« | Genesis 6 | » |
1 When the human race began to increase, with more and more daughters being born,
2 the sons of God noticed that the daughters of men were beautiful. They looked them over and picked out wives for themselves.
3 Then GOD said, "I'm not going to breathe life into men and women endlessly. Eventually they're going to die; from now on they can expect a life span of 120 years."
4 This was back in the days (and also later) when there were giants in the land. The giants came from the union of the sons of God and the daughters of men. These were the mighty men of ancient lore, the famous ones.
5 GOD saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil--evil, evil, evil from morning to night.
6 GOD was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart.
7 GOD said, "I'll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds--the works. I'm sorry I made them."
8 But Noah was different. GOD liked what he saw in Noah.
9 This is the story of Noah: Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God.
10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
11 As far as God was concerned, the Earth had become a sewer; there was violence everywhere.
12 God took one look and saw how bad it was, everyone corrupt and corrupting--life itself corrupt to the core.
13 God said to Noah, "It's all over. It's the end of the human race. The violence is everywhere; I'm making a clean sweep.
14 "Build yourself a ship from teakwood. Make rooms in it. Coat it with pitch inside and out.
15 Make it 450 feet long, seventy-five feet wide, and forty-five feet high.
16 Build a roof for it and put in a window eighteen inches from the top; put in a door on the side of the ship; and make three decks, lower, middle, and upper.
17 "I'm going to bring a flood on the Earth that will destroy everything alive under Heaven. Total destruction.
18 "But I'm going to establish a covenant with you: You'll board the ship, and your sons, your wife and your sons' wives will come on board with you.
19 You are also to take two of each living creature, a male and a female, on board the ship, to preserve their lives with you:
20 two of every species of bird, mammal, and reptile--two of everything so as to preserve their lives along with yours.
21 Also get all the food you'll need and store it up for you and them."
22 Noah did everything God commanded him to do.
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.