« | Job 33 | » |
1 "But now, Job, listen to my words; pay attention to everything I say.
2 I am about to open my mouth; my words are on the tip of my tongue.
3 My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know.
4 The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5 Answer me then, if you can; prepare yourself and confront me.
6 I am just like you before God; I too have been taken from clay.
7 No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy upon you.
8 "But you have said in my hearing--I heard the very words--
9 `I am pure and without sin; I am clean and free from guilt.
10 Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me his enemy.
11 He fastens my feet in shackles; he keeps close watch on all my paths.'
12 "But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than man.
13 Why do you complain to him that he answers none of man's words?
14 For God does speak--now one way, now another--though man may not perceive it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds,
16 he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,
17 to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,
18 to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.
19 Or a man may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in his bones,
20 so that his very being finds food repulsive and his soul loathes the choicest meal.
21 His flesh wastes away to nothing, and his bones, once hidden, now stick out.
22 His soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the messengers of death.
23 "Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,
24 to be gracious to him and say,`Spare him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for him'--
25 then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth.
26 He prays to God and finds favour with him, he sees God's face and shouts for joy; he is restored by God to his righteous state.
27 Then he comes to men and says,`I have sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved.
28 He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light.'
29 "God does all these things to a man--twice, even three times--
30 to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him.
31 "Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, for I want you to be cleared.
33 But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
The New International Version UK (NIVUK)
The New International Version UK (NIVUK) is a specialized edition of the widely respected New International Version (NIV) Bible tailored for readers in the United Kingdom. First published in 1979, the NIVUK retains the same translation principles and scholarly rigor as the original NIV but incorporates British English spellings, grammar, and idiomatic expressions. This adaptation ensures that the language resonates more naturally with readers in the UK, enhancing their engagement and understanding of the biblical texts.
A significant feature of the NIVUK is its commitment to the principles of "optimal equivalence," which aims to balance word-for-word accuracy with thought-for-thought readability. This translation philosophy strives to remain faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts while conveying the meaning in clear and contemporary British English. The result is a translation that is both reliable for in-depth study and accessible for public reading and personal devotion, appealing to a wide audience across the UK.
The NIVUK also includes various features designed to aid comprehension and deepen the reader’s understanding of the Scriptures. These features include introductions to each book of the Bible, comprehensive cross-references, and explanatory footnotes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. The NIVUK is available in numerous formats, including study Bibles, devotional editions, and digital versions, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of readers. This versatility makes it a valuable resource for churches, schools, and individuals seeking a clear and accurate translation in British English.
Despite its widespread acceptance and popularity, the NIVUK has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while enhancing readability, can sometimes result in a loss of subtle nuances and interpretative bias. Additionally, the use of gender-inclusive language in certain passages has sparked debate among readers and scholars. Nevertheless, the New International Version UK remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its balance of accuracy and readability, and its ability to connect with readers in the United Kingdom through familiar language and expressions.