« | Hosea 11 | » |
1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.
2 But when I called the people of Israel, they went away from me. and burned incense to the idols.
3 It was I who taught Israel to walk, and I took them by the arms, but they did not understand that I had healed them.
4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love. I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down and fed them.
5 "The Israelites will become captives again, as they were in Egypt, and Assyria will become their king, because they refuse to turn back to God.
6 War will sweep through their cities and will destroy them and kill them because of their wicked plans.
7 My people have made up their minds to turn away from me. The prophets call them to turn to me, but none of them honors me at all.
8 "Israel, how can I give you up? How can I give you away, Israel? or treat you like Zeboiim. My heart beats for you, and my love for you stirs up my pity.
9 I won't punish you in my anger, and I won't destroy Israel again. I am God and not a human; I am the Holy One, and I am among you. I will not come against you in anger.
10 They will go after the Lord, and he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will hurry to him from the west.
11 They will come swiftly like birds from Egypt and like doves from Assyria. I will settle them again in their homes," says the Lord.
12 Israel has surrounded me with lies; the people have made evil plans. And Judah turns against God, the faithful Holy One.
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.