« | Job 32 | » |
1 Then the three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 But the anger of Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled. He was angry with Job for considering himself rather than God to be in the right.
3 He was angry also with the three friends because they had not found a good answer and had not condemned Job.
4 But since these men were older than he, Elihu bided his time before addressing Job.
5 When, however, Elihu saw that there was no reply in the mouths of the three men, his wrath was inflamed.
6 So Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, spoke out and said: I am young and you are very old; therefore I held back and was afraid to declare to you my knowledge.
7 Days should speak, I thought, and many years teach wisdom!
8 But it is a spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
9 It is not those of many days who are wise, nor the aged who understand the right.
10 Therefore I say, hearken to me; let me too set forth my knowledge!
11 Behold, I have waited for your discourses, and have given ear to your arguments.
12 Yes, I followed you attentively as you searched out what to say; And behold, there is none who has convicted Job, not one of you who could refute his statements.
13 Yet do not say, "We have met wisdom. God may vanquish him but not man!"
14 For had he addressed his words to me, I should not then have answered him as you have done.
15 They are dismayed, they make no more reply; words fail them.
16 Must I wait? Now that they speak no more, and have ceased to make reply,
17 I too will speak my part; I also will show my knowledge!
18 For I am full of matters to utter; the spirit within me compels me.
19 Like a new wineskin with wine under pressure, my bosom is ready to burst.
20 Let me speak and obtain relief; let me open my lips, and make reply.
21 I would not be partial to anyone, nor give flattering titles to any.
22 For I know nought of flattery; if I did, my Maker would soon take me away.
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.