« | Job 10 | » |
1 "I hate my own life, so I will complain freely. I am very bitter, so now I will speak.
2 I will say to God: 'Don't just say I am guilty! Tell me what you have against me.
3 Do you enjoy hurting me? Do you enjoy ignoring me while smiling at what evil people say?
4 Do you have human eyes? Do you see things the way people do?
5 Is your life as short as ours? Is your life as short as a man's life?
6 You look for my wrong and search for my sin.
7 You know I am innocent, but no one can save me from your power!
8 Your hands made me and shaped my body. But now they are closing around me and squeezing me to death!
9 Remember, you molded me like clay. Will you turn me into clay again?
10 You poured me out like milk. You spun me around and squeezed me like someone making cheese.
11 You put me together with bones and muscles, and then you clothed me with skin and flesh.
12 You gave me life and were very kind to me. You cared for me and watched over my spirit.
13 But this is what you hid in your heart. Now I know what you were planning for me.
14 If I sinned, you would be watching me so that you could punish me for doing wrong.
15 If I sin, I am guilty and should be cursed. But even when I am innocent, I cannot lift up my head. I am so ashamed because of all the troubles I have.
16 If I have any success and feel proud, you hunt me down like a lion and show your power over me.
17 You bring witness after witness to prove that I am wrong. Again and again you show your anger as you send army after army against me.
18 So why did you let me be born? I wish I had died before anyone saw me.
19 I wish I had never lived. I wish they had carried me from my mother's womb straight to the grave.
20 My life is almost finished. So leave me alone! Let me enjoy the little time I have left.
21 I am going soon to the land of no return, the place of death and darkness—
22 that land of darkest night, of shadows and confusion, where even the light is darkness.'"
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.