« | Genesis 11 | » |
1 At first, the people of the whole world had only one language and used the same words.
2 As they wandered about in the East, they came to a plain in Babylonia and settled there.
3 They said to one another, "Come on! Let's make bricks and bake them hard." So they had bricks to build with and tar to hold them together.
4 They said, "Now let's build a city with a tower that reaches the sky, so that we can make a name for ourselves and not be scattered all over the earth."
5 Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which they had built,
6 and he said, "Now then, these are all one people and they speak one language; this is just the beginning of what they are going to do. Soon they will be able to do anything they want!
7 Let us go down and mix up their language so that they will not understand each other."
8 So the LORD scattered them all over the earth, and they stopped building the city.
9 The city was called Babylon, because there the LORD mixed up the language of all the people, and from there he scattered them all over the earth.
10 These are the descendants of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he had a son, Arpachshad.
11 After that, he lived another 500 years and had other children.
12 When Arpachshad was 35 years old, he had a son, Shelah;
13 after that, he lived another 403 years and had other children.
14 When Shelah was 30 years old, he had a son, Eber;
15 after that, he lived another 403 years and had other children.
16 When Eber was 34 years old, he had a son, Peleg;
17 after that, he lived another 430 years and had other children.
18 When Peleg was 30 years old, he had a son, Reu;
19 after that, he lived another 209 years and had other children.
20 When Reu was 32 years old, he had a son, Serug;
21 after that, he lived another 207 years and had other children.
22 When Serug was 30 years old, he had a son, Nahor;
23 after that, he lived another 200 years and had other children.
24 When Nahor was 29 years old, he had a son, Terah;
25 after that, he lived another 119 years and had other children.
26 After Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
27 These are the descendants of Terah, who was the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran was the father of Lot,
28 and Haran died in his hometown of Ur in Babylonia, while his father was still living.
29 Abram married Sarai, and Nahor married Milcah, the daughter of Haran, who was also the father of Iscah.
30 Sarai was not able to have children.
31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot, who was the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, Abram's wife, and with them he left the city of Ur in Babylonia to go to the land of Canaan. They went as far as Haran and settled there.
32 Terah died there at the age of 205.
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.