« | Genesis 13 | » |
1 So Abram left Egypt and went back to the Negev, he and his wife and everything he owned, and Lot still with him.
2 By now Abram was very rich, loaded with cattle and silver and gold.
3 He moved on from the Negev, camping along the way, to Bethel, the place he had first set up his tent between Bethel and Ai
4 and built his first altar. Abram prayed there to GOD.
5 Lot, who was traveling with Abram, was also rich in sheep and cattle and tents.
6 But the land couldn't support both of them; they had too many possessions. They couldn't both live there--
7 quarrels broke out between Abram's shepherds and Lot's shepherds. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living on the land at the time.
8 Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have fighting between us, between your shepherds and my shepherds. After all, we're family.
9 Look around. Isn't there plenty of land out there? Let's separate. If you go left, I'll go right; if you go right, I'll go left."
10 Lot looked. He saw the whole plain of the Jordan spread out, well watered (this was before GOD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah), like GOD's garden, like Egypt, and stretching all the way to Zoar.
11 Lot took the whole plain of the Jordan. Lot set out to the east. That's how they came to part company, uncle and nephew.
12 Abram settled in Canaan; Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent near Sodom.
13 The people of Sodom were evil--flagrant sinners against GOD.
14 After Lot separated from him, GOD said to Abram, "Open your eyes, look around. Look north, south, east, and west.
15 Everything you see, the whole land spread out before you, I will give to you and your children forever.
16 I'll make your descendants like dust--counting your descendants will be as impossible as counting the dust of the Earth.
17 So--on your feet, get moving! Walk through the country, its length and breadth; I'm giving it all to you."
18 Abram moved his tent. He went and settled by the Oaks of Mamre in Hebron. There he built an altar to GOD.
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.