« | Psalm 34 | » |
1 I will always thank the LORD; I will never stop praising him.
2 I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad!
3 Proclaim with me the LORD's greatness; let us praise his name together!
4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears.
5 The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed.
6 The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles.
7 His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger.
8 Find out for yourself how good the LORD is. Happy are those who find safety with him.
9 Honor the LORD, all his people; those who obey him have all they need.
10 Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good.
11 Come, my young friends, and listen to me, and I will teach you to honor the LORD.
12 Would you like to enjoy life? Do you want long life and happiness?
13 Then keep from speaking evil and from telling lies.
14 Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart.
15 The LORD watches over the righteous and listens to their cries;
16 but he opposes those who do evil, so that when they die, they are soon forgotten.
17 The righteous call to the LORD, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.
19 Good people suffer many troubles, but the LORD saves them from them all;
20 the LORD preserves them completely; not one of their bones is broken.
21 Evil will kill the wicked; those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 The LORD will save his people; those who go to him for protection will be spared.
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.