« | Job 6 | » |
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,
3 They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty pierce me, and my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Does the ox low over his fodder?
6 Can a thing insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7 I refuse to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8 Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:
9 Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!
10 Then I should still have consolation and could exult through unremitting pain, because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.
11 What strength have I that I should endure, and what is my limit that I should be patient?
12 Have I the strength of stones, or is my flesh of bronze?
13 Have I no helper, and has advice deserted me?
14 A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brethren are undependable as a brook, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;
16 Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,
17 Yet once they flow, they cease to be; in the heat, they disappear from their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the desert and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema search, the companies of Sheba have hopes;
20 They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.
21 It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.
22 Have I asked you to give me anything, to offer a gift for me from your possessions,
23 Or to deliver me from the enemy, or to redeem me from oppressors?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent; prove to me wherein I have erred.
25 How agreeable are honest words; yet how unconvincing is your argument!
26 Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?
27 You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter away your friend!
28 Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.
29 Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.
30 Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?
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.