« | Hebrews 3 | » |
1 My Christian friends, who also have been called by God! Think of Jesus, whom God sent to be the High Priest of the faith we profess.
2 He was faithful to God, who chose him to do this work, just as Moses was faithful in his work in God's house.
3 A man who builds a house receives more honor than the house itself. In the same way Jesus is worthy of much greater honor than Moses.
4 Every house, of course, is built by someone---and God is the one who has built all things.
5 Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future.
6 But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for.
7 So then, as the Holy Spirit says, "If you hear God's voice today,
8 do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God, as they were that day in the desert when they put him to the test.
9 There they put me to the test and tried me, says God, although they had seen what I did for forty years.
10 And so I was angry with those people and said, 'They are always disloyal and refuse to obey my commands.'
11 I was angry and made a solemn promise: 'They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest!' "
12 My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God.
13 Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word "Today" in the scripture applies to us.
14 For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning.
15 This is what the scripture says: "If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God."
16 Who were the people who heard God's voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses.
17 With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert.
18 When God made his solemn promise, "They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest"---of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled.
19 We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.