Welcome to the continuing series comparing the Revised English Bible (REB) with the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) for the first reading (usually from the Old Testament) at each Sunday Mass. This series complements the comparisons earlier in 2018, which focused on the New Testament letters. I’m interested in exploring whether the REB’s translation style differs between the Old and New Testaments.
Sunday, December 23rd, 2018 — Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year C)
First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a
NABRE:
But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
least among the clans of Judah,
From you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
Whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time
when she who is to give birth has borne,
Then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the children of Israel.
He shall take his place as shepherd
by the strength of the LORD,
by the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
And they shall dwell securely, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth:
he shall be peace.
REB:
But from you, Bethlehem in Ephrathah,
small as you are among Judah’s clans,
from you will come a king for me over Israel,
one whose origins are far back in the past, in ancient times.
therefore only until she who is pregnant has given birth
will he give up Israel;
and then those of the people that survive
will rejoin their brethren.
He will rise up to lead them
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
They will enjoy security, for then his greatness will reach
to the ends of the earth.
Then there will be peace.