« | Psalm 66 | » |
1 All together now--applause for God!
2 Sing songs to the tune of his glory, set glory to the rhythms of his praise.
3 Say of God, "We've never seen anything like him!" When your enemies see you in action, they slink off like scolded dogs.
4 The whole earth falls to its knees-- it worships you, sings to you, can't stop enjoying your name and fame.
5 Take a good look at God's wonders-- they'll take your breath away.
6 He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot. Now isn't that cause for a song?
7 Ever sovereign in his high tower, he keeps his eye on the godless nations. Rebels don't dare raise a finger against him.
8 Bless our God, O peoples! Give him a thunderous welcome!
9 Didn't he set us on the road to life? Didn't he keep us out of the ditch?
10 He trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires,
11 Brought us into hardscrabble country, pushed us to our very limit,
12 Road-tested us inside and out, took us to hell and back; Finally he brought us to this well-watered place.
13 I'm bringing my prizes and presents to your house. I'm doing what I said I'd do,
14 What I solemnly swore I'd do that day when I was in so much trouble:
15 The choicest cuts of meat for the sacrificial meal; Even the fragrance of roasted lamb is like a meal! Or make it an ox garnished with goat meat!
16 All believers, come here and listen, let me tell you what God did for me.
17 I called out to him with my mouth, my tongue shaped the sounds of music.
18 If I had been cozy with evil, the Lord would never have listened.
19 But he most surely did listen, he came on the double when he heard my prayer.
20 Blessed be God: he didn't turn a deaf ear, he stayed with me, loyal in his love.
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.