« | Isaiah 56 | » |
1 This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man who does this, the man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."
3 Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people." And let not any eunuch complain, "I am only a dry tree."
4 For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant--
5 to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant--
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
8 The Sovereign LORD declares--he who gathers the exiles of Israel: "I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered."
9 Come, all you beasts of the field, come and devour, all you beasts of the forest!
10 Israel's watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep.
11 They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain.
12 "Come," each one cries, "let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better."
The New International Version UK (NIVUK)
The New International Version UK (NIVUK) is a specialized edition of the widely respected New International Version (NIV) Bible tailored for readers in the United Kingdom. First published in 1979, the NIVUK retains the same translation principles and scholarly rigor as the original NIV but incorporates British English spellings, grammar, and idiomatic expressions. This adaptation ensures that the language resonates more naturally with readers in the UK, enhancing their engagement and understanding of the biblical texts.
A significant feature of the NIVUK is its commitment to the principles of "optimal equivalence," which aims to balance word-for-word accuracy with thought-for-thought readability. This translation philosophy strives to remain faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts while conveying the meaning in clear and contemporary British English. The result is a translation that is both reliable for in-depth study and accessible for public reading and personal devotion, appealing to a wide audience across the UK.
The NIVUK also includes various features designed to aid comprehension and deepen the reader’s understanding of the Scriptures. These features include introductions to each book of the Bible, comprehensive cross-references, and explanatory footnotes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. The NIVUK is available in numerous formats, including study Bibles, devotional editions, and digital versions, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of readers. This versatility makes it a valuable resource for churches, schools, and individuals seeking a clear and accurate translation in British English.
Despite its widespread acceptance and popularity, the NIVUK has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while enhancing readability, can sometimes result in a loss of subtle nuances and interpretative bias. Additionally, the use of gender-inclusive language in certain passages has sparked debate among readers and scholars. Nevertheless, the New International Version UK remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its balance of accuracy and readability, and its ability to connect with readers in the United Kingdom through familiar language and expressions.