« | Genesis 11 | » |
1 AND THE whole earth was of one language and of one accent and mode of expression.
2 And as they journeyed eastward, they found a plain (valley) in the land of Shinar, and they settled and dwelt there.
3 And they said one to another, Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly. So they had brick for stone, and slime (bitumen) for mortar.
4 And they said, Come, let us build us a city and a tower whose top reaches into the sky, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered over the whole earth.
5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built.
6 And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do, and now nothing they have imagined they can do will be impossible for them.
7 Come, let Us go down and there confound (mix up, confuse) their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from that place upon the face of the whole earth, and they gave up building the city.
9 Therefore the name of it was called Babel--because there the Lord confounded the language of all the earth; and from that place the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
10 This is the history of the generations of Shem. Shem was 100 years old when he became the father of Arpachshad, two years after the flood.
11 And Shem lived after Arpachshad was born 500 years and had other sons and daughters.
12 When Arpachshad had lived 35 years, he became the father of Shelah.
13 Arpachshad lived after Shelah was born 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
14 When Shelah had lived 30 years, he became the father of Eber.
15 Shelah lived after Eber was born 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
16 When Eber had lived 34 years, he became the father of Peleg.
17 And Eber lived after Peleg was born 430 years and had other sons and daughters.
18 When Peleg had lived 30 years, he became the father of Reu.
19 And Peleg lived after Reu was born 209 years and had other sons and daughters.
20 When Reu had lived 32 years, he became the father of Serug.
21 And Reu lived after Serug was born 207 years and had other sons and daughters.
22 When Serug had lived 30 years, he became the father of Nahor.
23 And Serug lived after Nahor was born 200 years and had other sons and daughters.
24 When Nahor had lived 29 years, he became the father of Terah.
25 And Nahor lived after Terah was born 119 years and had other sons and daughters.
26 After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of [at different times], Abram and Nahor and Haran, [his firstborn].
27 Now this is the history of the descendants of Terah. Terah was the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran was the father of Lot.
28 Haran died before his father Terah [died] in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldees.
29 And Abram and Nahor took wives. The name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and Iscah.
30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
31 And Terah took Abram his son, Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife, and they went forth together to go from Ur of the Chaldees into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran, they settled there.
32 And Terah lived 205 years; and Terah died in Haran.
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.