« | Micah 6 | » |
1 Now hear what the Lord says: "Get up; plead your case in front of the mountains; let the hills hear your story.
2 Mountains, listen to the Lord's legal case. Foundations of the earth, listen. The Lord has a legal case against his people, and he will accuse Israel."
3 He says, "My people, what did I do to you? How did I make you tired of me? Tell me.
4 I brought you from the land of Egypt and freed you from slavery; I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to you.
5 My people, remember the evil plans of Balak king of Moab and what Balaam son of Beor told Balak. so that you will know the Lord does what is right!"
6 You say, "What can I bring with me when I come before the Lord, when I bow before God on high? Should I come before him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with a thousand male sheep? Will he be pleased with ten thousand rivers of oil? Should I give my first child for the evil I have done? Should I give my very own child for my sin?"
8 The Lord has told you, human, what is good; he has told you what he wants from you: to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your God.
9 The voice of the Lord calls to the city, and the wise person honors him. So pay attention to the rod of punishment; pay attention to the One who threatens to punish.
10 Are there still in the wicked house wicked treasures and the cursed false measure?
11 Can I forgive people who cheat others with wrong weights and scales?
12 The rich people of the city do cruel things. Its people tell lies; they do not tell the truth.
13 As for me, I will make you sick. I will attack you, ruining you because of your sins.
14 You will eat, but you won't become full; you will still be hungry and empty. You will store up, but save nothing, and what you store up, the sword will destroy.
15 You will plant, but you won't harvest. You will step on your olives, but you won't get any oil from them. You will crush the grapes, but you will not drink the new wine.
16 This is because you obey the laws of King Omri and do all the things that Ahab's family does; you follow their advice. So I will let you be destroyed. The people in your city will be laughed at, and other nations will make fun of you.
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.