« | Psalm 118 | » |
1 Thank GOD because he's good, because his love never quits.
2 Tell the world, Israel, "His love never quits."
3 And you, clan of Aaron, tell the world, "His love never quits."
4 And you who fear GOD, join in, "His love never quits."
5 Pushed to the wall, I called to GOD; from the wide open spaces, he answered.
6 GOD's now at my side and I'm not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?
7 GOD's my strong champion; I flick off my enemies like flies.
8 Far better to take refuge in GOD than trust in people;
9 Far better to take refuge in GOD than trust in celebrities.
10 Hemmed in by barbarians, in GOD's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
11 Hemmed in and with no way out, in GOD's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
12 Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in; in GOD's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
13 I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when GOD grabbed and held me.
14 GOD's my strength, he's also my song, and now he's my salvation.
15 Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? "The hand of GOD has turned the tide!
16 The hand of GOD is raised in victory! The hand of GOD has turned the tide!"
17 I didn't die. I lived! And now I'm telling the world what GOD did.
18 GOD tested me, he pushed me hard, but he didn't hand me over to Death.
19 Swing wide the city gates--the righteous gates! I'll walk right through and thank GOD!
20 This Temple Gate belongs to GOD, so the victors can enter and praise.
21 Thank you for responding to me; you've truly become my salvation!
22 The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone!
23 This is GOD's work. We rub our eyes--we can hardly believe it!
24 This is the very day GOD acted-- let's celebrate and be festive!
25 Salvation now, GOD. Salvation now! Oh yes, GOD--a free and full life!
26 Blessed are you who enter in GOD's name-- from GOD's house we bless you!
27 GOD is God, he has bathed us in light. Festoon the shrine with garlands, hang colored banners above the altar!
28 You're my God, and I thank you. O my God, I lift high your praise.
29 Thank GOD--he's so good. His love never quits!
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.