« | Jeremiah 10 | » |
1 Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O people of Israel.
2 The Lord says, "Do not learn the way of the nations. And do not be afraid of the things seen in the heavens, even if the nations are afraid of them.
3 For the ways of the people are of no use. They cut wood from the trees. A workman cuts it with an ax.
4 They make it beautiful with silver and gold. They put it together with nails so that it cannot fall apart.
5 Their false gods are like a wooden man set up in a vegetable field to make birds be afraid and stay away. They cannot speak. They must be carried, because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot hurt you. And they cannot help you."
6 There is no one like You, O Lord. You are great, and Your name is great in power.
7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For You should be honored with fear. Among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their lands, there is no one like You.
8 They are all poor thinkers and foolish. What can they learn from a false god of wood?
9 Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz. They are the work of an able workman and of one who works with gold. Their clothing is blue and purple. They are all the work of able workmen.
10 But the Lord is the true God. He is the living God and the King Who lives forever. The earth shakes at His anger. And the nations cannot last when He is angry.
11 This is what you should say to them: "The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will be destroyed from the earth and from under the heavens."
12 It is He Who made the earth by His power, and the world by His wisdom. By His understanding He has spread out the heavens.
13 When He speaks, there is a storm of waters in the heavens. He makes the clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and brings out the wind from His storehouses.
14 Every man is a poor thinker and without learning. Every one who works with gold is put to shame by his false gods. For his objects of worship fool people. There is no breath in them.
15 They are without worth, and make fun of the truth. In the time of their punishment, they will be destroyed.
16 He Who is the God of Jacob is not like these, for He has made all things. And Israel is His chosen family. The Lord of All is His name.
17 Pick up your load from the ground, you who are shut in by armies!
18 For the Lord says, "See, I am throwing out the people of the land at this time. And I will trouble them, that they may feel it."
19 It is bad for me because I am hurt! My sore cannot be healed. But I said, "For sure this sickness is mine, and I must suffer with it."
20 My tent is destroyed and all my ropes are broken. My sons have gone from me and are no more. There is no one to put up my tent again or to set up my curtains.
21 For the shepherds are poor thinkers and have not asked for the Lord's help. So they have not done well, and all their flock is sent different places.
22 Listen, the sound of news! See, it comes! Much noise of moving is coming out of the land of the north to destroy the cities of Judah, and to make it a place where wild dogs live.
23 O Lord, I know that a man's way is not known by himself. It is not in man to lead his own steps.
24 Punish me when I need it, O Lord, but be fair. Do not punish me in Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.
25 Pour out Your anger on the nations that do not know You, and on the families that do not call on Your name. For they have destroyed Jacob. They have destroyed him and have laid waste his land.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.