« | Job 19 | » |
1 Then Job answered:
2 "How long will you hurt me and crush me with your words?
3 You have insulted me ten times now and attacked me without shame.
4 Even if I have sinned, it is my worry alone.
5 If you want to make yourselves look better than I, you can blame me for my suffering.
6 Then know that God has wronged me and pulled his net around me.
7 "I shout, 'I have been wronged!' But I get no answer. I scream for help but I get no justice.
8 God has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has covered my paths with darkness.
9 He has taken away my honor and removed the crown from my head.
10 He beats me down on every side until I am gone; he destroys my hope like a fallen tree.
11 His anger burns against me, and he treats me like an enemy.
12 His armies gather; they prepare to attack me. They camp around my tent.
13 "God has made my brothers my enemies, and my friends have become strangers.
14 My relatives have gone away, and my friends have forgotten me.
15 My guests and my female servants treat me like a stranger; they look at me as if I were a foreigner.
16 I call for my servant, but he does not answer, even when I beg him with my own mouth.
17 My wife can't stand my breath, and my own family dislikes me.
18 Even the little boys hate me and talk about me when I leave.
19 All my close friends hate me; even those I love have turned against me.
20 I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.
21 Pity me, my friends, pity me, because the hand of God has hit me.
22 Why do you chase me as God does? Haven't you hurt me enough?
23 "How I wish my words were written down, written on a scroll.
24 I wish they were carved with an iron pen into lead, or carved into stone forever.
25 I know that my Defender lives, and in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 Even after my skin has been destroyed, in my flesh I will see God.
27 I will see him myself; I will see him with my very own eyes. How my heart wants that to happen!
28 "If you say, 'We will continue to trouble Job, because the problem lies with him,'
29 you should be afraid of the sword yourselves. God's anger will bring punishment by the sword. Then you will know there is judgment."
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.