« | Numbers 12 | » |
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife (he had married a Cushite).
2 They said, "Is Moses the only one the Lord speaks through? Doesn't he also speak through us?" And the Lord heard this.
3 (Now Moses was very humble. He was the least proud person on earth.)
4 So the Lord suddenly spoke to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, "All three of you come to the Meeting Tent." So they went.
5 The Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance to the Tent. He called to Aaron and Miriam, and they both came near.
6 He said, "Listen to my words: When a prophet is among you, I, the Lord, will show myself to him in visions; I will speak to him in dreams.
7 But this is not true with my servant Moses. I trust him to lead all my people.
8 I speak face to face with him -- clearly, not with hidden meanings. He has even seen the form of the Lord. You should be afraid to speak against my servant Moses."
9 The Lord was very angry with them, and he left.
10 When the cloud lifted from the Tent and Aaron turned toward Miriam, she was as white as snow; she had a skin disease.
11 Aaron said to Moses, "Please, my master, forgive us for our foolish sin.
12 Don't let her be like a baby who is born dead. (Sometimes a baby is born with half of its flesh eaten away.)"
13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, "God, please heal her!"
14 The Lord answered Moses, "If her father had spit in her face, she would have been shamed for seven days, so put her outside the camp for sev-en days. After that, she may come back."
15 So Miriam was put outside of the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she came back.
16 After that, the people left Hazeroth and camped in the Desert of Paran.
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.