« | Job 13 | » |
1 "Now my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood it.
2 What you know, I also know. You are not better than I am.
3 But I want to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.
4 But you smear me with lies. You are worthless doctors, all of you!
5 I wish you would just stop talking; then you would really be wise!
6 Listen to my argument, and hear the pleading of my lips.
7 You should not speak evil in the name of God; you cannot speak God's truth by telling lies.
8 You should not unfairly choose his side against mine; you should not argue the case for God.
9 You will not do well if he examines you; you cannot fool God as you might fool humans.
10 God would surely scold you if you unfairly took one person's side.
11 His bright glory would scare you, and you would be very much afraid of him.
12 Your wise sayings are worth no more than ashes, and your arguments are as weak as clay.
13 "Be quiet and let me speak. Let things happen to me as they will.
14 Why should I put myself in danger and take my life in my own hands?
15 Even if God kills me, I have hope in him; I will still defend my ways to his face.
16 This is my salvation. The wicked cannot come before him.
17 Listen carefully to my words; let your ears hear what I say.
18 See, I have prepared my case, and I know I will be proved right.
19 No one can accuse me of doing wrong. If someone can, I will be quiet and die.
20 "God, please just give me these two things, and then I will not hide from you:
21 Take your punishment away from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors.
22 Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and you answer.
23 How many evil things and sins have I done? Show me my wrong and my sin.
24 Don't hide your face from me; don't think of me as your enemy.
25 Don't punish a leaf that is blown by the wind; don't chase after straw.
26 You write down cruel things against me and make me suffer for my boyhood sins.
27 You put my feet in chains and keep close watch wherever I go. You even mark the soles of my feet.
28 "Everyone wears out like something rotten, like clothing eaten by moths.
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.