« | Matthew 28 |
1 The day after the Sabbath day was the first day of the week. At dawn on the first day, Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 At that time there was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, went to the tomb, and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on the stone.
3 He was shining as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
4 The soldiers guarding the tomb shook with fear because of the angel, and they became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified.
6 He is not here. He has risen from the dead as he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was.
7 And go quickly and tell his followers, 'Jesus has risen from the dead. He is going into Galilee ahead of you, and you will see him there.'" Then the angel said, "Now I have told you."
8 The women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell Jesus' followers what had happened.
9 Suddenly, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings." The women came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go and tell my followers to go on to Galilee, and they will see me there."
11 While the women went to tell Jesus' followers, some of the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb went into the city to tell the leading priests everything that had happened.
12 Then the priests met with the older Jewish leaders and made a plan. They paid the soldiers a large amount of money
13 and said to them, "Tell the people that Jesus' followers came during the night and stole the body while you were asleep.
14 If the governor hears about this, we will satisfy him and save you from trouble."
15 So the soldiers kept the money and did as they were told. And that story is still spread among the Jewish people even today.
16 The eleven followers went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 On the mountain they saw Jesus and worshiped him, but some of them did not believe it was really Jesus.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All power in heaven and on earth is given to me.
19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age."
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.