« | Job 23 | » |
1 Then Job answered,
2 "Even today my complaining is bitter. His hand is heavy even when I cry inside myself.
3 If only I knew where to find Him, that I might go where He is!
4 I would tell Him how things are with me, and my mouth would be ready to argue.
5 I would know His answer, and could think about what He would say to me.
6 Would He go against me using His great power? No, He would listen to me.
7 There a man who is right could reason with Him. And I would be set free by my Judge.
8 "See, I go east, but He is not there. I go west, but I cannot see Him.
9 When He works to the left, I cannot see Him. When He turns to the right, I cannot see Him.
10 But He knows the way that I take. When He has tried me, I will come out as gold.
11 My foot has kept close to His steps. I have kept His way and have not turned aside.
12 I have not turned away from the words of His lips. I have stored up the words of His mouth. They are worth more to me than the food I need.
13 But He cannot be changed. Who can go against Him? He does whatever He wants.
14 For He does what He has planned for me, and many such things are in His mind.
15 So I am afraid to be with Him. When I think about it, I am very afraid of Him.
16 God has made my heart weak. The All-powerful has filled me with fear.
17 But I am not made quiet by the darkness or the deep shadow which covers my face.
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.