« | Numbers 30 | » |
1 Moses spoke with the leaders of the Israelite tribes. He told them these commands from the Lord.
2 "If a man makes a promise to the Lord or says he will do something special, he must keep his promise. He must do what he said.
3 If a young woman still living at home makes a promise to the Lord or pledges to do something special,
4 and if her father hears about the promise or pledge and says nothing, she must do what she promised. She must keep her pledge.
5 But if her father hears about the promise or pledge and does not allow it, then the promise or pledge does not have to be kept. Her father would not allow it, so the Lord will free her from her promise.
6 "If a woman makes a pledge or a careless promise and then gets married,
7 and if her husband hears about it and says nothing, she must keep her promise or the pledge she made.
8 But if her husband hears about it and does not allow it, he cancels her pledge or the careless promise she made. The Lord will free her from keeping it.
9 "If a widow or divorced woman makes a promise, she must do whatever she promised.
10 "If a woman makes a promise or pledge while she is married,
11 and if her husband hears about it but says nothing and does not stop her, she must keep her promise or pledge.
12 But if her husband hears about it and cancels it, she does not have to do what she said. Her husband has canceled it, so the Lord will free her from it.
13 A woman's husband may make her keep or cancel any promise or pledge she has made.
14 If he says nothing to her about it for several days, she must keep her promises. If he hears about them and says nothing, she must keep her promises.
15 But if he cancels them long after he heard about them, he is responsible if she breaks her promise."
16 These are commands that the Lord gave to Moses for husbands and wives, and for fathers with daughters living at home.
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.