« | Ezekiel 35 | » |
1 The Lord spoke his word to me, saying:
2 "Human, look toward Edom and prophesy against it.
3 Say to it: 'This is what the Lord God says: I am against you, Edom. I will stretch out my hand against you and make you an empty desert.
4 I will destroy your cities, and you will become empty. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
5 "'You have always been an enemy of Israel. You let them be defeated in war when they were in trouble at the time of their final punishment.
6 So the Lord God says, as surely as I live, I will let you be murdered. Murder will chase you. Since you did not hate murdering people, murder will chase you.
7 I will make Edom an empty ruin and destroy everyone who goes in or comes out of it.
8 I will fill its mountains with those who are killed. Those killed in war will fall on your hills, in your valleys, and in all your ravines.
9 I will make you a ruin forever; no one will live in your cities. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
10 "'You said, "These two nations, Israel and Judah, and these two lands will be ours. We will take them for our own." But the Lord was there.
11 So this is what the Lord God says: As surely as I live, I will treat you just as you treated them. You were angry and jealous because you hated them. So I will punish you and show the Israelites who I am.
12 Then you will know that I, the Lord, have heard all your insults against the mountains of Israel. You said, "They have been ruined. They have been given to us to eat."
13 You have not stopped your proud talk against me. I have heard you.
14 This is what the Lord God says: All the earth will be happy when I make you an empty ruin.
15 You were happy when the land of Israel was ruined, but I will do the same thing to you. Mount Seir and all Edom, you will become an empty ruin. Then you will know that I am 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.