« | Psalm 91 | » |
1 You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
2 Say this: "GOD, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!"
3 That's right--he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards.
4 His huge outstretched arms protect you-- under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.
5 Fear nothing--not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day,
6 Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon.
7 Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you.
8 You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.
9 Yes, because GOD's your refuge, the High God your very own home,
10 Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door.
11 He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go.
12 If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling.
13 You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
14 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.
15 Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
16 I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"
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.