« | Genesis 12 | » |
1 The LORD said to Abram, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's home, and go to a land that I am going to show you.
2 I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, But I will curse those who curse you. And through you I will bless all the nations."
4 When Abram was seventy-five years old, he started out from Haran, as the LORD had told him to do; and Lot went with him.
5 Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the wealth and all the slaves they had acquired in Haran, and they started out for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan,
6 Abram traveled through the land until he came to the sacred tree of Moreh, the holy place at Shechem. (At that time the Canaanites were still living in the land.)
7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "This is the country that I am going to give to your descendants." Then Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
8 After that, he moved on south to the hill country east of the city of Bethel and set up his camp between Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There also he built an altar and worshiped the LORD.
9 Then he moved on from place to place, going toward the southern part of Canaan.
10 But there was a famine in Canaan, and it was so bad that Abram went farther south to Egypt, to live there for a while.
11 When he was about to cross the border into Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "You are a beautiful woman.
12 When the Egyptians see you, they will assume that you are my wife, and so they will kill me and let you live.
13 Tell them that you are my sister; then because of you they will let me live and treat me well."
14 When he crossed the border into Egypt, the Egyptians did see that his wife was beautiful.
15 Some of the court officials saw her and told the king how beautiful she was; so she was taken to his palace.
16 Because of her the king treated Abram well and gave him flocks of sheep and goats, cattle, donkeys, slaves, and camels.
17 But because the king had taken Sarai, the LORD sent terrible diseases on him and on the people of his palace.
18 Then the king sent for Abram and asked him, "What have you done to me? Why didn't you tell me that she was your wife?
19 Why did you say that she was your sister, and let me take her as my wife? Here is your wife; take her and get out!"
20 The king gave orders to his men, so they took Abram and put him out of the country, together with his wife and everything he owned.
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.