« | Lamentations 5 |
1 "Remember, GOD, all we've been through. Study our plight, the black mark we've made in history.
2 Our precious land has been given to outsiders, our homes to strangers.
3 Orphans we are, not a father in sight, and our mothers no better than widows.
4 We have to pay to drink our own water. Even our firewood comes at a price.
5 We're nothing but slaves, bullied and bowed, worn out and without any rest.
6 We sold ourselves to Assyria and Egypt just to get something to eat.
7 Our parents sinned and are no more, and now we're paying for the wrongs they did.
8 Slaves rule over us; there's no escape from their grip.
9 We risk our lives to gather food in the bandit-infested desert.
10 Our skin has turned black as an oven, dried out like old leather from the famine.
11 Our wives were raped in the streets in Zion, and our virgins in the cities of Judah.
12 They hanged our princes by their hands, dishonored our elders.
13 Strapping young men were put to women's work, mere boys forced to do men's work.
14 The city gate is empty of wise elders. Music from the young is heard no more.
15 All the joy is gone from our hearts. Our dances have turned into dirges.
16 The crown of glory has toppled from our head. Woe! Woe! Would that we'd never sinned!
17 Because of all this we're heartsick; we can't see through the tears.
18 On Mount Zion, wrecked and ruined, jackals pace and prowl.
19 And yet, GOD, you're sovereign still, your throne intact and eternal.
20 So why do you keep forgetting us? Why dump us and leave us like this?
21 Bring us back to you, GOD--we're ready to come back. Give us a fresh start.
22 As it is, you've cruelly disowned us. You've been so very angry with us."
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.