« | Job 26 | » |
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 "How you have helped him who has no power! How you have saved the arm that has no strength!
3 How you have counseled him who has no wisdom, and plentifully declared sound knowledge!
4 With whose help have you uttered words, and whose breath has come out from you?
5 The dead tremble under the waters and their inhabitants.
6 Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering.
7 He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing.
8 He binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not split open under them.
9 He covers the face of the full moon and spreads over it his cloud.
10 He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.
11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at his rebuke.
12 By his power he stilled the sea; by his understanding he shattered Rahab.
13 By his wind the heavens were made fair; his hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
14 Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?"
The English Standard Version (ESV)
The English Standard Version (ESV) is a prominent Bible translation that strives to balance word-for-word accuracy with readability. First published in 2001 by Crossway, the ESV was developed by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors. It aims to provide a faithful rendering of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts while maintaining the literary quality and stylistic beauty of the English language. This translation approach makes the ESV suitable for both personal study and public worship.
A key feature of the ESV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or essentially literal translation philosophy. This method prioritizes a close correspondence between the original languages and the English text, ensuring that the translation remains as true as possible to the original words and structures. The ESV translators worked meticulously to preserve the nuances and intricacies of the biblical languages, while also striving for clarity and smoothness in English. This balance makes the ESV highly regarded for its accuracy and readability.
The ESV is also known for its use in academic and scholarly settings. Its rigorous translation process and commitment to textual fidelity make it a reliable resource for in-depth Bible study and theological research. The translation includes extensive footnotes and cross-references that provide additional context and insights, helping readers to understand the historical, cultural, and linguistic background of the scriptures. The ESV’s clear and precise language has made it a preferred choice for pastors, scholars, and serious students of the Bible.
Despite its many strengths, the ESV has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s formal equivalence approach can sometimes result in a text that is overly rigid and less fluid than more dynamic translations. Others have raised concerns about gender-specific language in the ESV, suggesting that it may not be as inclusive as some other modern translations. Nonetheless, the English Standard Version remains a highly respected and widely used translation, valued for its accuracy, readability, and commitment to preserving the original meaning of the biblical texts.