« | Hebrews 3 | » |
1 So all of you holy brothers and sisters, who were called by God, think about Jesus, who was sent to us and is the high priest of our faith.
2 Jesus was faithful to God as Moses was in God's family.
3 Jesus has more honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.
4 Every house is built by someone, but the builder of everything is God himself.
5 Moses was faithful in God's family as a servant, and he told what God would say in the future.
6 But Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house. And we are God's house if we keep on being very sure about our great hope.
7 So it is as the Holy Spirit says: "Today listen to what he says.
8 Do not be stubborn as in the past when you turned against God, when you tested God in the desert.
9 There your ancestors tried me and tested me and saw the things I did for forty years.
10 I was angry with them. I said, 'They are not loyal to me and have not understood my ways.'
11 I was angry and made a promise, 'They will never enter my rest.'"
12 So brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that will turn you away from the living God.
13 But encourage each other every day while it is "today." Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you.
14 We all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning.
15 This is what the Scripture says: "Today listen to what he says. Do not be stubborn as in the past when you turned against God."
16 Who heard God's voice and was against him? It was all those people Moses led out of Egypt.
17 And with whom was God angry for forty years? He was angry with those who sinned, who died in the desert.
18 And to whom was God talking when he promised that they would never enter his rest? He was talking to those who did not obey him.
19 So we see they were not allowed to enter and have God's rest, because they did not believe.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.