« | Job 13 | » |
1 "Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.
2 I know as much as you do. You are no better than I am.
3 As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.
4 As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks.
5 If only you could be silent! That's the wisest thing you could do.
6 Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments.
7 "Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
8 Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God's case for him?
9 What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
10 No, you will be in trouble with him if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
11 Doesn't his majesty terrify you? Doesn't your fear of him overwhelm you?
12 Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.
13 "Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences.
14 Yes, I will take my life in my hands and say what I really think.
15 God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
16 But this is what will save me-- I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.
17 "Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out.
18 I have prepared my case; I will be proved innocent.
19 Who can argue with me over this? And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die.
20 "O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you.
21 Remove your heavy hand from me, and don't terrify me with your awesome presence.
22 Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply.
23 Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin.
24 Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?
25 Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? Would you chase dry straw?
26 "You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth.
27 You put my feet in stocks. You examine all my paths. You trace all my footprints.
28 I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.
The New Living Translation (NLT)
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a modern English translation of the Bible that aims to make the Scriptures accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. First published in 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, the NLT was conceived as an effort to create a translation that combines both accuracy and readability. Unlike many other translations that focus on a word-for-word rendering of the original texts, the NLT employs a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, also known as dynamic equivalence. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and message of the original texts in a way that is natural and understandable in modern English.
One of the defining features of the NLT is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators, a team of over 90 evangelical scholars, aimed to create a text that would be approachable for a wide audience, including those who may find traditional translations challenging to read. The NLT’s language is contemporary and conversational, making it particularly effective for public reading, teaching, and personal study. This emphasis on readability helps ensure that the profound messages of the Bible are easily grasped and retained by readers from various backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge.
The NLT also incorporates a rich array of study aids designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These include book introductions, footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. These features are particularly useful for readers who seek a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their application to modern life. The translation also includes clear and concise headings that help guide readers through the narrative and thematic structure of each book, making it easier to follow and comprehend the overall message.
Despite its many strengths, the New Living Translation has faced some criticism, particularly from those who favor more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while making the text more readable, can sometimes result in a loss of the precise nuances and literary qualities of the original languages. Some scholars believe that certain theological concepts might be oversimplified in the process of making the text more accessible. Nevertheless, the NLT remains one of the most popular and widely used translations today, valued for its readability, clarity, and ability to convey the timeless truths of the Bible in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.