« | Job 18 | » |
1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,
2 "How long will you keep talking? Show understanding and then we can talk.
3 Why are we thought of as animals? Why do you see us as not being able to think?
4 You who tear yourself in your anger, will the earth be left alone because of you? Or will the rocks be moved from their place?
5 "Yes, the light of the sinful is put out. His fire does not give light.
6 The light in his tent is made dark, and his lamp goes out above him.
7 His strong steps are made short, and his own plans make him fall.
8 For he is thrown down into a net by his own feet and walks on it.
9 A trap catches him by the foot and holds him.
10 A tied rope is hidden in the ground for him. A trap is set for him on the path.
11 He is filled with fear on every side. It follows him at every step.
12 His strength leaves him because trouble is waiting for him at every side.
13 His skin is eaten by disease and the beginning of death eats his legs.
14 He is taken away from his tent where he was safe, and is brought to the king of fears.
15 Fire destroys everything in his tent and sulphur is spread where he lives.
16 His roots are dried below and his branch is cut off above.
17 No one on earth will remember him. His name will not be known in the land.
18 He is sent from light into darkness, and driven away from where people live.
19 He has no children among his people to carry on his name where he lived.
20 Those in the west are surprised and afraid at what happened to him. And those in the east are filled with fear.
21 For sure, these are the houses of the sinful. This is the place of him who does not know God."
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.