« | Psalm 102 | » |
1 Listen to my prayer, O LORD, and hear my cry for help!
2 When I am in trouble, don't turn away from me! Listen to me, and answer me quickly when I call!
3 My life is disappearing like smoke; my body is burning like fire.
4 I am beaten down like dry grass; I have lost my desire for food.
5 I groan aloud; I am nothing but skin and bones.
6 I am like a wild bird in the desert, like an owl in abandoned ruins.
7 I lie awake; I am like a lonely bird on a housetop.
8 All day long my enemies insult me; those who mock me use my name in cursing.
9 Because of your anger and fury, ashes are my food, and my tears are mixed with my drink. You picked me up and threw me away.
10 (SEE 102:9)
11 My life is like the evening shadows; I am like dry grass.
12 But you, O LORD, are king forever; all generations will remember you.
13 You will rise and take pity on Zion; the time has come to have mercy on her; this is the right time.
14 Your servants love her, even though she is destroyed; they have pity on her, even though she is in ruins.
15 The nations will fear the LORD; all the kings of the earth will fear his power.
16 When the LORD rebuilds Zion, he will reveal his greatness.
17 He will hear his forsaken people and listen to their prayer.
18 Write down for the coming generation what the LORD has done, so that people not yet born will praise him.
19 The LORD looked down from his holy place on high, he looked down from heaven to earth.
20 He heard the groans of prisoners and set free those who were condemned to die.
21 And so his name will be proclaimed in Zion, and he will be praised in Jerusalem
22 when nations and kingdoms come together and worship the LORD.
23 The LORD has made me weak while I am still young; he has shortened my life.
24 O God, do not take me away now before I grow old. O LORD, you live forever;
25 long ago you created the earth, and with your own hands you made the heavens.
26 They will disappear, but you will remain; they will all wear out like clothes. You will discard them like clothes, and they will vanish.
27 But you are always the same, and your life never ends.
28 Our children will live in safety, and under your protection their descendants will be secure.
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.