« | Psalm 120 | » |
1 A pilgrim song. I'm in trouble. I cry to GOD, desperate for an answer:
2 "Deliver me from the liars, GOD! They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth."
3 Do you know what's next, can you see what's coming, all you barefaced liars?
4 Pointed arrows and burning coals will be your reward.
5 I'm doomed to live in Meshech, cursed with a home in Kedar,
6 My whole life lived camping among quarreling neighbors.
7 I'm all for peace, but the minute I tell them so, they go to war!
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.