« | Genesis 13 | » |
1 So Abram, his wife, and Lot left Egypt, taking everything they owned, and traveled to southern Canaan.
2 Abram was very rich in cattle, silver, and gold.
3 He left southern Canaan and went back to Bethel where he had camped before, between Bethel and Ai,
4 and where he had built an altar. So he worshiped the Lord there.
5 During this time Lot was traveling with Abram, and Lot also had flocks, herds, and tents.
6 Abram and Lot had so many animals that the land could not support both of them together,
7 so Abram's herdsmen and Lot's herdsmen began to argue. The Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land at this time.
8 Abram said to Lot, "There should be no arguing between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, because we are brothers.
9 We should separate. The whole land is there in front of you. If you go to the left, I will go to the right. If you go to the right, I will go to the left."
10 Lot looked all around and saw the whole Jordan Valley and that there was much water there. It was like the Lord's garden, like the land of Egypt in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
11 So Lot chose to move east and live in the Jordan Valley. In this way Abram and Lot separated.
12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived among the cities in the Jordan Valley, very near to Sodom.
13 Now the people of Sodom were very evil and were always sinning against the Lord.
14 After Lot left, the Lord said to Abram, "Look all around you -- to the north and south and east and west.
15 All this land that you see I will give to you and your descendants forever.
16 I will make your descendants as many as the dust of the earth. If anyone could count the dust on the earth, he could count your people.
17 Get up! Walk through all this land because I am now giving it to you."
18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at the city of Hebron. There he built an altar to 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.