« | Leviticus 18 | » |
1 GOD spoke to Moses,
2 "Speak to the People of Israel. Tell them: I am GOD, your God.
3 Don't live like the people of Egypt where you used to live, and don't live like the people of Canaan where I'm bringing you. Don't do what they do.
4 Obey my laws and live by my decrees. I am your GOD.
5 Keep my decrees and laws: The person who obeys them lives by them. I am GOD.
6 "Don't have sex with a close relative. I am GOD.
7 "Don't violate your father by having sex with your mother. She is your mother. Don't have sex with her.
8 "Don't have sex with your father's wife. That violates your father.
9 "Don't have sex with your sister, whether she's your father's daughter or your mother's, whether she was born in the same house or elsewhere.
10 "Don't have sex with your son's daughter or your daughter's daughter. That would violate your own body.
11 "Don't have sex with the daughter of your father's wife born to your father. She is your sister.
12 "Don't have sex with your father's sister; she is your aunt, closely related to your father.
13 "Don't have sex with your mother's sister; she is your aunt, closely related to your mother.
14 "Don't violate your father's brother, your uncle, by having sex with his wife. She is your aunt.
15 "Don't have sex with your daughter-in-law. She is your son's wife; don't have sex with her.
16 "Don't have sex with your brother's wife; that would violate your brother.
17 "Don't have sex with both a woman and her daughter. And don't have sex with her granddaughters either. They are her close relatives. That is wicked.
18 "Don't marry your wife's sister as a rival wife and have sex with her while your wife is living.
19 "Don't have sex with a woman during the time of her menstrual period when she is unclean.
20 "Don't have sex with your neighbor's wife and violate yourself by her.
21 "Don't give any of your children to be burned in sacrifice to the god Molech--an act of sheer blasphemy of your God. I am GOD.
22 "Don't have sex with a man as one does with a woman. That is abhorrent.
23 "Don't have sex with an animal and violate yourself by it. "A woman must not have sex with an animal. That is perverse.
24 "Don't pollute yourself in any of these ways. This is how the nations became polluted, the ones that I am going to drive out of the land before you.
25 Even the land itself became polluted and I punished it for its iniquities--the land vomited up its inhabitants.
26 You must keep my decrees and laws--natives and foreigners both. You must not do any of these abhorrent things.
27 The people who lived in this land before you arrived did all these things and polluted the land.
28 And if you pollute it, the land will vomit you up just as it vomited up the nations that preceded you.
29 "Those who do any of these abhorrent things will be cut off from their people.
30 Keep to what I tell you; don't engage in any of the abhorrent acts that were practiced before you came. Don't pollute yourselves with them. I am GOD, your God."
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.