
18 Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle
19 and make forty silver bases to go under them-two bases for each frame, one under each projection.
20 For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames
21 and forty silver bases-two under each frame.
22 Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle,
23 and make two frames for the corners at the far end.
24 At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top, and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that.
25 So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases-two under each frame.
26 "Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,
27 five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle.
28 The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames.
29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.
30 "Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.
31 "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman.
32 Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.
33 Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
34 Put the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.
35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.
36 "For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen-the work of an embroiderer.
37 Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.
The New International Version (NIV)
The New International Version (NIV) is one of the most widely read and respected modern English translations of the Bible. First published in 1978 by the International Bible Society, the NIV was created by a diverse team of over 100 evangelical scholars from various denominations. The goal of the NIV was to produce a Bible translation that balanced readability, accuracy, and faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. This makes the NIV an ideal choice for both personal study and public worship, appealing to a broad audience across different Christian traditions.
A key feature of the NIV is its use of a balanced translation philosophy known as "optimal equivalence." This approach combines aspects of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) to provide a translation that is both accurate and easily understandable. The translators carefully considered the context and meaning of the original texts, striving to convey their messages in clear, contemporary English. This balance ensures that the NIV remains faithful to the original languages while being accessible to modern readers, making it a versatile and widely accepted translation.
The NIV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the Bible. These include comprehensive cross-references, footnotes, and introductions to each book that provide historical and cultural context. Additionally, the NIV is available in numerous editions and formats, including study Bibles, devotional Bibles, and children’s Bibles, catering to different needs and preferences. The widespread availability and extensive resources associated with the NIV make it a valuable tool for both individual study and group teaching.
Despite its popularity and widespread use, the NIV has faced some criticism. Some traditionalists and scholars prefer more literal translations, arguing that the NIV’s approach to dynamic equivalence can sometimes result in interpretive bias or a loss of subtle nuances present in the original texts. Additionally, debates have arisen over the NIV’s use of gender-inclusive language in its 2011 update, with some critics feeling that it strays too far from the original wording. Nonetheless, the New International Version remains a highly esteemed and influential translation, recognized for its readability, accuracy, and broad appeal across the Christian community.