« | Job 3 | » |
1 Then Job broke the silence. He spoke up and cursed his fate:
2 (SEE 3:1)
3 "Obliterate the day I was born. Blank out the night I was conceived!
4 Let it be a black hole in space. May God above forget it ever happened. Erase it from the books!
5 May the day of my birth be buried in deep darkness, shrouded by the fog, swallowed by the night.
6 And the night of my conception--the devil take it! Rip the date off the calendar, delete it from the almanac.
7 Oh, turn that night into pure nothingness-- no sounds of pleasure from that night, ever!
8 May those who are good at cursing curse that day. Unleash the sea beast, Leviathan, on it.
9 May its morning stars turn to black cinders, waiting for a daylight that never comes, never once seeing the first light of dawn.
10 And why? Because it released me from my mother's womb into a life with so much trouble.
11 "Why didn't I die at birth, my first breath out of the womb my last?
12 Why were there arms to rock me, and breasts for me to drink from?
13 I could be resting in peace right now, asleep forever, feeling no pain,
14 In the company of kings and statesmen in their royal ruins,
15 Or with princes resplendent in their gold and silver tombs.
16 Why wasn't I stillborn and buried with all the babies who never saw light,
17 Where the wicked no longer trouble anyone and bone-weary people get a long-deserved rest?
18 Prisoners sleep undisturbed, never again to wake up to the bark of the guards.
19 The small and the great are equals in that place, and slaves are free from their masters.
20 "Why does God bother giving light to the miserable, why bother keeping bitter people alive,
21 Those who want in the worst way to die, and can't, who can't imagine anything better than death,
22 Who count the day of their death and burial the happiest day of their life?
23 What's the point of life when it doesn't make sense, when God blocks all the roads to meaning?
24 "Instead of bread I get groans for my supper, then leave the table and vomit my anguish.
25 The worst of my fears has come true, what I've dreaded most has happened.
26 My repose is shattered, my peace destroyed. No rest for me, ever--death has invaded life."
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.