« | Job 29 | » |
1 Job again took up his discourse and said:
2 "Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me;
3 when his lamp shone over my head, and by his light I walked through darkness;
4 when I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent;
5 when the Almighty was still with me, when my children were around me;
6 when my steps were washed with milk, and the rock poured out for me streams of oil!
7 When I went out to the gate of the city, when I took my seat in the square,
8 the young men saw me and withdrew, and the aged rose up and stood;
9 the nobles refrained from talking, and laid their hands on their mouths;
10 the voices of princes were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths.
11 When the ear heard, it commended me, and when the eye saw, it approved;
12 because I delivered the poor who cried, and the orphan who had no helper.
13 The blessing of the wretched came upon me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.
15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame.
16 I was a father to the needy, and I championed the cause of the stranger.
17 I broke the fangs of the unrighteous, and made them drop their prey from their teeth.
18 Then I thought, 'I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days like the phoenix;
19 my roots spread out to the waters, with the dew all night on my branches;
20 my glory was fresh with me, and my bow ever new in my hand.'
21 "They listened to me, and waited, and kept silence for my counsel.
22 After I spoke they did not speak again, and my word dropped upon them like dew.
23 They waited for me as for the rain; they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.
24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence; and the light of my countenance they did not extinguish.
25 I chose their way, and sat as chief, and I lived like a king among his troops, like one who comforts mourners.
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.