« | Psalm 104 | » |
1 O LORD, my God, how great you are! You are clothed with majesty and glory;
2 you cover yourself with light. You have spread out the heavens like a tent
3 and built your home on the waters above. You use the clouds as your chariot and ride on the wings of the wind.
4 You use the winds as your messengers and flashes of lightning as your servants.
5 You have set the earth firmly on its foundations, and it will never be moved.
6 You placed the ocean over it like a robe, and the water covered the mountains.
7 When you rebuked the waters, they fled; they rushed away when they heard your shout of command.
8 They flowed over the mountains and into the valleys, to the place you had made for them.
9 You set a boundary they can never pass, to keep them from covering the earth again.
10 You make springs flow in the valleys, and rivers run between the hills.
11 They provide water for the wild animals; there the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 In the trees near by, the birds make their nests and sing.
13 From the sky you send rain on the hills, and the earth is filled with your blessings.
14 You make grass grow for the cattle and plants for us to use, so that we can grow our crops
15 and produce wine to make us happy, olive oil to make us cheerful, and bread to give us strength.
16 The cedars of Lebanon get plenty of rain--- the LORD's own trees, which he planted.
17 There the birds build their nests; the storks nest in the fir trees.
18 The wild goats live in the high mountains, and the rock badgers hide in the cliffs.
19 You created the moon to mark the months; the sun knows the time to set.
20 You made the night, and in the darkness all the wild animals come out.
21 The young lions roar while they hunt, looking for the food that God provides.
22 When the sun rises, they go back and lie down in their dens.
23 Then people go out to do their work and keep working until evening.
24 LORD, you have made so many things! How wisely you made them all! The earth is filled with your creatures.
25 There is the ocean, large and wide, where countless creatures live, large and small alike.
26 The ships sail on it, and in it plays Leviathan, that sea monster which you made.
27 All of them depend on you to give them food when they need it.
28 You give it to them, and they eat it; you provide food, and they are satisfied.
29 When you turn away, they are afraid; when you take away your breath, they die and go back to the dust from which they came.
30 But when you give them breath, they are created; you give new life to the earth.
31 May the glory of the LORD last forever! May the LORD be happy with what he has made!
32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke.
33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God.
34 May he be pleased with my song, for my gladness comes from him.
35 May sinners be destroyed from the earth; may the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD!
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.