« | Job 10 | » |
1 "I hate my life, so I will complain without holding back; I will speak because I am so unhappy.
2 I will say to God: Do not hold me guilty, but tell me what you have against me.
3 Does it make you happy to trouble me? Don't you care about me, the work of your hands? Are you happy with the plans of evil people?
4 Do you have human eyes that see as we see?
5 Are your days like the days of humans, and your years like our years?
6 You look for the evil I have done and search for my sin.
7 You know I am not guilty, but no one can save me from your power.
8 "Your hands shaped and made me. Do you now turn around and destroy me?
9 Remember that you molded me like a piece of clay. Will you now turn me back into dust?
10 You formed me inside my mother like cheese formed from milk.
11 You dressed me with skin and flesh; you sewed me together with bones and muscles.
12 You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your care you watched over my life.
13 "But in your heart you hid other plans. I know this was in your mind.
14 If I sinned, you would watch me and would not let my sin go unpunished.
15 How terrible it will be for me if I am guilty! Even if I am right, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and experience only pain.
16 If I hold up my head, you hunt me like a lion and again show your terrible power against me.
17 You bring new witnesses against me and increase your anger against me. Your armies come against me.
18 "So why did you allow me to be born? I wish I had died before anyone saw me.
19 I wish I had never lived, but had been carried straight from birth to the grave.
20 The few days of my life are almost over. Leave me alone so I can have a moment of joy.
21 Soon I will leave; I will not return from the land of darkness and gloom,
22 the land of darkest night, from the land of gloom and confusion, where even the light is darkness."
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.