« | Job 13 | » |
1 "Lo, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it.
2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
3 But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.
4 As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all.
5 Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!
6 Hear now my reasoning, and listen to the pleadings of my lips.
7 Will you speak falsely for God, and speak deceitfully for him?
8 Will you show partiality toward him, will you plead the case for God?
9 Will it be well with you when he searches you out? Or can you deceive him, as one deceives a man?
10 He will surely rebuke you if in secret you show partiality.
11 Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you?
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes, your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 "Let me have silence, and I will speak, and let come on me what may.
14 I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.
15 Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope; yet I will defend my ways to his face.
16 This will be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him.
17 Listen carefully to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears.
18 Behold, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be vindicated.
19 Who is there that will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.
20 Only grant two things to me, then I will not hide myself from thy face:
21 withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not dread of thee terrify me.
22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and do thou reply to me.
23 How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.
24 Why dost thou hide thy face, and count me as thy enemy?
25 Wilt thou frighten a driven leaf and pursue dry chaff?
26 For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27 Thou puttest my feet in the stocks, and watchest all my paths; thou settest a bound to the soles of my feet.
28 Man wastes away like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.
The Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is a widely respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1952 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901, with the primary aim of providing a more accurate and readable text while retaining the literary qualities of its predecessor. The RSV sought to modernize the language of the ASV without sacrificing its faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, making it a significant milestone in the history of English Bible translations.
One of the key features of the RSV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation approach. This method ensures that the translation closely mirrors the structure and wording of the original texts, allowing readers to engage more directly with the biblical languages. The translators of the RSV were guided by the latest biblical scholarship of their time, and they endeavored to produce a text that was both accurate and elegant. This combination of precision and literary quality has made the RSV a popular choice for both academic study and liturgical use.
The RSV also stands out for its ecumenical appeal. It was one of the first translations to be accepted across a wide range of Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. This broad acceptance was partly due to the inclusive approach of the translation committee, which included scholars from various religious backgrounds. The RSV’s ecumenical nature helped it gain widespread usage in churches, seminaries, and universities, fostering a greater sense of unity among different Christian communities.
Despite its many strengths, the RSV has faced some criticism over the years. Some conservative scholars and readers have expressed concerns about certain translation choices, arguing that they reflect modernist theological perspectives. Additionally, the RSV’s use of archaic language in certain passages has been a point of contention for those seeking a more contemporary rendering of the Bible. Nonetheless, the Revised Standard Version remains a highly respected and influential translation, valued for its accuracy, literary excellence, and broad ecumenical acceptance. It continues to serve as a foundation for later revisions and translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the English Standard Version (ESV).