« | Job 40 | » |
1 The LORD then said to Job:
2 Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the critic? Let him who would correct God give answer!
3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
4 Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth.
5 Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again; though twice, I will do so no more.
6 Then the LORD addressed Job out of the storm and said:
7 Gird up your loins now, like a man. I will question you, and you tell me the answers!
8 Would you refuse to acknowledge my right? Would you condemn me that you may be justified?
9 Have you an arm like that of God, or can you thunder with a voice like his?
10 Adorn yourself with grandeur and majesty, and array yourself with glory and splendor.
11 Let loose the fury of your wrath;
12 tear down the wicked and shatter them. Bring down the haughty with a glance;
13 bury them in the dust together; in the hidden world imprison them.
14 Then will I too acknowledge that your own right hand can save you.
15 See, besides you I made Behemoth, that feeds on grass like an ox.
16 Behold the strength in his loins, and his vigor in the sinews of his belly.
17 He carries his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are like cables.
18 His bones are like tubes of bronze; his frame is like iron rods.
19 He came at the beginning of God's ways, and was made the taskmaster of his fellows;
20 For the produce of the mountains is brought to him, and of all wild animals he makes sport.
21 Under the lotus trees he lies, in coverts of the reedy swamp.
22 The lotus trees cover him with their shade; all about him are the poplars on the bank.
23 If the river grows violent, he is not disturbed; he is tranquil though the torrent surges about his mouth.
24 Who can capture him by his eyes, or pierce his nose with a trap?
25 Can you lead about Leviathan with a hook, or curb his tongue with a bit?
26 Can you put a rope into his nose, or pierce through his cheek with a gaff?
27 Will he then plead with you, time after time, or address you with tender words?
28 Will he make an agreement with you that you may have him as a slave forever?
29 Can you play with him, as with a bird? Can you put him in leash for your maidens?
30 Will the traders bargain for him? Will the merchants divide him up?
31 Can you fill his hide with barbs, or his head with fish spears?
32 Once you but lay a hand upon him, no need to recall any other conflict!
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.