Kevin said…
I like NLT’s “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god!” The TNIV’s expression is short and not so powerful as NLT2’s vivid imagery where I can actually see it. The HCSB’s “Maybe he’s thinking it over” is mocking him.

NLT2’s “daydreaming” does sound frivolous but actually helps Elijah mock the sleeping god; whereas TNIV/NEB’s “deep in thought” sounds like the god is caught up in serious thought.

You are absolutely right about ESV and NLT uses “relieving himself” which conjures up an image of someone doing one’s personal business in the toilet. E.g., similar to the scene where Ehud killed King Eglon in the toilet (latrine) (Judges 3:15-25). “Relieving himself” is also another strong expression used to mock. The NLTse does use expressions to mock.

March 25, 2007 12:56:00 AM CST

R. Mansfield said…
This is also in line with the “Living tradition.” I don’t have my copy handy, but I believe the original Living Bible was a bit more blunt saying, “Maybe he’s on the toilet!”

March 26, 2007 11:30:00 AM CST

ElShaddai Edwards said…
Thanks, Rick. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen a Living Bible!

March 26, 2007 1:53:00 PM CST