« | Zechariah 2 | » |
1 Then I looked up and saw a man holding a line for measuring things.
2 I asked him, "Where are you going?" He said to me, "I am going to measure Jerusalem, to see how wide and how long it is."
3 Then the angel who was talking with me left, and another angel came out to meet him.
4 The second angel said to him, "Run and tell that young man, 'Jerusalem will become a city without walls, because there will be so many people and cattle in it.
5 I will be a wall of fire around it,' says the Lord. 'And I will be the glory within it.'
6 "Oh no! Oh no! Run away from Babylon, because I have scattered you like the four winds of heaven," says the Lord.
7 "Oh no, Jerusalem! Escape, you who live right in Babylon."
8 This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: "After he has honored me and sent me against the nations who took your possessions -- because whoever touches you hurts what is precious to me --
9 I will shake my hand against them so that their slaves will rob them." Then you will know that the Lord All-Powerful sent me.
10 "Shout and be glad, Jerusalem. I am coming, and I will live among you," says the Lord.
11 "At that time people from many nations will join with the Lord and will become my people. Then I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord All-Powerful has sent me to you.
12 The Lord will take Judah as his own part of the holy land, and Jerusalem will be his chosen city again.
13 Be silent, everyone, in the presence of the Lord. He is coming out of the holy place where he lives."
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.