« | Deuteronomy 19 | » |
1 "After the LORD your God has destroyed the people whose land he is giving you and after you have taken their cities and houses and settled there,
2 divide the territory into three parts, each with a city that can be easily reached. Then any of you that kill will be able to escape to one of them for protection.
3 (SEE 19:2)
4 If you accidentally kill someone who is not your enemy, you may escape to any of these cities and be safe.
5 For example, if two of you go into the forest together to cut wood and if, as one of you is chopping down a tree, the ax head comes off the handle and kills the other, you can run to one of those three cities and be safe.
6 If there were only one city, the distance to it might be too great, and the relative who is responsible for taking revenge for the killing might catch you and angrily kill an innocent person. After all, it was by accident that you killed someone who was not your enemy.
7 This is why I order you to set aside three cities.
8 "When the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he told your ancestors he would, and gives you all the land he has promised,
9 then you are to select three more cities. (He will give you this land if you do everything that I command you today and if you love the LORD your God and live according to his teachings.)
10 Do this, so that innocent people will not die and so that you will not be guilty of putting them to death in the land that the LORD is giving you.
11 "But suppose you deliberately murder your enemy in cold blood and then escape to one of those cities for protection.
12 In that case, the leaders of your own town are to send for you and hand you over to the relative responsible for taking revenge for the murder, so that you may be put to death.
13 No mercy will be shown to you. Israel must rid itself of murderers, so that all will go well.
14 "Do not move your neighbor's property line, established long ago in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
15 "One witness is not enough to convict someone of a crime; at least two witnesses are necessary to prove that someone is guilty.
16 If any of you try to harm another by false accusations,
17 both of you are to go to the one place of worship and be judged by the priests and judges who are then in office.
18 The judges will investigate the case thoroughly; and if you have made a false accusation,
19 you are to receive the punishment the accused would have received. In this way your nation will get rid of this evil.
20 Then everyone else will hear what happened; they will be afraid, and no one will ever again do such an evil thing.
21 In such cases show no mercy; the punishment is to be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.
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.