« | Job 33 | » |
1 "Listen to my words, Job; pay attention to what I have to say.
2 Now that I have begun to speak, let me continue.
3 I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth.
4 For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5 Answer me, if you can; make your case and take your stand.
6 Look, you and I both belong to God. I, too, was formed from clay.
7 So you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't come down hard on you.
8 "You have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard your very words.
9 You said, 'I am pure; I am without sin; I am innocent; I have no guilt.
10 God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy.
11 He puts my feet in the stocks and watches my every move.'
12 "But you are wrong, and I will show you why. For God is greater than any human being.
13 So why are you bringing a charge against him? Why say he does not respond to people's complaints?
14 For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it.
15 He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.
16 He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings.
17 He makes them turn from doing wrong; he keeps them from pride.
18 He protects them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.
19 "Or God disciplines people with pain on their sickbeds, with ceaseless aching in their bones.
20 They lose their appetite for even the most delicious food.
21 Their flesh wastes away, and their bones stick out.
22 They are at death's door; the angels of death wait for them.
23 "But if an angel from heaven appears-- a special messenger to intercede for a person and declare that he is upright--
24 he will be gracious and say, 'Rescue him from the grave, for I have found a ransom for his life.'
25 Then his body will become as healthy as a child's, firm and youthful again.
26 When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing.
27 He will declare to his friends, 'I sinned and twisted the truth, but it was not worth it.
28 God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.'
29 "Yes, God does these things again and again for people.
30 He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life.
31 Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, for I have more to say.
32 But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified.
33 But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom!"
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.