« | Job 10 | » |
1 "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.
2 I will say to God: Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me.
3 Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?
4 Do you have eyes of flesh? Do you see as a mortal sees?
5 Are your days like those of a mortal or your years like those of a man,
6 that you must search out my faults and probe after my sin--
7 though you know that I am not guilty and that no-one can rescue me from your hand?
8 "Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me?
9 Remember that you moulded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again?
10 Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese,
11 clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews?
12 You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.
13 "But this is what you concealed in your heart, and I know that this was in your mind:
14 If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offence go unpunished.
15 If I am guilty--woe to me! Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and drowned in my affliction.
16 If I hold my head high, you stalk me like a lion and again display your awesome power against me.
17 You bring new witnesses against me and increase your anger towards me; your forces come against me wave upon wave.
18 "Why then did you bring me out of the womb? I wish I had died before any eye saw me.
19 If only I had never come into being, or had been carried straight from the womb to the grave!
20 Are not my few days almost over? Turn away from me so that I can have a moment's joy
21 before I go to the place of no return, to the land of gloom and deep shadow,
22 to the land of deepest night, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness."
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.