« | Psalm 118 | » |
1 Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good, and his love is eternal.
2 Let the people of Israel say, "His love is eternal."
3 Let the priests of God say, "His love is eternal."
4 Let all who worship him say, "His love is eternal."
5 In my distress I called to the LORD; he answered me and set me free.
6 The LORD is with me, I will not be afraid; what can anyone do to me?
7 It is the LORD who helps me, and I will see my enemies defeated.
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to depend on people.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to depend on human leaders.
10 Many enemies were around me; but I destroyed them by the power of the LORD!
11 They were around me on every side; but I destroyed them by the power of the LORD!
12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they burned out as quickly as a brush fire; by the power of the LORD I destroyed them.
13 I was fiercely attacked and was being defeated, but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD makes me powerful and strong; he has saved me.
15 Listen to the glad shouts of victory in the tents of God's people: "The LORD's mighty power has done it!
16 His power has brought us victory--- his mighty power in battle!"
17 I will not die; instead, I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 He has punished me severely, but he has not let me die.
19 Open to me the gates of the Temple; I will go in and give thanks to the LORD!
20 This is the gate of the LORD; only the righteous can come in.
21 I praise you, LORD, because you heard me, because you have given me victory.
22 The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.
23 This was done by the LORD; what a wonderful sight it is!
24 This is the day of the LORD's victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate!
25 Save us, LORD, save us! Give us success, O LORD!
26 May God bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD! From the Temple of the LORD we bless you.
27 The LORD is God; he has been good to us. With branches in your hands, start the festival and march around the altar.
28 You are my God, and I give you thanks; I will proclaim your greatness.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good, and his love is eternal.
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.