« | Hosea 11 | » |
1 The Lord said, "I loved Israel when he was a child, and I called my son out of Egypt.
2 But the more I called the Israelites, the more they left me. The Israelites gave sacrifices to the false gods and burned incense to the idols.
3 "But I was the one who taught Ephraim to walk. I took the Israelites in my arms. I healed them, but they don't know that.
4 I led them with ropes, but they were ropes of love. I was like a person who set them free. I bent down and fed them.
5 "The Israelites will not go back to Egypt. The king of Assyria will become their king, because they refused to turn back to God.
6 The sword will swing against their cities and kill their strong men. It will destroy their leaders.
7 "My people expect me to come back. They will call to God above, but he will not help them."
8 "Ephraim, I don't want to give you up. Israel, I want to protect you. I don't want to make you like Admah. I don't want to make you like Zeboiim. I am changing my mind. My love for you is too strong.
9 I will not let my terrible anger win. I will not destroy Ephraim again. I am God and not a human. I am the Holy One. I am with you. I will not show my anger.
10 I will roar like a lion. I will roar, and my children will come and follow me. My children will come from the west, shaking with fear.
11 They will come from Egypt, shaking like birds. They will come shaking like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will take them back home." This is what the Lord said.
12 "Ephraim surrounded me with false gods. The people of Israel turned against me. {And they were destroyed!} But Judah still walks with El. Judah is true to the holy ones. "
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.