« | Genesis 39 | » |
1 Now the Ishmaelites had taken Joseph to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, one of the king's officers, who was the captain of the palace guard.
2 The LORD was with Joseph and made him successful. He lived in the house of his Egyptian master,
3 who saw that the LORD was with Joseph and had made him successful in everything he did.
4 Potiphar was pleased with him and made him his personal servant; so he put him in charge of his house and everything he owned.
5 From then on, because of Joseph the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian and everything that he had in his house and in his fields.
6 Potiphar turned over everything he had to the care of Joseph and did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Joseph was well-built and good-looking,
7 and after a while his master's wife began to desire Joseph and asked him to go to bed with her.
8 He refused and said to her, "Look, my master does not have to concern himself with anything in the house, because I am here. He has put me in charge of everything he has.
9 I have as much authority in this house as he has, and he has not kept back anything from me except you. How then could I do such an immoral thing and sin against God?"
10 Although she asked Joseph day after day, he would not go to bed with her.
11 But one day when Joseph went into the house to do his work, none of the house servants was there.
12 She caught him by his robe and said, "Come to bed with me." But he escaped and ran outside, leaving his robe in her hand.
13 When she saw that he had left his robe and had run out of the house,
14 she called to her house servants and said, "Look at this! This Hebrew that my husband brought to the house is insulting us. He came into my room and tried to rape me, but I screamed as loud as I could.
15 When he heard me scream, he ran outside, leaving his robe beside me."
16 She kept his robe with her until Joseph's master came home.
17 Then she told him the same story: "That Hebrew slave that you brought here came into my room and insulted me.
18 But when I screamed, he ran outside, leaving his robe beside me."
19 Joseph's master was furious
20 and had Joseph arrested and put in the prison where the king's prisoners were kept, and there he stayed.
21 But the LORD was with Joseph and blessed him, so that the jailer was pleased with him.
22 He put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and made him responsible for everything that was done in the prison.
23 The jailer did not have to look after anything for which Joseph was responsible, because the LORD was with Joseph and made him succeed in everything he did.
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.