« | Numbers 30 | » |
1 Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, "This is what the LORD has commanded:
2 A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.
3 "If a young woman makes a vow to the LORD or a pledge under oath while she is still living at her father's home,
4 and her father hears of the vow or pledge and does not object to it, then all her vows and pledges will stand.
5 But if her father refuses to let her fulfill the vow or pledge on the day he hears of it, then all her vows and pledges will become invalid. The LORD will forgive her because her father would not let her fulfill them.
6 "Now suppose a young woman makes a vow or binds herself with an impulsive pledge and later marries.
7 If her husband learns of her vow or pledge and does not object on the day he hears of it, her vows and pledges will stand.
8 But if her husband refuses to accept her vow or impulsive pledge on the day he hears of it, he nullifies her commitments, and the LORD will forgive her.
9 If, however, a woman is a widow or is divorced, she must fulfill all her vows and pledges.
10 "But suppose a woman is married and living in her husband's home when she makes a vow or binds herself with a pledge.
11 If her husband hears of it and does not object to it, her vow or pledge will stand.
12 But if her husband refuses to accept it on the day he hears of it, her vow or pledge will be nullified, and the LORD will forgive her.
13 So her husband may either confirm or nullify any vows or pledges she makes to deny herself.
14 But if he does not object on the day he hears of it, then he is agreeing to all her vows and pledges.
15 If he waits more than a day and then tries to nullify a vow or pledge, he will be punished for her guilt."
16 These are the regulations the LORD gave Moses concerning relationships between a man and his wife, and between a father and a young daughter who still lives at home.
The New Living Translation (NLT)
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a modern English translation of the Bible that aims to make the Scriptures accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. First published in 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, the NLT was conceived as an effort to create a translation that combines both accuracy and readability. Unlike many other translations that focus on a word-for-word rendering of the original texts, the NLT employs a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, also known as dynamic equivalence. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and message of the original texts in a way that is natural and understandable in modern English.
One of the defining features of the NLT is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators, a team of over 90 evangelical scholars, aimed to create a text that would be approachable for a wide audience, including those who may find traditional translations challenging to read. The NLT’s language is contemporary and conversational, making it particularly effective for public reading, teaching, and personal study. This emphasis on readability helps ensure that the profound messages of the Bible are easily grasped and retained by readers from various backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge.
The NLT also incorporates a rich array of study aids designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These include book introductions, footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. These features are particularly useful for readers who seek a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their application to modern life. The translation also includes clear and concise headings that help guide readers through the narrative and thematic structure of each book, making it easier to follow and comprehend the overall message.
Despite its many strengths, the New Living Translation has faced some criticism, particularly from those who favor more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while making the text more readable, can sometimes result in a loss of the precise nuances and literary qualities of the original languages. Some scholars believe that certain theological concepts might be oversimplified in the process of making the text more accessible. Nevertheless, the NLT remains one of the most popular and widely used translations today, valued for its readability, clarity, and ability to convey the timeless truths of the Bible in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.