« | Job 7 | » |
1 "Human life is a struggle, isn't it? It's a life sentence to hard labor.
2 Like field hands longing for quitting time and working stiffs with nothing to hope for but payday,
3 I'm given a life that meanders and goes nowhere-- months of aimlessness, nights of misery!
4 I go to bed and think, 'How long till I can get up?' I toss and turn as the night drags on--and I'm fed up!
5 I'm covered with maggots and scabs. My skin gets scaly and hard, then oozes with pus.
6 My days come and go swifter than the click of knitting needles, and then the yarn runs out--an unfinished life!
7 "God, don't forget that I'm only a puff of air! These eyes have had their last look at goodness.
8 And your eyes have seen the last of me; even while you're looking, there'll be nothing left to look at.
9 When a cloud evaporates, it's gone for good; those who go to the grave never come back.
10 They don't return to visit their families; never again will friends drop in for coffee.
11 "And so I'm not keeping one bit of this quiet, I'm laying it all out on the table; my complaining to high heaven is bitter, but honest.
12 Are you going to put a muzzle on me, the way you quiet the sea and still the storm?
13 If I say, 'I'm going to bed, then I'll feel better. A little nap will lift my spirits,'
14 You come and so scare me with nightmares and frighten me with ghosts
15 That I'd rather strangle in the bedclothes than face this kind of life any longer.
16 I hate this life! Who needs any more of this? Let me alone! There's nothing to my life--it's nothing but smoke.
17 "What are mortals anyway, that you bother with them, that you even give them the time of day?
18 That you check up on them every morning, looking in on them to see how they're doing?
19 Let up on me, will you? Can't you even let me spit in peace?
20 Even suppose I'd sinned--how would that hurt you? You're responsible for every human being. Don't you have better things to do than pick on me? Why make a federal case out of me?
21 Why don't you just forgive my sins and start me off with a clean slate? The way things are going, I'll soon be dead. You'll look high and low, but I won't be around."
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.