« | Job 27 | » |
1 And Job again took up his discourse, and said:
2 "As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
3 as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils,
4 my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit.
5 Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
6 I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.
7 "Let my enemy be as the wicked, and let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.
8 For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life?
9 Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him?
10 Will he take delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times?
11 I will teach you concerning the hand of God; what is with the Almighty I will not conceal.
12 Behold, all of you have seen it yourselves; why then have you become altogether vain?
13 "This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage that oppressors receive from the Almighty:
14 If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword, and his descendants have not enough bread.
15 Those who survive him the pestilence buries, and his widows do not weep.
16 Though he heap up silver like dust, and pile up clothing like clay,
17 he may pile it up, but the righteous will wear it, and the innocent will divide the silver.
18 He builds his house like a moth's, like a booth that a watchman makes.
19 He goes to bed rich, but will do so no more; he opens his eyes, and his wealth is gone.
20 Terrors overtake him like a flood; in the night a whirlwind carries him off.
21 The east wind lifts him up and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place.
22 It hurls at him without pity; he flees from its power in headlong flight.
23 It claps its hands at him and hisses at him from its place.
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.