« | Psalm 115 | » |
1 Not for our sake, GOD, no, not for our sake, but for your name's sake, show your glory. Do it on account of your merciful love, do it on account of your faithful ways.
2 Do it so none of the nations can say, "Where now, oh where is their God?"
3 Our God is in heaven doing whatever he wants to do.
4 Their gods are metal and wood, handmade in a basement shop:
5 Carved mouths that can't talk, painted eyes that can't see,
6 Tin ears that can't hear, molded noses that can't smell,
7 Hands that can't grasp, feet that can't walk or run, throats that never utter a sound.
8 Those who make them have become just like them, have become just like the gods they trust.
9 But you, Israel: put your trust in GOD! --trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
10 Clan of Aaron, trust in GOD! --trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
11 You who fear GOD, trust in GOD! --trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!
12 O GOD, remember us and bless us, bless the families of Israel and Aaron.
13 And let GOD bless all who fear GOD-- bless the small, bless the great.
14 Oh, let GOD enlarge your families-- giving growth to you, growth to your children.
15 May you be blessed by GOD, by GOD, who made heaven and earth.
16 The heaven of heavens is for GOD, but he put us in charge of the earth.
17 Dead people can't praise GOD-- not a word to be heard from those buried in the ground.
18 But we bless GOD, oh yes-- we bless him now, we bless him always! Hallelujah!
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.