« | Job 6 | » |
1 Then Job answered:
2 "I wish my suffering could be weighed and my misery put on scales.
3 My sadness would be heavier than the sand of the seas. No wonder my words seem careless.
4 The arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks in their poison; God's terrors are gathered against me.
5 A wild donkey does not bray when it has grass to eat, and an ox is quiet when it has feed.
6 Tasteless food is not eaten without salt, and there is no flavor in the white of an egg.
7 I refuse to touch it; such food makes me sick.
8 "How I wish that I might have what I ask for and that God would give me what I hope for.
9 How I wish God would crush me and reach out his hand to destroy me.
10 Then I would have this comfort and be glad even in this unending pain, because I would know I did not reject the words of the Holy One.
11 "I do not have the strength to wait. There is nothing to hope for, so why should I be patient?
12 I do not have the strength of stone; my flesh is not bronze.
13 I have no power to help myself, because success has been taken away from me.
14 "They say, 'A man's friends should be kind to him when he is in trouble, even if he stops fearing the Almighty.'
15 But my brothers cannot be counted on. They are like streams that do not always flow, streams that sometimes run over.
16 They are made dark by melting ice and rise with melting snow.
17 But they stop flowing in the dry season; they disappear when it is hot.
18 Travelers turn away from their paths and go into the desert and die.
19 The groups of travelers from Tema look for water, and the traders of Sheba look hopefully.
20 They are upset because they had been sure; when they arrive, they are disappointed.
21 You also have been no help. You see something terrible, and you are afraid.
22 I have never said, 'Give me a gift. Use your wealth to pay my debt.
23 Save me from the enemy's power. Buy me back from the clutches of cruel people.'
24 "Teach me, and I will be quiet. Show me where I have been wrong.
25 Honest words are painful, but your arguments prove nothing.
26 Do you mean to correct what I say? Will you treat the words of a troubled man as if they were only wind?
27 You would even gamble for orphans and would trade away your friend.
28 "But now please look at me. I would not lie to your face.
29 Change your mind; do not be unfair; think again, because my innocence is being questioned.
30 What I am saying is not wicked; I can tell the difference between right and wrong.
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.