« | Hebrews 3 | » |
1 So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He's the centerpiece of everything we believe,
2 faithful in everything God gave him to do. Moses was also faithful,
3 but Jesus gets far more honor. A builder is more valuable than a building any day.
4 Every house has a builder, but the Builder behind them all is God.
5 Moses did a good job in God's house, but it was all servant work, getting things ready for what was to come.
6 Christ as Son is in charge of the house. Now, if we can only keep a firm grip on this bold confidence, we're the house!
7 That's why the Holy Spirit says, Today, please listen;
8 don't turn a deaf ear as in "the bitter uprising," that time of wilderness testing!
9 Even though they watched me at work for forty years, your ancestors refused to let me do it my way; over and over they tried my patience.
10 And I was provoked, oh, so provoked! I said, "They'll never keep their minds on God; they refuse to walk down my road."
11 Exasperated, I vowed, "They'll never get where they're going, never be able to sit down and rest."
12 So watch your step, friends. Make sure there's no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God.
13 For as long as it's still God's Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn't slow down your reflexes.
14 If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we're in this with Christ for the long haul.
15 These words keep ringing in our ears: Today, please listen; don't turn a deaf ear as in the bitter uprising.
16 For who were the people who turned a deaf ear? Weren't they the very ones Moses led out of Egypt?
17 And who was God provoked with for forty years? Wasn't it those who turned a deaf ear and ended up corpses in the wilderness?
18 And when he swore that they'd never get where they were going, wasn't he talking to the ones who turned a deaf ear?
19 They never got there because they never listened, never believed.
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.