1 Chronicles 4:9-10: Exploring Different Versions
The Bible is a sacred text revered by millions of people around the world. However, with numerous translations and versions, it can be fascinating to explore the differences in various renderings of the same passage. This article will delve into 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, examining the variations across different versions.
The Passage: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
In the King James Version (KJV), 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 reads:
"9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother had called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."
Different Versions: A Comparative Analysis
New International Version (NIV)
In the NIV, the passage is rendered as:
"9 Jabez was more honourable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, 'I gave birth to him in pain.' 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory, let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request."
Similarities and Differences
- The NIV maintains the core message of the passage, but uses more modern language and syntax.
- The phrase "more honourable than his brethren" becomes "more honourable than his brothers," emphasizing the familial relationship.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The NASB translates the passage as:
"9 And Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, although his mother had named him Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him with sorrow.' 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested."
Similarities and Differences
- The NASB uses "honourable" instead of "honourable," highlighting the slight variations in spelling between American and British English.
- The phrase "I gave birth to him in pain" (NIV) becomes "Because I bore him with sorrow" (NASB), conveying a similar meaning.
New Living Translation (NLT)
The NLT renders the passage as:
"9 Jabez was a better man than his brothers, and his mother had named him Jabez, saying, 'I gave birth to him in pain.' 10 Jabez pleaded with the God of Israel, 'I beg you, God of Israel, bless me and give me much more land. Be with me, and don't let harm come to me.' And God granted his request."
Similarities and Differences
- The NLT uses more contemporary language, such as "pleaded" instead of "called" (KJV) or "cried out" (NIV).
- The phrase "that it may not grieve me" (KJV) becomes "don't let harm come to me" (NLT), conveying a similar sentiment.
Conclusion
Exploring the different versions of 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 highlights the nuances of language and translation. While the core message of Jabez's prayer and God's response remains intact, the variations in wording and phrasing across different versions offer a fascinating glimpse into the complexity of biblical interpretation.
