« | Psalm 94 | » |
1 GOD, put an end to evil; avenging God, show your colors!
2 Judge of the earth, take your stand; throw the book at the arrogant.
3 GOD, the wicked get away with murder-- how long will you let this go on?
4 They brag and boast and crow about their crimes!
5 They walk all over your people, GOD, exploit and abuse your precious people.
6 They take out anyone who gets in their way; if they can't use them, they kill them.
7 They think, "GOD isn't looking, Jacob's God is out to lunch."
8 Well, think again, you idiots, fools--how long before you get smart?
9 Do you think Ear-Maker doesn't hear, Eye-Shaper doesn't see?
10 Do you think the trainer of nations doesn't correct, the teacher of Adam doesn't know?
11 GOD knows, all right-- knows your stupidity, sees your shallowness.
12 How blessed the man you train, GOD, the woman you instruct in your Word,
13 Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil, while a jail is being built for the wicked.
14 GOD will never walk away from his people, never desert his precious people.
15 Rest assured that justice is on its way and every good heart put right.
16 Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers?
17 If GOD hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it.
18 The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, GOD, took hold and held me fast.
19 When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.
20 Can Misrule have anything in common with you? Can Troublemaker pretend to be on your side?
21 They ganged up on good people, plotted behind the backs of the innocent.
22 But GOD became my hideout, God was my high mountain retreat,
23 Then boomeranged their evil back on them: for their evil ways he wiped them out, our GOD cleaned them out for good.
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.