« | Isaiah 21 | » |
1 This is a message about the Desert by the Sea: It is coming like a storm blowing through the Negev. It is coming in from the desert, from a frightening nation.
2 I was given a vision of the hard times to come. I see traitors turning against you. I see people taking your wealth. Elam, go against them! Media, surround the city! I will put an end to all their moaning.
3 I saw those terrible things, and now I am afraid. My fear makes my stomach hurt like the pain of giving birth. What I hear frightens me. What I see makes me shake with fear.
4 I am worried and shaking with fear. My pleasant evening has become a nightmare.
5 People are rushing around shouting their orders: "Set the table! Post the guard! Get something to eat and drink! Officers, get up! Polish your shields!"
6 The Lord said to me, "Go find someone to guard this city. He must report whatever he sees.
7 Whether he sees a chariot and a team of horses or men riding donkeys or camels, he must listen carefully."
8 Then one day the watchman called out, "My master, every day I have been in the watchtower watching. Every night I have been standing on duty.
9 Look! I see a man in a chariot with a team of horses. " The messenger said, "Babylon has been defeated! It has fallen to the ground! All the statues of her false gods were thrown to the ground and broken to pieces."
10 My crushed people, I have told you everything I heard from the Lord All- Powerful, the God of Israel. You will be like the grain crushed on my threshing floor.
11 This is a message about Dumah: There is someone calling to me from Seir, "Guard, how much of the night is left? How much longer will it be night?"
12 The guard answered, "Morning is coming, but then night will come again. If you have something to ask, then come back later and ask."
13 This is a message about Arabia: A caravan from Dedan spent the night near some trees in the Arabian desert.
14 They gave water to some thirsty travelers. The people of Tema gave them food.
15 They were running from swords that were ready to kill. They were running from bows that were ready to shoot. They were running from a hard battle.
16 The Lord told me this would happen. He said, "In one year, the way a hired helper counts time, all Kedar's glory will be gone.
17 Only a few of the archers, the great soldiers of Kedar, will be left alive." The Lord, the God of Israel, told me this.
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.