« | Job 10 | » |
1 "I can't stand my life--I hate it! -I'm putting it all out on the table, all the bitterness of my life--I'm holding back nothing."
2 Job prayed: "Here's what I want to say: Don't, God, bring in a verdict of guilty without letting me know the charges you're bringing.
3 How does this fit into what you once called 'good'-- giving me a hard time, spurning me, a life you shaped by your very own hands, and then blessing the plots of the wicked?
4 You don't look at things the way we mortals do. You're not taken in by appearances, are you?
5 Unlike us, you're not working against a deadline. You have all eternity to work things out.
6 So what's this all about, anyway--this compulsion to dig up some dirt, to find some skeleton in my closet?
7 You know good and well I'm not guilty. You also know no one can help me.
8 "You made me like a handcrafted piece of pottery-- and now are you going to smash me to pieces?
9 Don't you remember how beautifully you worked my clay? Will you reduce me now to a mud pie?
10 Oh, that marvel of conception as you stirred together semen and ovum--
11 What a miracle of skin and bone, muscle and brain!
12 You gave me life itself, and incredible love. You watched and guarded every breath I took.
13 "But you never told me about this part. I should have known that there was more to it--
14 That if I so much as missed a step, you'd notice and pounce, wouldn't let me get by with a thing.
15 If I'm truly guilty, I'm doomed. But if I'm innocent, it's no better--I'm still doomed. My belly is full of bitterness. I'm up to my ears in a swamp of affliction.
16 I try to make the best of it, try to brave it out, but you're too much for me, relentless, like a lion on the prowl.
17 You line up fresh witnesses against me. You compound your anger and pile on the grief and pain!
18 "So why did you have me born? I wish no one had ever laid eyes on me!
19 I wish I'd never lived--a stillborn, buried without ever having breathed.
20 Isn't it time to call it quits on my life? Can't you let up, and let me smile just once
21 Before I die and am buried, before I'm nailed into my coffin, sealed in the ground,
22 And banished for good to the land of the dead, blind in the final dark?"
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.