« | Psalm 94 | » |
1 LORD, avenging God, avenging God, shine forth!
2 Rise up, judge of the earth; give the proud what they deserve.
3 How long, LORD, shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked glory?
4 How long will they mouth haughty speeches, go on boasting, all these evildoers?
5 They crush your people, LORD, torment your very own.
6 They kill the widow and alien; the fatherless they murder.
7 They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice."
8 Understand, you stupid people! You fools, when will you be wise?
9 Does the one who shaped the ear not hear? The one who formed the eye not see?
10 Does the one who guides nations not rebuke? The one who teaches humans not have knowledge?
11 The LORD does know human plans; they are only puffs of air.
12 Happy those whom you guide, LORD, whom you teach by your instruction.
13 You give them rest from evil days, while a pit is being dug for the wicked.
14 You, LORD, will not forsake your people, nor abandon your very own.
15 Judgment shall again be just, and all the upright of heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers?
17 If the LORD were not my help, I would long have been silent in the grave.
18 When I say, "My foot is slipping," your love, LORD, holds me up.
19 When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy.
20 Can unjust judges be your allies, those who create burdens in the name of law,
21 Those who conspire against the just and condemn the innocent to death?
22 No, the LORD is my secure height, my God, the rock where I find refuge,
23 Who will turn back their evil upon them and destroy them for their wickedness. Surely the LORD our God will destroy them!
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.