« | Hosea 8 | » |
1 "Put the trumpet to your lips and give the warning. Be like an eagle over the Lord's house. The Israelites have broken my agreement. They have not obeyed my law.
2 They yell out at me, 'My God, we in Israel know you!'
3 But Israel refused the good things, so the enemy chases him.
4 The Israelites chose their kings, but they didn't come to me for advice. They chose leaders, but they didn't choose men I knew. The Israelites used their silver and gold to make idols for themselves, so they will be destroyed.
5 The Lord has refused your calf, Samaria. God says, 'I am very angry with the Israelites.' The people of Israel will be punished for their sin. Some worker made those statues. They are not God. Samaria's calf will be broken into pieces.
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7 The Israelites did a foolish thing— it was like trying to plant the wind. But they will get only troubles—they will harvest a whirlwind. The grain in the fields will grow, but it will give no food. Even if it grew something, strangers would eat it.
8 "Israel was destroyed; its people are scattered among the nations, like some dish that was thrown away because no one wanted it.
9 Ephraim went to his 'lovers.' Like a stubborn donkey, they led him off to Assyria.
10 Yes, Israel was taken to the nations, but I will bring them back. But first, they must suffer a little by carrying the burden of that mighty king.
11 "Ephraim built more and more altars, and that was a sin. They have been altars of sin for Ephraim.
12 Even if I wrote 10,000 laws for Ephraim, he would treat them as if they were for some stranger.
13 The Israelites love sacrifices. They offer the meat and eat it. The Lord does not accept their sacrifices. He remembers their sins, and he will punish them. They will be carried away as prisoners to Egypt.
14 Israel has built palaces for their kings, and now Judah builds fortresses. But they have forgotten their Maker! So I will send fire to destroy their cities and fortresses!"
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.