« | Job 3 | » |
1 After seven days Job cried out and cursed the day he had been born,
2 saying:
3 "Let the day I was born be destroyed, and the night it was said, 'A boy is born!'
4 Let that day turn to darkness. Don't let God care about it. Don't let light shine on it.
5 Let darkness and gloom have that day. Let a cloud hide it. Let thick darkness cover its light.
6 Let thick darkness capture that night. Don't count it among the days of the year or put it in any of the months.
7 Let that night be empty, with no shout of joy to be heard.
8 Let those who curse days curse that day. Let them prepare to wake up the sea monster Leviathan.
9 Let that day's morning stars never appear; let it wait for daylight that never comes. Don't let it see the first light of dawn,
10 because it allowed me to be born and did not hide trouble from my eyes.
11 "Why didn't I die as soon as I was born? Why didn't I die when I came out of the womb?
12 Why did my mother's knees receive me, and my mother's breasts feed me?
13 If they had not been there, I would be lying dead in peace; I would be asleep and at rest
14 with kings and wise men of the earth who built places for themselves that are now ruined.
15 I would be asleep with rulers who filled their houses with gold and silver.
16 Why was I not buried like a child born dead, like a baby who never saw the light of day?
17 In the grave the wicked stop making trouble, and the weary workers are at rest.
18 In the grave there is rest for the captives who no longer hear the shout of the slave driver.
19 People great and small are in the grave, and the slave is freed from his master.
20 "Why is light given to those in misery? Why is life given to those who are so unhappy?
21 They want to die, but death does not come. They search for death more than for hidden treasure.
22 They are very happy when they get to the grave.
23 They cannot see where they are going. God has hidden the road ahead.
24 I make sad sounds as I eat; my groans pour out like water.
25 Everything I feared and dreaded has happened to me.
26 I have no peace or quietness. I have no rest, only trouble."
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.