« | 2 Timothy 2 | » |
1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.
3 Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life.
5 Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner's crown except by competing according to the rules.
6 The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop.
7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel,
9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.
10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.
11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him;
12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
14 Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose sinceit harms those who listen.
15 Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
16 Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless,
17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have deviated from the truth by saying that (the) resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who are his"; and, "Leteveryone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil."
20 In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use.
21 If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith,love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart.
23 Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels.
24 A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant,
25 correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth,
26 and that they may return to their senses out of the devil's snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will.
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.