« | Psalm 98 | » |
1 Sing to GOD a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders! He rolled up his sleeves, He set things right.
2 GOD made history with salvation, He showed the world what he could do.
3 He remembered to love us, a bonus To his dear family, Israel--indefatigable love. The whole earth comes to attention. Look--God's work of salvation!
4 Shout your praises to GOD, everybody! Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
5 Round up an orchestra to play for GOD, Add on a hundred-voice choir.
6 Feature trumpets and big trombones, Fill the air with praises to King GOD.
7 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause, With everything living on earth joining in.
8 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!" And mountains harmonize the finale--
9 A tribute to GOD when he comes, When he comes to set the earth right. He'll straighten out the whole world, He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.
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.