« | Jonah 2 | » |
1 While Jonah was inside the fish, he prayed to the Lord his God and said,
2 "When I was in danger, I called to the Lord, and he answered me. I was about to die, so I cried to you, and you heard my voice.
3 You threw me into the sea, down, down into the deep sea. The water was all around me, and your powerful waves flowed over me.
4 I said, 'I was driven out of your presence, but I hope to see your Holy Temple again.'
5 The waters of the sea closed around my throat. The deep sea was all around me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 When I went down to where the mountains of the sea start to rise, I thought I was locked in this prison forever, but you saved me from the pit of death, Lord my God.
7 "When my life had almost gone, I remembered the Lord. I prayed to you, and you heard my prayers in your Holy Temple.
8 "People who worship useless idols give up their loyalty to you.
9 But I will praise and thank you while I give sacrifices to you, and I will keep my promises to you.
10 Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and the fish threw up Jonah onto the dry land.
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.