« | Job 3 | » |
1 After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.
2 Job said:
3 "Let the day perish in which I was born, and the night that said, 'A man-child is conceived.'
4 Let that day be darkness! May God above not seek it, or light shine on it.
5 Let gloom and deep darkness claim it. Let clouds settle upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.
6 That night-- let thick darkness seize it! let it not rejoice among the days of the year; let it not come into the number of the months.
7 Yes, let that night be barren; let no joyful cry be heard in it.
8 Let those curse it who curse the Sea, those who are skilled to rouse up Leviathan.
9 Let the stars of its dawn be dark; let it hope for light, but have none; may it not see the eyelids of the morning--
10 because it did not shut the doors of my mother's womb, and hide trouble from my eyes.
11 "Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire?
12 Why were there knees to receive me, or breasts for me to suck?
13 Now I would be lying down and quiet; I would be asleep; then I would be at rest
14 with kings and counselors of the earth who rebuild ruins for themselves,
15 or with princes who have gold, who fill their houses with silver.
16 Or why was I not buried like a stillborn child, like an infant that never sees the light?
17 There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.
18 There the prisoners are at ease together; they do not hear the voice of the taskmaster.
19 The small and the great are there, and the slaves are free from their masters.
20 "Why is light given to one in misery, and life to the bitter in soul,
21 who long for death, but it does not come, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures;
22 who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad when they find the grave?
23 Why is light given to one who cannot see the way, whom God has fenced in?
24 For my sighing comes like my bread, and my groanings are poured out like water.
25 Truly the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.
26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest; but trouble comes."
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.