« | Job 38 | » |
1 Then out of the storm the LORD spoke to Job.
2 Who are you to question my wisdom with your ignorant, empty words?
3 Now stand up straight and answer the questions I ask you.
4 Were you there when I made the world? If you know so much, tell me about it.
5 Who decided how large it would be? Who stretched the measuring line over it? Do you know all the answers?
6 What holds up the pillars that support the earth? Who laid the cornerstone of the world?
7 In the dawn of that day the stars sang together, and the heavenly beings shouted for joy.
8 Who closed the gates to hold back the sea when it burst from the womb of the earth?
9 It was I who covered the sea with clouds and wrapped it in darkness.
10 I marked a boundary for the sea and kept it behind bolted gates.
11 I told it, "So far and no farther! Here your powerful waves must stop."
12 Job, have you ever in all your life commanded a day to dawn?
13 Have you ordered the dawn to seize the earth and shake the wicked from their hiding places?
14 Daylight makes the hills and valleys stand out like the folds of a garment, clear as the imprint of a seal on clay.
15 The light of day is too bright for the wicked and restrains them from doing violence.
16 Have you been to the springs in the depths of the sea? Have you walked on the floor of the ocean?
17 Has anyone ever shown you the gates that guard the dark world of the dead?
18 Have you any idea how big the world is? Answer me if you know.
19 Do you know where the light comes from or what the source of darkness is?
20 Can you show them how far to go, or send them back again?
21 I am sure you can, because you're so old and were there when the world was made!
22 Have you ever visited the storerooms, where I keep the snow and the hail?
23 I keep them ready for times of trouble, for days of battle and war.
24 Have you been to the place where the sun comes up, or the place from which the east wind blows?
25 Who dug a channel for the pouring rain and cleared the way for the thunderstorm?
26 Who makes rain fall where no one lives?
27 Who waters the dry and thirsty land, so that grass springs up?
28 Does either the rain or the dew have a father?
29 Who is the mother of the ice and the frost,
30 which turn the waters to stone and freeze the face of the sea?
31 Can you tie the Pleiades together or loosen the bonds that hold Orion?
32 Can you guide the stars season by season and direct the Big and the Little Dipper?
33 Do you know the laws that govern the skies, and can you make them apply to the earth?
34 Can you shout orders to the clouds and make them drench you with rain?
35 And if you command the lightning to flash, will it come to you and say, "At your service"?
36 Who tells the ibis when the Nile will flood, or who tells the rooster that rain will fall?
37 Who is wise enough to count the clouds and tilt them over to pour out the rain,
38 rain that hardens the dust into lumps?
39 Do you find food for lions to eat, and satisfy hungry young lions
40 when they hide in their caves, or lie in wait in their dens?
41 Who is it that feeds the ravens when they wander about hungry, when their young cry to me for food?
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.