« | Job 6 | » |
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 "Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder?
6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow?
7 My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me.
8 "Oh that I might have my request, and that God would fulfill my hope,
9 that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!
10 This would be my comfort; I would even exult in pain unsparing, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
13 Have I any help in me, when resource is driven from me?
14 "He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as torrential streams that pass away,
16 which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself.
17 When they melt, they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place.
18 The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope.
20 They are ashamed because they were confident; they come there and are disappointed.
21 For you have now become nothing; you see my calamity and are afraid.
22 Have I said, 'Make me a gift'? Or, 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me'?
23 Or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand'? Or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless'?
24 "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.
25 How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove?
26 Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind?
27 You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend.
28 "But now, be pleased to look at me, for I will not lie to your face.
29 Please turn; let no injustice be done. Turn now; my vindication is at stake.
30 Is there any injustice on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity?
The English Standard Version (ESV)
The English Standard Version (ESV) is a prominent Bible translation that strives to balance word-for-word accuracy with readability. First published in 2001 by Crossway, the ESV was developed by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors. It aims to provide a faithful rendering of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts while maintaining the literary quality and stylistic beauty of the English language. This translation approach makes the ESV suitable for both personal study and public worship.
A key feature of the ESV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or essentially literal translation philosophy. This method prioritizes a close correspondence between the original languages and the English text, ensuring that the translation remains as true as possible to the original words and structures. The ESV translators worked meticulously to preserve the nuances and intricacies of the biblical languages, while also striving for clarity and smoothness in English. This balance makes the ESV highly regarded for its accuracy and readability.
The ESV is also known for its use in academic and scholarly settings. Its rigorous translation process and commitment to textual fidelity make it a reliable resource for in-depth Bible study and theological research. The translation includes extensive footnotes and cross-references that provide additional context and insights, helping readers to understand the historical, cultural, and linguistic background of the scriptures. The ESV’s clear and precise language has made it a preferred choice for pastors, scholars, and serious students of the Bible.
Despite its many strengths, the ESV has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s formal equivalence approach can sometimes result in a text that is overly rigid and less fluid than more dynamic translations. Others have raised concerns about gender-specific language in the ESV, suggesting that it may not be as inclusive as some other modern translations. Nonetheless, the English Standard Version remains a highly respected and widely used translation, valued for its accuracy, readability, and commitment to preserving the original meaning of the biblical texts.