« | Job 39 | » |
1 "Do you know the month when mountain goats give birth? Have you ever watched a doe bear her fawn?
2 Do you know how many months she is pregnant? Do you know the season of her delivery,
3 when she crouches down and drops her offspring?
4 Her young ones flourish and are soon on their own; they leave and don't come back.
5 "Who do you think set the wild donkey free, opened the corral gates and let him go?
6 I gave him the whole wilderness to roam in, the rolling plains and wide-open places.
7 He laughs at his city cousins, who are harnessed and harried. He's oblivious to the cries of teamsters.
8 He grazes freely through the hills, nibbling anything that's green.
9 "Will the wild buffalo condescend to serve you, volunteer to spend the night in your barn?
10 Can you imagine hitching your plow to a buffalo and getting him to till your fields?
11 He's hugely strong, yes, but could you trust him, would you dare turn the job over to him?
12 You wouldn't for a minute depend on him, would you, to do what you said when you said it?
13 "The ostrich flaps her wings futilely-- all those beautiful feathers, but useless!
14 She lays her eggs on the hard ground, leaves them there in the dirt, exposed to the weather,
15 Not caring that they might get stepped on and cracked or trampled by some wild animal.
16 She's negligent with her young, as if they weren't even hers. She cares nothing about anything.
17 She wasn't created very smart, that's for sure, wasn't given her share of good sense.
18 But when she runs, oh, how she runs, laughing, leaving horse and rider in the dust.
19 "Are you the one who gave the horse his prowess and adorned him with a shimmering mane?
20 Did you create him to prance proudly and strike terror with his royal snorts?
21 He paws the ground fiercely, eager and spirited, then charges into the fray.
22 He laughs at danger, fearless, doesn't shy away from the sword.
23 The banging and clanging of quiver and lance don't faze him.
24 He quivers with excitement, and at the trumpet blast races off at a gallop.
25 At the sound of the trumpet he neighs mightily, smelling the excitement of battle from a long way off, catching the rolling thunder of the war cries.
26 "Was it through your know how that the hawk learned to fly, soaring effortlessly on thermal updrafts?
27 Did you command the eagle's flight, and teach her to build her nest in the heights,
28 Perfectly at home on the high cliff-face, invulnerable on pinnacle and crag?
29 From her perch she searches for prey, spies it at a great distance.
30 Her young gorge themselves on carrion; wherever there's a roadkill, you'll see her circling."
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.