« | Job 33 | » |
1 "But now, hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words.
2 See, I open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks.
3 My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely.
4 The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5 Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand.
6 See, before God I am as you are; I too was formed from a piece of clay.
7 No fear of me need terrify you; my pressure will not be heavy on you.
8 "Surely, you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the sound of your words.
9 You say, 'I am clean, without transgression; I am pure, and there is no iniquity in me.
10 Look, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy;
11 he puts my feet in the stocks, and watches all my paths.'
12 "But in this you are not right. I will answer you: God is greater than any mortal.
13 Why do you contend against him, saying, 'He will answer none of my words'?
14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though people do not perceive it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on mortals, while they slumber on their beds,
16 then he opens their ears, and terrifies them with warnings,
17 that he may turn them aside from their deeds, and keep them from pride,
18 to spare their souls from the Pit, their lives from traversing the River.
19 They are also chastened with pain upon their beds, and with continual strife in their bones,
20 so that their lives loathe bread, and their appetites dainty food.
21 Their flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen; and their bones, once invisible, now stick out.
22 Their souls draw near the Pit, and their lives to those who bring death.
23 Then, if there should be for one of them an angel, a mediator, one of a thousand, one who declares a person upright,
24 and he is gracious to that person, and says, 'Deliver him from going down into the Pit; I have found a ransom;
25 let his flesh become fresh with youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.'
26 Then he prays to God, and is accepted by him, he comes into his presence with joy, and God repays him for his righteousness.
27 That person sings to others and says, 'I sinned, and perverted what was right, and it was not paid back to me.
28 He has redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and my life shall see the light.'
29 "God indeed does all these things, twice, three times, with mortals,
30 to bring back their souls from the Pit, so that they may see the light of life.
31 Pay heed, Job, listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
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.