The Bible contains beautiful poetry. However, that poetry is easily stuffed by literal translations. What flows well in one language sounds clunky and disjointed in another. Reminding us of this point is Sam of unrelated ramblings in his comparison of different translations of Job 20:1-3.
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NASB |
TNIV |
ESV |
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Then Zophar the Naamathite answered, “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation. “I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer. |
Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: |
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said: |
Sam concludes with the following:
Clearly the (TNIV) is far more readable, and clearer in it’s meaning. Without being able to judge the underlying Hebrew, I would guess that the NIV is probably more accurate in conveying the meaning of the text into English here.
As much as I like the NASB and the ESV, I have to agree with him here.