« | Job 40 | » |
1 And the LORD said to Job:
2 "Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Anyone who argues with God must respond."
3 Then Job answered the LORD:
4 "See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.
5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but will proceed no further."
6 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:
7 "Gird up your loins like a man; I will question you, and you declare to me.
8 Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be justified?
9 Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his?
10 "Deck yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor.
11 Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on all who are proud, and abase them.
12 Look on all who are proud, and bring them low; tread down the wicked where they stand.
13 Hide them all in the dust together; bind their faces in the world below.
14 Then I will also acknowledge to you that your own right hand can give you victory.
15 "Look at Behemoth, which I made just as I made you; it eats grass like an ox.
16 Its strength is in its loins, and its power in the muscles of its belly.
17 It makes its tail stiff like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are knit together.
18 Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like bars of iron.
19 "It is the first of the great acts of God-- only its Maker can approach it with the sword.
20 For the mountains yield food for it where all the wild animals play.
21 Under the lotus plants it lies, in the covert of the reeds and in the marsh.
22 The lotus trees cover it for shade; the willows of the wadi surround it.
23 Even if the river is turbulent, it is not frightened; it is confident though Jordan rushes against its mouth.
24 Can one take it with hooks or pierce its nose with a snare?
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.