« | Exodus 20 | » |
1 God spoke, and these were his words:
2 "I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves.
3 "Worship no god but me.
4 "Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth.
5 Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the LORD your God and I tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation.
6 But I show my love to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my laws.
7 "Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name.
8 "Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.
9 You have six days in which to do your work,
10 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work---neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country.
11 In six days I, the LORD, made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I, the LORD, blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.
12 "Respect your father and your mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you.
13 "Do not commit murder.
14 "Do not commit adultery.
15 "Do not steal.
16 "Do not accuse anyone falsely.
17 "Do not desire another man's house; do not desire his wife, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns."
18 When the people heard the thunder and the trumpet blast and saw the lightning and the smoking mountain, they trembled with fear and stood a long way off.
19 They said to Moses, "If you speak to us, we will listen; but we are afraid that if God speaks to us, we will die."
20 Moses replied, "Don't be afraid; God has only come to test you and make you keep on obeying him, so that you will not sin."
21 But the people continued to stand a long way off, and only Moses went near the dark cloud where God was.
22 The LORD commanded Moses to tell the Israelites: "You have seen how I, the LORD, have spoken to you from heaven.
23 Do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gold to be worshiped in addition to me.
24 Make an altar of earth for me, and on it sacrifice your sheep and your cattle as offerings to be completely burned and as fellowship offerings. In every place that I set aside for you to worship me, I will come to you and bless you.
25 If you make an altar of stone for me, do not build it out of cut stones, because when you use a chisel on stones, you make them unfit for my use.
26 Do not build an altar for me with steps leading up to it; if you do, you will expose yourselves as you go up the steps.
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.