« | Job 9 | » |
1 Then Job answered:
2 "Indeed I know that this is so; but how can a mortal be just before God?
3 If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once in a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength-- who has resisted him, and succeeded?--
5 he who removes mountains, and they do not know it, when he overturns them in his anger;
6 who shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble;
7 who commands the sun, and it does not rise; who seals up the stars;
8 who alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the Sea;
9 who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south;
10 who does great things beyond understanding, and marvelous things without number.
11 Look, he passes by me, and I do not see him; he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
12 He snatches away; who can stop him? Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?'
13 "God will not turn back his anger; the helpers of Rahab bowed beneath him.
14 How then can I answer him, choosing my words with him?
15 Though I am innocent, I cannot answer him; I must appeal for mercy to my accuser.
16 If I summoned him and he answered me, I do not believe that he would listen to my voice.
17 For he crushes me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause;
18 he will not let me get my breath, but fills me with bitterness.
19 If it is a contest of strength, he is the strong one! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon him?
20 Though I am innocent, my own mouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.
21 I am blameless; I do not know myself; I loathe my life.
22 It is all one; therefore I say, he destroys both the blameless and the wicked.
23 When disaster brings sudden death, he mocks at the calamity of the innocent.
24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; he covers the eyes of its judges-- if it is not he, who then is it?
25 "My days are swifter than a runner; they flee away, they see no good.
26 They go by like skiffs of reed, like an eagle swooping on the prey.
27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint; I will put off my sad countenance and be of good cheer,'
28 I become afraid of all my suffering, for I know you will not hold me innocent.
29 I shall be condemned; why then do I labor in vain?
30 If I wash myself with soap and cleanse my hands with lye,
31 yet you will plunge me into filth, and my own clothes will abhor me.
32 For he is not a mortal, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together.
33 There is no umpire between us, who might lay his hand on us both.
34 If he would take his rod away from me, and not let dread of him terrify me,
35 then I would speak without fear of him, for I know I am not what I am thought to be.
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.