« | Job 14 | » |
1 "All of us born to women live only a few days and have lots of trouble.
2 We grow up like flowers and then dry up and die. We are like a passing shadow that does not last.
3 Lord, do you need to watch me like this? Must you bring me before you to be judged?
4 No one can bring something clean from something dirty.
5 Our time is limited. You have given us only so many months to live and have set limits we cannot go beyond.
6 So look away from us and leave us alone until we put in our time like a laborer.
7 "If a tree is cut down, there is hope that it will grow again and will send out new branches.
8 Even if its roots grow old in the ground, and its stump dies in the dirt,
9 at the smell of water it will bud and put out new shoots like a plant.
10 But we die, and our bodies are laid in the ground; we take our last breath and are gone.
11 Water disappears from a lake, and a river loses its water and dries up.
12 In the same way, we lie down and do not rise again; we will not get up or be awakened until the heavens disappear.
13 "I wish you would hide me in the grave; hide me until your anger is gone. I wish you would set a time and then remember me!
14 If a person dies, will he live again? All my days are a struggle; I will wait until my change comes.
15 You will call, and I will answer you; you will desire the creature your hands have made.
16 Then you will count my steps, but you will not keep track of my sin.
17 My wrongs will be closed up in a bag, and you will cover up my sin.
18 "A mountain washes away and crumbles; and a rock can be moved from its place.
19 Water washes over stones and wears them down, and rushing waters wash away the dirt. In the same way, you destroy my hope.
20 You defeat a person forever, and he is gone; you change his appearance and send him away.
21 His sons are honored, but he does not know it; his sons are disgraced, but he does not see it.
22 He only feels the pain of his body and feels sorry for himself."
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.