« | Genesis 4 | » |
1 Adam slept with Eve his wife. She conceived and had Cain. She said, "I've gotten a man, with GOD's help!"
2 Then she had another baby, Abel. Abel was a herdsman and Cain a farmer.
3 Time passed. Cain brought an offering to GOD from the produce of his farm.
4 Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat. GOD liked Abel and his offering,
5 but Cain and his offering didn't get his approval. Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk.
6 GOD spoke to Cain: "Why this tantrum? Why the sulking?
7 If you do well, won't you be accepted? And if you don't do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it's out to get you, you've got to master it."
8 Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him.
9 GOD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "How should I know? Am I his babysitter?"
10 GOD said, "What have you done! The voice of your brother's blood is calling to me from the ground.
11 From now on you'll get nothing but curses from this ground; you'll be driven from this ground that has opened its arms to receive the blood of your murdered brother.
12 You'll farm this ground, but it will no longer give you its best. You'll be a homeless wanderer on Earth."
13 Cain said to GOD, "My punishment is too much. I can't take it!
14 You've thrown me off the land and I can never again face you. I'm a homeless wanderer on Earth and whoever finds me will kill me."
15 GOD told him, "No. Anyone who kills Cain will pay for it seven times over." GOD put a mark on Cain to protect him so that no one who met him would kill him.
16 Cain left the presence of GOD and lived in No-Man's-Land, east of Eden.
17 Cain slept with his wife. She conceived and had Enoch. He then built a city and named it after his son, Enoch.
18 Enoch had Irad, Irad had Mehujael, Mehujael had Methushael, Methushael had Lamech.
19 Lamech married two wives, Adah and Zillah.
20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, the ancestor of all who live in tents and herd cattle.
21 His brother's name was Jubal, the ancestor of all who play the lyre and flute.
22 Zillah gave birth to Tubal-Cain, who worked at the forge making bronze and iron tools. Tubal-Cain's sister was Naamah.
23 Lamech said to his wives, Adah and Zillah, listen to me; you wives of Lamech, hear me out: I killed a man for wounding me, a young man who attacked me.
24 If Cain is avenged seven times, for Lamech it's seventy-seven!
25 Adam slept with his wife again. She had a son whom she named Seth. She said, "God has given me another child in place of Abel whom Cain killed."
26 And then Seth had a son whom he named Enosh. That's when men and women began praying and worshiping in the name of 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.