« | Genesis 5 | » |
1 This is the family tree of the human race: When God created the human race, he made it godlike, with a nature akin to God.
2 He created both male and female and blessed them, the whole human race.
3 When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son who was just like him, his very spirit and image, and named him Seth.
4 After the birth of Seth, Adam lived another 800 years, having more sons and daughters.
5 Adam lived a total of 930 years. And he died.
6 When Seth was 105 years old, he had Enosh.
7 After Seth had Enosh, he lived another 807 years, having more sons and daughters.
8 Seth lived a total of 912 years. And he died.
9 When Enosh was ninety years old, he had Kenan.
10 After he had Kenan, he lived another 815 years, having more sons and daughters.
11 Enosh lived a total of 905 years. And he died.
12 When Kenan was seventy years old, he had Mahalalel.
13 After he had Mahalalel, he lived another 840 years, having more sons and daughters.
14 Kenan lived a total of 910 years. And he died.
15 When Mahalalel was sixty-five years old, he had Jared.
16 After he had Jared, he lived another 830 years, having more sons and daughters.
17 Mahalalel lived a total of 895 years. And he died.
18 When Jared was 162 years old, he had Enoch.
19 After he had Enoch, he lived another 800 years, having more sons and daughters.
20 Jared lived a total of 962 years. And he died.
21 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he had Methuselah.
22 Enoch walked steadily with God. After he had Methuselah, he lived another 300 years, having more sons and daughters.
23 Enoch lived a total of 365 years.
24 Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him.
25 When Methuselah was 187 years old, he had Lamech.
26 After he had Lamech, he lived another 782 years.
27 Methuselah lived a total of 969 years. And he died.
28 When Lamech was 182 years old, he had a son.
29 He named him Noah, saying, "This one will give us a break from the hard work of farming the ground that GOD cursed."
30 After Lamech had Noah, he lived another 595 years, having more sons and daughters.
31 Lamech lived a total of 777 years. And he died.
32 When Noah was 500 years old, he had Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
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.