« | Job 19 | » |
1 Why do you keep tormenting me with words?
2 (SEE 19:1)
3 Time after time you insult me and show no shame for the way you abuse me.
4 Even if I have done wrong, how does that hurt you?
5 You think you are better than I am, and regard my troubles as proof of my guilt.
6 Can't you see it is God who has done this? He has set a trap to catch me.
7 I protest his violence, but no one is listening; no one hears my cry for justice.
8 God has blocked the way, and I can't get through; he has hidden my path in darkness.
9 He has taken away all my wealth and destroyed my reputation.
10 He batters me from every side. He uproots my hope and leaves me to wither and die.
11 God is angry and rages against me; he treats me like his worst enemy.
12 He sends his army to attack me; they dig trenches and lay siege to my tent.
13 God has made my own family forsake me; I am a stranger to those who knew me;
14 my relatives and friends are gone.
15 Those who were guests in my house have forgotten me; my servant women treat me like a stranger and a foreigner.
16 When I call a servant, he doesn't answer--- even when I beg him to help me.
17 My wife can't stand the smell of my breath, and my own brothers won't come near me.
18 Children despise me and laugh when they see me.
19 My closest friends look at me with disgust; those I loved most have turned against me.
20 My skin hangs loose on my bones; I have barely escaped with my life.
21 You are my friends! Take pity on me! The hand of God has struck me down.
22 Why must you persecute me the way God does? Haven't you tormented me enough?
23 How I wish that someone would remember my words and record them in a book!
24 Or with a chisel carve my words in stone and write them so that they would last forever.
25 But I know there is someone in heaven who will come at last to my defense.
26 Even after my skin is eaten by disease, while still in this body I will see God.
27 I will see him with my own eyes, and he will not be a stranger. My courage failed because you said,
28 "How can we torment him?" You looked for some excuse to attack me.
29 But now, be afraid of the sword--- the sword that brings God's wrath on sin, so that you will know there is one who judges.
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.