« | Genesis 6 | » |
1 When people had spread all over the world, and daughters were being born,
2 some of the heavenly beings saw that these young women were beautiful, so they took the ones they liked.
3 Then the LORD said, "I will not allow people to live forever; they are mortal. From now on they will live no longer than 120 years."
4 In those days, and even later, there were giants on the earth who were descendants of human women and the heavenly beings. They were the great heroes and famous men of long ago.
5 When the LORD saw how wicked everyone on earth was and how evil their thoughts were all the time,
6 he was sorry that he had ever made them and put them on the earth. He was so filled with regret
7 that he said, "I will wipe out these people I have created, and also the animals and the birds, because I am sorry that I made any of them."
8 But the LORD was pleased with Noah.
9 This is the story of Noah. He had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Noah had no faults and was the only good man of his time. He lived in fellowship with God,
10 (SEE 6:9)
11 but everyone else was evil in God's sight, and violence had spread everywhere.
12 God looked at the world and saw that it was evil, for the people were all living evil lives.
13 God said to Noah, "I have decided to put an end to all people. I will destroy them completely, because the world is full of their violent deeds.
14 Build a boat for yourself out of good timber; make rooms in it and cover it with tar inside and out.
15 Make it 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high.
16 Make a roof for the boat and leave a space of 18 inches between the roof and the sides. Build it with three decks and put a door in the side.
17 I am going to send a flood on the earth to destroy every living being. Everything on the earth will die,
18 but I will make a covenant with you. Go into the boat with your wife, your sons, and their wives.
19 Take into the boat with you a male and a female of every kind of animal and of every kind of bird, in order to keep them alive.
20 (SEE 6:19)
21 Take along all kinds of food for you and for them."
22 Noah did everything that God commanded.
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.