« | Psalm 71 | » |
1 LORD, I have come to you for protection; never let me be defeated!
2 Because you are righteous, help me and rescue me. Listen to me and save me!
3 Be my secure shelter and a strong fortress to protect me; you are my refuge and defense.
4 My God, rescue me from wicked people, from the power of cruel and evil people.
5 Sovereign LORD, I put my hope in you; I have trusted in you since I was young.
6 I have relied on you all my life; you have protected me since the day I was born. I will always praise you.
7 My life has been an example to many, because you have been my strong defender.
8 All day long I praise you and proclaim your glory.
9 Do not reject me now that I am old; do not abandon me now that I am feeble.
10 My enemies want to kill me; they talk and plot against me.
11 They say, "God has abandoned him; let's go after him and catch him; there is no one to rescue him."
12 Don't stay so far away, O God; my God, hurry to my aid!
13 May those who attack me be defeated and destroyed. May those who try to hurt me be shamed and disgraced.
14 I will always put my hope in you; I will praise you more and more.
15 I will tell of your goodness; all day long I will speak of your salvation, though it is more than I can understand.
16 I will go in the strength of the LORD God; I will proclaim your goodness, yours alone.
17 You have taught me ever since I was young, and I still tell of your wonderful acts.
18 Now that I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me, O God! Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to come.
19 Your righteousness, God, reaches the skies. You have done great things; there is no one like you.
20 You have sent troubles and suffering on me, but you will restore my strength; you will keep me from the grave.
21 You will make me greater than ever; you will comfort me again.
22 I will indeed praise you with the harp; I will praise your faithfulness, my God. On my harp I will play hymns to you, the Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy as I play for you; with my whole being I will sing because you have saved me.
24 I will speak of your righteousness all day long, because those who tried to harm me have been defeated and disgraced.
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.