« | Psalm 44 | » |
1 With our own ears we have heard it, O God--- our ancestors have told us about it, about the great things you did in their time, in the days of long ago:
2 how you yourself drove out the heathen and established your people in their land; how you punished the other nations and caused your own to prosper.
3 Your people did not conquer the land with their swords; they did not win it by their own power; it was by your power and your strength, by the assurance of your presence, which showed that you loved them.
4 You are my king and my God; you give victory to your people,
5 and by your power we defeat our enemies.
6 I do not trust in my bow or in my sword to save me;
7 but you have saved us from our enemies and defeated those who hate us.
8 We will always praise you and give thanks to you forever.
9 But now you have rejected us and let us be defeated; you no longer march out with our armies.
10 You made us run from our enemies, and they took for themselves what was ours.
11 You allowed us to be slaughtered like sheep; you scattered us in foreign countries.
12 You sold your own people for a small price as though they had little value.
13 Our neighbors see what you did to us, and they mock us and laugh at us.
14 You have made us a joke among the nations; they shake their heads at us in scorn.
15 I am always in disgrace; I am covered with shame
16 from hearing the sneers and insults of my enemies and those who hate me.
17 All this has happened to us, even though we have not forgotten you or broken the covenant you made with us.
18 We have not been disloyal to you; we have not disobeyed your commands.
19 Yet you left us helpless among wild animals; you abandoned us in deepest darkness.
20 If we had stopped worshiping our God and prayed to a foreign god,
21 you would surely have discovered it, because you know our secret thoughts.
22 But it is on your account that we are being killed all the time, that we are treated like sheep to be slaughtered.
23 Wake up, Lord! Why are you asleep? Rouse yourself ! Don't reject us forever!
24 Why are you hiding from us? Don't forget our suffering and trouble!
25 We fall crushed to the ground; we lie defeated in the dust.
26 Come to our aid! Because of your constant love save us!
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.