« | Hebrews 4 | » |
1 Now, since God has left us the promise that we may enter his rest, let us be very careful so none of you will fail to enter.
2 The Good News was preached to us just as it was to them. But the teaching they heard did not help them, because they heard it but did not accept it with faith.
3 We who have believed are able to enter and have God's rest. As God has said, "I was angry and made a promise, 'They will never enter my rest.'" But God's work was finished from the time he made the world.
4 In the Scriptures he talked about the seventh day of the week: "And on the seventh day God rested from all his works."
5 And again in the Scripture God said, "They will never enter my rest."
6 It is still true that some people will enter God's rest, but those who first heard the way to be saved did not enter, because they did not obey.
7 So God planned another day, called "today." He spoke about that day through David a long time later in the same Scripture used before: "Today listen to what he says. Do not be stubborn."
8 We know that Joshuan did not lead the people into that rest, because God spoke later about another day.
9 This shows that the restn for God's people is still coming.
10 Anyone who enters God's rest will rest from his work as God did.
11 Let us try as hard as we can to enter God's rest so that no one will fail by following the example of those who refused to obey.
12 God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.
13 Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the way we have lived.
14 Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has gone into heaven, let us hold on to the faith we have.
15 For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.
16 Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.
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.