« | Psalm 103 | » |
1 A David psalm. O my soul, bless GOD. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
2 O my soul, bless GOD, don't forget a single blessing!
3 He forgives your sins--every one. He heals your diseases--every one.
4 He redeems you from hell--saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy--a paradise crown.
5 He wraps you in goodness--beauty eternal. He renews your youth--you're always young in his presence.
6 GOD makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.
7 He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel.
8 GOD is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love.
9 He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever.
10 He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
11 As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him.
12 And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins.
13 As parents feel for their children, GOD feels for those who fear him.
14 He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
15 Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
16 But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here.
17 GOD's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children
18 as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said.
19 GOD has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He's the King!
20 So bless GOD, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says.
21 Bless GOD, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills.
22 Bless GOD, all creatures, wherever you are-- everything and everyone made by GOD. And you, O my soul, bless GOD!
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.