« | Job 18 | » |
1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:
2 "When will you stop these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk.
3 You think of us as cattle, as if we are stupid.
4 You tear yourself to pieces in your anger. Should the earth be vacant just for you? Should the rocks move from their places?
5 "The lamp of the wicked will be put out, and the flame in their lamps will stop burning.
6 The light in their tents will grow dark, and the lamps by their sides will go out.
7 Their strong steps will grow weak; they will fall into their own evil traps.
8 Their feet will be caught in a net when they walk into its web.
9 A trap will catch them by the heel and hold them tight.
10 A trap for them is hidden on the ground, right in their path.
11 Terrible things startle them from every side and chase them at every step.
12 Hunger takes away their strength, and disaster is at their side.
13 Disease eats away parts of their skin; death gnaws at their arms and legs.
14 They are torn from the safety of their tents and dragged off to Death, the King of Terrors.
15 Their tents are set on fire, and sulfur is scattered over their homes.
16 Their roots dry up below ground, and their branches die above ground.
17 People on earth will not remember them; their names will be forgotten in the land.
18 They will be driven from light into darkness and chased out of the world.
19 They have no children or descendants among their people, and no one will be left alive where they once lived.
20 People of the west will be shocked at what has happened to them, and people of the east will be very frightened.
21 Surely this is what will happen to the wicked; such is the place of one who does not know God."
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.