« | Job 35 | » |
1 Then Elihu said,
2 "Do you think this is right? Do you say, 'I am more right than God'?
3 For you ask, 'What will You get by it? How will it be better for me than if I had sinned?'
4 I will answer you, and your friends with you.
5 Look at the heavens and see. See the clouds which are higher than you.
6 If you have sinned, what does that do to God? If you have done many wrongs, what does that do to Him?
7 If you are right and good, what do you give to Him? What does He receive from you?
8 Your wrong-doing may hurt another man and your being right and good may help him.
9 "People cry out because of their many hard times. They cry for help because of the arm of the powerful.
10 But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night,
11 Who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?'
12 There they cry out, but He does not answer because of the pride of sinful men.
13 For sure God will not listen to an empty cry. The Allpowerful will not do anything about it.
14 How much less when you say you do not see Him, that your trial is before Him, and you must wait for Him!
15 And now, because God has not punished in His anger, and does not watch for sin,
16 Job opens his mouth with empty talk. He speaks many words without much learning."
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.