« | Galatians 5 | » |
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is required to obey the whole law.
4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
9 "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.
11 Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offence of the cross has been abolished.
12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbour as yourself."
15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
The New International Version UK (NIVUK)
The New International Version UK (NIVUK) is a specialized edition of the widely respected New International Version (NIV) Bible tailored for readers in the United Kingdom. First published in 1979, the NIVUK retains the same translation principles and scholarly rigor as the original NIV but incorporates British English spellings, grammar, and idiomatic expressions. This adaptation ensures that the language resonates more naturally with readers in the UK, enhancing their engagement and understanding of the biblical texts.
A significant feature of the NIVUK is its commitment to the principles of "optimal equivalence," which aims to balance word-for-word accuracy with thought-for-thought readability. This translation philosophy strives to remain faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts while conveying the meaning in clear and contemporary British English. The result is a translation that is both reliable for in-depth study and accessible for public reading and personal devotion, appealing to a wide audience across the UK.
The NIVUK also includes various features designed to aid comprehension and deepen the reader’s understanding of the Scriptures. These features include introductions to each book of the Bible, comprehensive cross-references, and explanatory footnotes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. The NIVUK is available in numerous formats, including study Bibles, devotional editions, and digital versions, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of readers. This versatility makes it a valuable resource for churches, schools, and individuals seeking a clear and accurate translation in British English.
Despite its widespread acceptance and popularity, the NIVUK has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while enhancing readability, can sometimes result in a loss of subtle nuances and interpretative bias. Additionally, the use of gender-inclusive language in certain passages has sparked debate among readers and scholars. Nevertheless, the New International Version UK remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its balance of accuracy and readability, and its ability to connect with readers in the United Kingdom through familiar language and expressions.