« | Job 35 | » |
1 Then Elihu proceeded and said:
2 Do you think it right to say, "I am just rather than God?"
3 To say, "What does it profit me; what advantage have I more than if I had sinned?"
4 I have words for a reply to you and your three companions as well.
5 Look up to the skies and behold; regard the heavens high above you.
6 If you sin, what injury do you do to God? Even if your offenses are many, how do you hurt him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give him, or what does he receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness can affect only a man like yourself; and your justice only a fellow human being.
9 In great oppression men cry out; they call for help because of the power of the mighty,
10 Saying, "Where is God, my Maker, who has given visions in the night,
11 Taught us rather than the beasts of the earth, and made us wise rather than the birds of the heavens?"
12 Though thus they cry out, he answers not against the pride of the wicked.
13 But it is idle to say God does not hear or that the Almighty does not take notice.
14 Even though you say that you see him not, the case is before him; with trembling should you wait upon him.
15 But now that you have done otherwise, God's anger punishes, nor does he show concern that a man will die.
16 Yet Job to no purpose opens his mouth, and without knowledge multiplies words.
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.