« | Psalm 77 | » |
1 I cry aloud to God; I cry aloud, and he hears me.
2 In times of trouble I pray to the Lord; all night long I lift my hands in prayer, but I cannot find comfort.
3 When I think of God, I sigh; when I meditate, I feel discouraged.
4 He keeps me awake all night; I am so worried that I cannot speak.
5 I think of days gone by and remember years of long ago.
6 I spend the night in deep thought; I meditate, and this is what I ask myself:
7 "Will the Lord always reject us? Will he never again be pleased with us?
8 Has he stopped loving us? Does his promise no longer stand?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has anger taken the place of his compassion?"
10 Then I said, "What hurts me most is this--- that God is no longer powerful."
11 I will remember your great deeds, LORD; I will recall the wonders you did in the past.
12 I will think about all that you have done; I will meditate on all your mighty acts.
13 Everything you do, O God, is holy. No god is as great as you.
14 You are the God who works miracles; you showed your might among the nations.
15 By your power you saved your people, the descendants of Jacob and of Joseph.
16 When the waters saw you, O God, they were afraid, and the depths of the sea trembled.
17 The clouds poured down rain; thunder crashed from the sky, and lightning flashed in all directions.
18 The crash of your thunder rolled out, and flashes of lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook.
19 You walked through the waves; you crossed the deep sea, but your footprints could not be seen.
20 You led your people like a shepherd, with Moses and Aaron in charge.
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.