« | Deuteronomy 13 | » |
1 "Prophets or interpreters of dreams may promise a miracle or a wonder,
2 in order to lead you to worship and serve gods that you have not worshiped before. Even if what they promise comes true,
3 do not pay any attention to them. The LORD your God is using them to test you, to see if you love the LORD with all your heart.
4 Follow the LORD and honor him; obey him and keep his commands; worship him and be faithful to him.
5 But put to death any interpreters of dreams or prophets that tell you to rebel against the LORD, who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. Such people are evil and are trying to lead you away from the life that the LORD has commanded you to live. They must be put to death, in order to rid yourselves of this evil.
6 "Even your brother or your son or your daughter or the wife you love or your closest friend may secretly encourage you to worship other gods, gods that you and your ancestors have never worshiped.
7 Some of them may encourage you to worship the gods of the people who live near you or the gods of those who live far away.
8 But do not let any of them persuade you; do not even listen to them. Show them no mercy or pity, and do not protect them.
9 Kill them! Be the first to stone them, and then let everyone else stone them too.
10 Stone them to death! They tried to lead you away from the LORD your God, who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves.
11 Then all the people of Israel will hear what happened; they will be afraid, and no one will ever again do such an evil thing.
12 "When you are living in the towns that the LORD your God gives you, you may hear
13 that some worthless people of your nation have misled the people of their town to worship gods that you have never worshiped before.
14 If you hear such a rumor, investigate it thoroughly; and if it is true that this evil thing did happen,
15 then kill all the people in that town and all their livestock too. Destroy that town completely.
16 Bring together all the possessions of the people who live there and pile them up in the town square. Then burn the town and everything in it as an offering to the LORD your God. It must be left in ruins forever and never again be rebuilt.
17 Do not keep for yourselves anything that was condemned to destruction, and then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and show you mercy. He will be merciful to you and make you a numerous people, as he promised your ancestors,
18 if you obey all his commands that I have given you today, and do what he requires.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.