« | Luke 21 | » |
1 As Jesus looked up, he saw some rich people putting their gifts into the Temple money box.
2 Then he saw a poor widow putting two small copper coins into the box.
3 He said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow gave more than all those rich people.
4 They gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on."
5 Some people were talking about the Temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts offered to God. But Jesus said,
6 "As for these things you are looking at, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another. Every stone will be thrown down."
7 They asked Jesus, "Teacher, when will these things happen? What will be the sign that they are about to take place?"
8 Jesus said, "Be careful so you are not fooled. Many people will come in my name, saying, 'I am the One' and, 'The time has come!' But don't follow them.
9 When you hear about wars and riots, don't be afraid, because these things must happen first, but the end will come later."
10 Then he said to them, "Nations will fight against other nations, and kingdoms against other kingdoms.
11 In various places there will be great earthquakes, sicknesses, and a lack of food. Fearful events and great signs will come from heaven.
12 But before all these things happen, people will arrest you and treat you cruelly. They will judge you in their synagogues and put you in jail and force you to stand before kings and governors, because you follow me.
13 But this will give you an opportunity to tell about me.
14 Make up your minds not to worry ahead of time about what you will say.
15 I will give you the wisdom to say things that none of your enemies will be able to stand against or prove wrong.
16 Even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will turn against you, and they will kill some of you.
17 All people will hate you because you follow me.
18 But none of these things can really harm you.
19 By continuing to have faith you will save your lives.
20 When you see armies all around Jerusalem, you will know it will soon be destroyed.
21 At that time, the people in Judea should run away to the mountains. The people in Jerusalem must get out, and those who are near the city should not go in.
22 These are the days of punishment to bring about all that is written in the Scriptures.
23 How terrible it will be for women who are pregnant or have nursing babies! Great trouble will come upon this land, and God will be angry with these people.
24 They will be killed by the sword and taken as prisoners to all nations. Jerusalem will be crushed by non-Jewish people until their time is over.
25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On earth, nations will be afraid and confused because of the roar and fury of the sea.
26 People will be so afraid they will faint, wondering what is happening to the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 When these things begin to happen, look up and hold your heads high, because the time when God will free you is near!"
29 Then Jesus told this story: "Look at the fig tree and all the other trees.
30 When their leaves appear, you know that summer is near.
31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that God's kingdom is near.
32 I tell you the truth, all these things will happen while the people of this time are still living.
33 Earth and sky will be destroyed, but the words I have spoken will never be destroyed.
34 Be careful not to spend your time feasting, drinking, or worrying about worldly things. If you do, that day might come on you suddenly,
35 like a trap on all people on earth.
36 So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen and that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man."
37 During the day, Jesus taught the people in the Temple, and at night he went out of the city and stayed on the Mount of Olives.
38 Every morning all the people got up early to go to the Temple to listen to him.
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.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.