« | Deuteronomy 27 | » |
1 Then Moses and the leaders of Israel gave this charge to the people: "Obey all these commands that I am giving you today.
2 When you cross the Jordan River and enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster.
3 Write this whole body of instruction on them when you cross the river to enter the land the LORD your God is giving you-- a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
4 When you cross the Jordan, set up these stones at Mount Ebal and coat them with plaster, as I am commanding you today.
5 "Then build an altar there to the LORD your God, using natural, uncut stones. You must not shape the stones with an iron tool.
6 Build the altar of uncut stones, and use it to offer burnt offerings to the LORD your God.
7 Also sacrifice peace offerings on it, and celebrate by feasting there before the LORD your God.
8 You must clearly write all these instructions on the stones coated with plaster."
9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests addressed all Israel as follows: "O Israel, be quiet and listen! Today you have become the people of the LORD your God.
10 So you must obey the LORD your God by keeping all these commands and decrees that I am giving you today."
11 That same day Moses also gave this charge to the people:
12 "When you cross the Jordan River, the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin must stand on Mount Gerizim to proclaim a blessing over the people.
13 And the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali must stand on Mount Ebal to proclaim a curse.
14 "Then the Levites will shout to all the people of Israel:
15 'Cursed is anyone who carves or casts an idol and secretly sets it up. These idols, the work of craftsmen, are detestable to the LORD.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
16 'Cursed is anyone who dishonors father or mother.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
17 'Cursed is anyone who steals property from a neighbor by moving a boundary marker.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
18 'Cursed is anyone who leads a blind person astray on the road.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
19 'Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
20 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with one of his father's wives, for he has violated his father.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
21 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with an animal.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
22 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with his sister, whether she is the daughter of his father or his mother.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
23 'Cursed is anyone who has sexual intercourse with his mother-in-law.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
24 'Cursed is anyone who attacks a neighbor in secret.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
25 'Cursed is anyone who accepts payment to kill an innocent person.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
26 'Cursed is anyone who does not affirm and obey the terms of these instructions.' And all the people will reply, 'Amen.'
The New Living Translation (NLT)
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a modern English translation of the Bible that aims to make the Scriptures accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. First published in 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, the NLT was conceived as an effort to create a translation that combines both accuracy and readability. Unlike many other translations that focus on a word-for-word rendering of the original texts, the NLT employs a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, also known as dynamic equivalence. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and message of the original texts in a way that is natural and understandable in modern English.
One of the defining features of the NLT is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators, a team of over 90 evangelical scholars, aimed to create a text that would be approachable for a wide audience, including those who may find traditional translations challenging to read. The NLT’s language is contemporary and conversational, making it particularly effective for public reading, teaching, and personal study. This emphasis on readability helps ensure that the profound messages of the Bible are easily grasped and retained by readers from various backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge.
The NLT also incorporates a rich array of study aids designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These include book introductions, footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. These features are particularly useful for readers who seek a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their application to modern life. The translation also includes clear and concise headings that help guide readers through the narrative and thematic structure of each book, making it easier to follow and comprehend the overall message.
Despite its many strengths, the New Living Translation has faced some criticism, particularly from those who favor more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while making the text more readable, can sometimes result in a loss of the precise nuances and literary qualities of the original languages. Some scholars believe that certain theological concepts might be oversimplified in the process of making the text more accessible. Nevertheless, the NLT remains one of the most popular and widely used translations today, valued for its readability, clarity, and ability to convey the timeless truths of the Bible in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.