« | Job 27 | » |
1 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; until 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 "May my enemy be like the wicked, and may my opponent be like the unrighteous.
8 For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts them off, when God takes away their lives?
9 Will God hear their cry when trouble comes upon them?
10 Will they take delight in the Almighty? Will they call upon God at all times?
11 I will teach you concerning the hand of God; that which is with the Almighty I will not conceal.
12 All of you have seen it yourselves; why then have you become altogether vain?
13 "This is the portion of the wicked with God, and the heritage that oppressors receive from the Almighty:
14 If their children are multiplied, it is for the sword; and their offspring have not enough to eat.
15 Those who survive them the pestilence buries, and their widows make no lamentation.
16 Though they heap up silver like dust, and pile up clothing like clay--
17 they may pile it up, but the just will wear it, and the innocent will divide the silver.
18 They build their houses like nests, like booths made by sentinels of the vineyard.
19 They go to bed with wealth, but will do so no more; they open their eyes, and it is gone.
20 Terrors overtake them like a flood; in the night a whirlwind carries them off.
21 The east wind lifts them up and they are gone; it sweeps them out of their place.
22 It hurls at them without pity; they flee from its power in headlong flight.
23 It claps its hands at them, and hisses at them from its place.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as an update to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1952, with the goal of incorporating the latest biblical scholarship and addressing changes in the English language. The NRSV is renowned for its accuracy, literary quality, and ecumenical approach, making it a preferred choice for both academic study and liturgical use across various Christian denominations.
One of the primary features of the NRSV is its commitment to being a literal, or word-for-word, translation while also ensuring that the text is clear and comprehensible for modern readers. The translation team, which included scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, aimed to produce a text that faithfully represents the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This dedication to precision and clarity makes the NRSV an excellent resource for in-depth study and theological reflection, as it strives to convey the exact meaning of the original texts.
The NRSV is also notable for its inclusive language, which seeks to reflect the diversity of the contemporary Christian community. The translators took great care to avoid gender-specific language when the original texts did not explicitly require it, making the text more inclusive and accessible to all readers. This approach has been particularly appreciated in academic and liturgical settings, where sensitivity to gender and inclusivity are important considerations. The NRSV’s attention to inclusive language helps ensure that all readers can see themselves reflected in the biblical narrative.
Despite its many strengths, the NRSV has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more traditional translations. Critics argue that the use of inclusive language can sometimes lead to interpretations that differ from the original intent of the texts. Additionally, some conservative scholars and readers feel that the NRSV’s ecumenical approach may result in compromises on certain theological nuances. Nonetheless, the New Revised Standard Version remains a highly valued translation, widely used in churches, seminaries, and universities for its scholarly rigor, literary excellence, and commitment to inclusivity.