« | Job 33 | » |
1 However, Job, I pray thee, hear my speech, and hearken to all my words.
2 Behold now, I have opened my mouth. My tongue has spoken in my mouth.
3 My words shall utter the uprightness of my heart, and that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.
4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5 If thou can, answer thou me. Set thy words in order before me. Stand forth.
6 Behold, I am toward God even as thou are. I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, nor shall my pressure be heavy upon thee.
8 Surely thou have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9 I am clean, without transgression. I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me.
10 Thou say, Behold, he finds occasions against me. He counts me for his enemy.
11 He puts my feet in the stocks. He marks all my paths.
12 Behold, I will answer thee. In this thou are not just, for God is greater than man.
13 Why do thou strive against him because he does not give of any of his matters?
14 For God speaks once, yea twice, though man does not regard it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumberings upon the bed.
16 Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction
17 that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
18 He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
19 He also is chastened with pain upon his bed, and with continual strife in his bones,
20 so that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food.
21 His flesh is consumed away that it cannot be seen. And his bones that were not seen stick out.
22 Yea, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers.
23 If there be with him a heavenly agent, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him,
24 then God is gracious to him, and says, Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom.
25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's. He returns to the days of his youth.
26 He prays to God, and he is favorable to him, so that he sees his face with joy, and he restores to man his righteousness.
27 He sings before men, and says, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it did not profit me.
28 He has redeemed my soul from going into the pit, and my life shall behold the light.
29 Lo, all these things God works twice, yea thrice, with a man,
30 to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
31 Mark well, O Job, hearken to me. Keep silent, and I will speak.
32 If thou have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify thee.
33 If not, hearken thou to me. Keep silent, and I will teach thee.
A Conservative Version (ACV)
A Conservative Version (ACV) of the Bible is a translation that aims to provide a conservative and literal interpretation of the biblical texts. Developed with a focus on maintaining fidelity to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, the ACV emphasizes a word-for-word translation methodology. The goal is to preserve the subtleties and nuances of the original languages as accurately as possible. This approach results in a version of the Bible that seeks to remain true to the text's original meaning and context, appealing to readers who prioritize precision and doctrinal integrity.
The text of the Old Testament for A Conservative Version (ACV) came from the American Standard Version published in 1901. The main changes done for the ACV were the replacement of archaic words with more modern ones, except for the old English pronouns, which were kept because they are more communicative. The New Testament was translated from, The New Testament in the Original Greek According to the Byzantine-Majority Text form. That edition was compiled by Maurice A. Robinson and William G. Pierpont, and is of the Textus Receptus tradition from which came the King James Version.
The ACV was created in response to what its translators saw as a trend toward more liberal or dynamic-equivalence translations that prioritize readability over literal accuracy. The translators aimed to produce a text that adheres closely to the original languages, even if this makes the translation more challenging for contemporary readers. This reflects their belief in the importance of preserving the exact words and phrases used in the original scriptures. The ACV also employs traditional theological terminology and phrasing, avoiding modern slang and colloquial expressions in favor of language that conveys the gravity and solemnity of the biblical message.
While the ACV has found appreciation among conservative circles, it has faced criticism for its perceived rigidity and difficulty. Critics argue that its strict adherence to a word-for-word translation can make the text less readable and accessible, potentially alienating readers unfamiliar with the original languages or who prefer a more fluid translation. Despite these criticisms, the ACV remains a valued translation for those who prioritize a conservative and literal approach to Bible interpretation, supporting their doctrinal views with a text they believe closely reflects the original scriptures.