« | Genesis 13 | » |
1 Abram went north out of Egypt to the southern part of Canaan with his wife and everything he owned, and Lot went with him.
2 Abram was a very rich man, with sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as silver and gold.
3 Then he left there and moved from place to place, going toward Bethel. He reached the place between Bethel and Ai where he had camped before
4 and had built an altar. There he worshiped the LORD.
5 Lot also had sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as his own family and servants.
6 And so there was not enough pasture land for the two of them to stay together, because they had too many animals.
7 So quarrels broke out between the men who took care of Abram's animals and those who took care of Lot's animals. (At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were still living in the land.)
8 Then Abram said to Lot, "We are relatives, and your men and my men shouldn't be quarreling.
9 So let's separate. Choose any part of the land you want. You go one way, and I'll go the other."
10 Lot looked around and saw that the whole Jordan Valley, all the way to Zoar, had plenty of water, like the Garden of the LORD or like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD had destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.)
11 So Lot chose the whole Jordan Valley for himself and moved away toward the east. That is how the two men parted.
12 Abram stayed in the land of Canaan, and Lot settled among the cities in the valley and camped near Sodom,
13 whose people were wicked and sinned against the LORD.
14 After Lot had left, the LORD said to Abram, "From where you are, look carefully in all directions.
15 I am going to give you and your descendants all the land that you see, and it will be yours forever.
16 I am going to give you so many descendants that no one will be able to count them all; it would be as easy to count all the specks of dust on earth!
17 Now, go and look over the whole land, because I am going to give it all to you."
18 So Abram moved his camp and settled near the sacred trees of Mamre at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.
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.