« | Zechariah 9 | » |
1 This message is the word of the Lord. and the city of Damascus. belong to the Lord.
2 The message is also against the city of Hamath, on the border, and against Tyre and Sidon, with their skill.
3 Tyre has built a strong wall for herself. She has piled up silver like dust and gold like the mud in the streets.
4 But the Lord will take away all she has and destroy her power on the sea. That city will be destroyed by fire.
5 The city of Ashkelon will see it and be afraid. The people of Gaza will shake with fear, and the people of Ekron will lose hope. No king will be left in Gaza, and no one will live in Ashkelon anymore.
6 Foreigners will live in Ashdod, and I will destroy the pride of the Philistines.
7 I will stop them from drinking blood and from eating forbidden food. Those left alive will belong to God. They will be leaders in Judah, and Ekron will become like the Jebusites.
8 I will protect my Temple from armies who would come or go. No one will hurt my people again, because now I am watching them.
9 Rejoice greatly, people of Jerusalem! Shout for joy, people of Jerusalem! Your king is coming to you. He does what is right, and he saves. He is gentle and riding on a donkey, on the colt of a donkey.
10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the horses from Jerusalem. The bows used in war will be broken. The king will talk to the nations about peace. His kingdom will go from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.
11 As for you, because of the blood of the agreement with you I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
12 You prisoners who have hope, return to your place of safety. Today I am telling you that I will give you back twice as much as before.
13 I will use Judah like a bow and Ephraim like the arrows. Jerusalem, I will use your men to fight the men of Greece. I will use you like a warrior's sword.
14 Then the Lord will appear above them, and his arrows will shoot like lightning. The Lord God will blow the trumpet, and he will march in the storms of the south.
15 The Lord All-Powerful will protect them; they will destroy the enemy with slingshots. They will drink and shout like drunk men. They will be filled like a bowl used for sprinkling blood at the corners of the altar.
16 On that day the Lord their God will save them as if his people were sheep. They will shine in his land like jewels in a crown.
17 They will be so pretty and beautiful. The young men will grow strong on the grain and the young women on new wine.
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.