Hebrews 1 | » |
1 In the past God spoke to our people through the prophets. He spoke to them many times and in many different ways.
2 And now in these last days, God has spoken to us again through his Son. He made the whole world through his Son. And he has chosen his Son to have all things.
3 The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God's nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.
4 The Son became much greater than the angels, and God gave him a name that is much greater than any of their names.
5 God never said this to any of the angels: "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father." God also never said about an angel, "I will be his Father, and he will be my son."
6 And then, when God sent his firstborn Son into the world, he said, "Let all God's angels worship the Son."
7 This is what God said about the angels: "God changes his angels into winds and his servants into flaming fire."
8 But he said this about his Son: "Your throne, O God, will continue forever and ever. You will rule your kingdom with right judgments.
9 You love the right, and you hate the wrong. So God, your God, has given you a greater joy than he gave the people with you."
10 God also said, "O Lord, in the beginning you made the earth, and your hands made the sky.
11 These things will disappear, but you will stay. They will all wear out like old clothes.
12 You will fold them up like a coat, and they will be changed like clothes. But you never change, and your life will never end."
13 And God never said this to an angel: "Sit at my right side until I put your enemies under your power. "
14 All the angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.