« | Job 19 | » |
1 Job answered:
2 "How long are you going to keep battering away at me, pounding me with these harangues?
3 Time after time after time you jump all over me. Do you have no conscience, abusing me like this?
4 Even if I have, somehow or other, gotten off the track, what business is that of yours?
5 Why do you insist on putting me down, using my troubles as a stick to beat me?
6 Tell it to God--he's the one behind all this, he's the one who dragged me into this mess.
7 "Look at me--I shout 'Murder!' and I'm ignored; I call for help and no one bothers to stop.
8 God threw a barricade across my path--I'm stymied; he turned out all the lights--I'm stuck in the dark.
9 He destroyed my reputation, robbed me of all self-respect.
10 He tore me apart piece by piece--I'm ruined! Then he yanked out hope by the roots.
11 He's angry with me--oh, how he's angry! He treats me like his worst enemy.
12 He has launched a major campaign against me, using every weapon he can think of, coming at me from all sides at once.
13 "God alienated my family from me;
14 everyone who knows me avoids me. My relatives and friends have all left; houseguests forget I ever existed.
15 The servant girls treat me like a bum off the street, look at me like they've never seen me before.
16 I call my attendant and he ignores me, ignores me even though I plead with him.
17 My wife can't stand to be around me anymore. I'm repulsive to my family.
18 Even street urchins despise me; when I come out, they taunt and jeer.
19 Everyone I've ever been close to abhors me; my dearest loved ones reject me.
20 I'm nothing but a bag of bones; my life hangs by a thread.
21 "Oh, friends, dear friends, take pity on me. God has come down hard on me!
22 Do you have to be hard on me too? Don't you ever tire of abusing me?
23 "If only my words were written in a book--
24 better yet, chiseled in stone!
25 Still, I know that God lives--the One who gives me back my life-- and eventually he'll take his stand on earth.
26 And I'll see him--even though I get skinned alive!--
27 see God myself, with my very own eyes. Oh, how I long for that day!
28 "If you're thinking, 'How can we get through to him, get him to see that his trouble is all his own fault?'
29 Forget it. Start worrying about yourselves. Worry about your own sins and God's coming judgment, for judgment is most certainly on the way."
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.