« | Psalm 94 | » |
1 LORD, you are a God who punishes; reveal your anger!
2 You are the judge of us all; rise and give the proud what they deserve!
3 How much longer will the wicked be glad? How much longer, LORD?
4 How much longer will criminals be proud and boast about their crimes?
5 They crush your people, LORD; they oppress those who belong to you.
6 They kill widows and orphans, and murder the strangers who live in our land.
7 They say, "The LORD does not see us; the God of Israel does not notice."
8 My people, how can you be such stupid fools? When will you ever learn?
9 God made our ears---can't he hear? He made our eyes---can't he see?
10 He scolds the nations---won't he punish them? He is the teacher of us all---hasn't he any knowledge?
11 The LORD knows what we think; he knows how senseless our reasoning is.
12 LORD, how happy are those you instruct, the ones to whom you teach your law!
13 You give them rest from days of trouble until a pit is dug to trap the wicked.
14 The LORD will not abandon his people; he will not desert those who belong to him.
15 Justice will again be found in the courts, and all righteous people will support it.
16 Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against the evildoers?
17 If the LORD had not helped me, I would have gone quickly to the land of silence.
18 I said, "I am falling"; but your constant love, O LORD, held me up.
19 Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad.
20 You have nothing to do with corrupt judges, who make injustice legal,
21 who plot against good people and sentence the innocent to death.
22 But the LORD defends me; my God protects me.
23 He will punish them for their wickedness and destroy them for their sins; the LORD our God will destroy them.
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.