« | Philippians 4 |
1 My dear brothers and sisters, I love you and want to see you. You bring me joy and make me proud of you, so stand strong in the Lord as I have told you.
2 I ask Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
3 And I ask you, my faithful friend, to help these women. They served with me in telling the Good News, together with Clement and others who worked with me, whose names are written in the book of life.
4 Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.
5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon.
6 Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for every- thing you need, always giving thanks.
7 And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.
9 Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.
10 I am very happy in the Lord that you have shown your care for me again. You continued to care about me, but there was no way for you to show it.
11 I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens.
12 I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough.
13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
14 But it was good that you helped me when I needed it.
15 You Philippians remember when I first preached the Good News there. When I left Macedonia, you were the only church that gave me help.
16 Several times you sent me things I needed when I was in Thessalonica.
17 Really, it is not that I want to receive gifts from you, but I want you to have the good that comes from giving.
18 And now I have everything, and more. I have all I need, because Epaphroditus brought your gift to me. It is like a sweet-smelling sacrifice offered to God, who accepts that sacrifice and is pleased with it.
19 My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.
20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.
21 Greet each of God's people in Christ. Those who are with me send greetings to you.
22 All of God's people greet you, particularly those from the palace of Caesar.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
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.