« | Hosea 4 | » |
1 People of Israel, listen to the Lord's message. The Lord has this against you who live in the land: "The people are not true, not loyal to God, nor do those who live in the land even know him.
2 Cursing, lying, killing, stealing and adultery are everywhere. One murder follows another.
3 Because of this the land dries up, and all its people are dying. Even the wild animals and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying.
4 "No one should accuse or blame another person. Don't blame the people, you priests, when they quarrel with you.
5 You will be ruined in the day, and your prophets will be ruined with you in the night. I will also destroy your mother.
6 My people will be destroyed, because they have no knowledge. You have refused to learn, so I will refuse to let you be priests to me. You have forgotten the teachings of your God, so I will forget your children.
7 The more priests there are, the more they sin against me. I will take away their honor and give them shame.
8 Since the priests live off the sin offerings of the people, they want the people to sin more and more.
9 The priests are as wrong as the people, and I will punish them both for what they have done. I will repay them for the wrong they have done.
10 "They will eat but not have enough; they will have sexual relations with the prostitutes, but they will not have children, because they have left the Lord to give themselves to
11 prostitution, to old and new wine, which take away their ability to understand.
12 "My people ask wooden idols for advice; they ask those sticks of wood to advise them! Like prostitutes, they have chased after other gods and have left their own God.
13 They make sacrifices on the tops of the mountains. They burn offerings on the hills, under oaks, poplars, and other trees, because their shade is nice. So your daughters become prostitutes, and your daughters-in-law are guilty of adultery.
14 "But I will not punish your daughters for becoming prostitutes, nor your daughters-in-law for their sins of adultery. I will not punish them, because the men have sexual relations with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with the temple prostitutes. A foolish people will be ruined.
15 "Israel, you act like a prostitute, but do not be guilty toward the Lord. or go up to Beth Aven. Don't make promises, saying, 'As surely as the Lord lives . . .'
16 The people of Israel are stubborn like a stubborn young cow. like lambs in the open country.
17 The Israelites have chosen to worship idols, so leave them alone.
18 When they finish their drinking, they completely give themselves to being prostitutes; they love these disgraceful ways.
19 They will be swept away as if by a whirlwind, and their sacrifices will bring them only shame.
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.