« | Job 40 | » |
1 Then the Lord said to Job,
2 "You wanted to argue with God All-Powerful. You wanted to correct me and prove that I was wrong. So give me your answer!"
3 Then Job answered the Lord:
4 "I am not worthy to speak! What can I say to you? I cannot answer you! I will put my hand over my mouth.
5 I spoke once, but I will not speak again. I spoke twice, but I will not say anything more."
6 Then the Lord spoke to Job again from the storm:
7 "Brace yourself and get ready to answer the questions I will ask you.
8 "Are you trying to show that I am unfair? Are you trying to look innocent by saying that I am guilty?
9 Are your arms as strong as mine? Do you have a voice like mine that is as loud as thunder?
10 If so, you can be proud and wear glory and honor like clothes.
11 If you are as powerful as God, then show your anger! Punish those who are proud and humble them.
12 Yes, just look at the proud and make them humble. Crush those evil people where they stand.
13 Bury them all in the dirt. Wrap their bodies up and put them in their graves.
14 If you can do any of these things, then even I will praise you. And I will admit that you can save yourself by your own power.
15 "Look at the behemoth. I made the behemoth, and I made you. He eats grass like a cow.
16 But he has great strength in his body. The muscles in his stomach are powerful.
17 His tail stands strong like a cedar tree. His leg muscles are very strong.
18 His bones are as strong as bronze. His legs are like iron bars.
19 The behemoth is the most amazing animal I made, but I can defeat him.
20 He eats the grass that grows on the hills where the wild animals play.
21 He lies under the lotus plants. He hides among the reeds of the swamp.
22 The lotus plants hide him in their shade. He lives under the willow trees that grow near the river.
23 If the river floods, the behemoth will not run away. He is not afraid if the Jordan River splashes on his face.
24 No one can blind his eyes and capture him. No one can catch him in a trap.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.