« | Joshua 16 | » |
1 The allotment for Joseph began at the Jordan of Jericho, east of the waters of Jericho, and went up from there through the desert into the hill country of Bethel.
2 It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz), crossed over to the territory of the Arkites in Ataroth,
3 descended westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the region of Lower Beth Horon and on to Gezer, ending at the sea.
4 So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.
5 This was the territory of Ephraim, clan by clan: The boundary of their inheritance went from Ataroth Addar in the east to Upper Beth Horon
6 and continued to the sea. From Micmethath on the north it curved eastward to Taanath Shiloh, passing by it to Janoah on the east.
7 Then it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho and came out at the Jordan.
8 From Tappuah the border went west to the Kanah Ravine and ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the Ephraimites, clan by clan.
9 It also included all the towns and their villages that were set aside for the Ephraimites within the inheritance of the Manassites.
10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
The New International Version (NIV)
The New International Version (NIV) is one of the most widely read and respected modern English translations of the Bible. First published in 1978 by the International Bible Society, the NIV was created by a diverse team of over 100 evangelical scholars from various denominations. The goal of the NIV was to produce a Bible translation that balanced readability, accuracy, and faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. This makes the NIV an ideal choice for both personal study and public worship, appealing to a broad audience across different Christian traditions.
A key feature of the NIV is its use of a balanced translation philosophy known as "optimal equivalence." This approach combines aspects of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) to provide a translation that is both accurate and easily understandable. The translators carefully considered the context and meaning of the original texts, striving to convey their messages in clear, contemporary English. This balance ensures that the NIV remains faithful to the original languages while being accessible to modern readers, making it a versatile and widely accepted translation.
The NIV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the Bible. These include comprehensive cross-references, footnotes, and introductions to each book that provide historical and cultural context. Additionally, the NIV is available in numerous editions and formats, including study Bibles, devotional Bibles, and children’s Bibles, catering to different needs and preferences. The widespread availability and extensive resources associated with the NIV make it a valuable tool for both individual study and group teaching.