« | Job 4 | » |
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:
2 "If someone tried to speak with you, would you be upset? I cannot keep from speaking.
3 Think about the many people you have taught and the weak hands you have made strong.
4 Your words have comforted those who fell, and you have strengthened those who could not stand.
5 But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; trouble hits you, and you are terrified.
6 You should have confidence because you respect God; you should have hope because you are innocent.
7 "Remember that the innocent will not die; honest people will never be destroyed.
8 I have noticed that people who plow evil and plant trouble, harvest it.
9 God's breath destroys them, and a blast of his anger kills them.
10 Lions may roar and growl, but when the teeth of a strong lion are broken,
11 that lion dies of hunger. The cubs of the mother lion are scattered.
12 "A word was brought to me in secret, and my ears heard a whisper of it.
13 It was during a nightmare when people are in deep sleep.
14 I was trembling with fear; all my bones were shaking.
15 A spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body stood on end.
16 The spirit stopped, but I could not see what it was. A shape stood before my eyes, and I heard a quiet voice.
17 It said, 'Can a human be more right than God? Can a person be pure before his maker?
18 God does not trust his angels; he blames them for mistakes.
19 So he puts even more blame on people who live in clay houses, whose foundations are made of dust, who can be crushed like a moth.
20 Between dawn and sunset many people are broken to pieces; without being noticed, they die and are gone forever.
21 The ropes of their tents are pulled up, and they die without wisdom.'
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.