How the Message Translation Can Be Beneficial in Reading the Book of Job

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A Perspective on the Clarity of Scripture

As believers, we hold dearly to the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture (perspicuity). The Bible, while deep and rich in meaning, is not intended to be incomprehensible to its readers. However, we also recognize that some portions of Scripture—due to their poetic nature, historical context, or literary complexity—can be difficult to grasp without guidance. One such book is Job.

Job is written in Hebrew poetry, filled with ancient idioms, metaphors, and rhetorical questions that can sometimes feel distant to modern readers. While faithful translations like the ESV, NASB, or KJV strive for word-for-word accuracy, they can sometimes obscure the emotional intensity and raw dialogue found in Job’s lament. This is where The Message, a paraphrase by Eugene Peterson, can serve as a helpful supplementary tool for reading and understanding Job.

Capturing the Emotional Weight of Job’s Suffering

The story of Job is not merely a theological discourse; it is a deeply human story of suffering, confusion, and perseverance. One of the greatest strengths of The Message is its ability to capture the emotional intensity of Job’s words.

For example, consider Job 3:11 in the ESV:
"Why did I not perish at birth, come out from the womb and expire?"

Now, The Message:
"Why didn’t I die at birth, my first breath out of the womb my last?"

Peterson's paraphrase is raw and immediate, bringing out the agony in Job’s words. While a formal translation retains a level of poetic formality, The Message allows the reader to feel the weight of Job’s despair in a more direct and visceral way.

Helping Modern Readers Follow the Argument

One of the challenges in reading Job is tracking the debate between Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar). Their speeches are full of complex reasoning, making it easy to lose the flow of the argument.

For instance, Job 13:4 in the NASB reads:
"But you smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians."

The Message puts it bluntly:
"You graffiti over truth with your lies. You’re a bunch of quacks!"

This makes Job’s frustration clearer, helping readers grasp the force of his accusations. Peterson’s rendering simplifies the structure without distorting the meaning, making it easier to follow the ebb and flow of the dialogue.

Preserving the Theological Depth of Job

Some might be wary of The Message due to its paraphrastic nature, concerned that it might dilute the theological richness of Job. However, when used properly—as a companion rather than a replacement—it can actually deepen one’s appreciation of the text.

For example, Job 19:25-26 (ESV) states:
"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God."

The Message renders it as:
"Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life—and eventually he’ll take his stand on earth. And I’ll see him—even though I get skinned alive!

Though paraphrased, it retains the hope of Job’s declaration, pointing forward to the resurrection.

Using The Message Wisely

As believers, we affirm the sufficiency and inerrancy of Scripture in its original languages. While The Message is not a formal translation, it can serve as a helpful tool for personal reflection, devotional reading, and making difficult passages more accessible. However, it should never replace the study of a more literal translation when doing doctrinal study or exegesis.

How to Use The Message Wisely in Job:

1. Read a formal translation first (e.g., ESV, NASB).
2. Use The Message for comparison—see how it renders difficult passages.
3. Reflect on the emotional impact—does it help you better grasp the suffering, frustration, and hope in Job’s words?
4. Go deeper with commentaries—use resources to understand Job’s theological themes.

Conclusion: A Tool, Not a Substitute

The Message, when used thoughtfully, can help us feel the book of Job in a way that more rigid translations sometimes do not. It helps bridge the gap between the ancient text and modern readers without compromising the fundamental truths of God’s Word. However, it should always be used alongside, not in place of, careful exegesis and study of Scripture.

The story of Job is one of suffering, mystery, and divine sovereignty. By engaging with different translations and paraphrases, we can better grasp both the depth of Job’s lament and the glory of God’s response—which ultimately points us to Christ, our true Redeemer.