« | Job 16 | » |
1 Then Job answered:
2 "I have heard all these things before. You men give me trouble, not comfort.
3 Your long speeches never end! Why do you continue arguing?
4 I also could say the same things you say, if you had my troubles. I could say wise things against you and shake my head at you.
5 But I would say things to encourage you and give you hope.
6 "Nothing I say makes my pain go away. But keeping quiet does not help either.
7 God, you surely took away my strength. You destroyed my whole family.
8 You have made me thin and weak, and people think that means I am guilty.
9 "God attacks me; he is angry with me and tears my body apart. He grinds his teeth against me. My enemy looks at me with hate.
10 People have crowded around me. They make fun of me and slap my face.
11 God has given me to evil people. He let the wicked hurt me.
12 I was enjoying a quiet, peaceful life, but then God crushed me. Yes, he took me by the neck and broke me into pieces. He has made me his target.
13 With his archers all around me, he shoots arrows into my kidneys. He shows no mercy and spills my gall on the ground.
14 Again and again he attacks me. He runs at me like a soldier in battle.
15 "I am very sad, so I wear this sackcloth. I sit here in dust and ashes, feeling defeated.
16 My face is red from crying. There are dark rings around my eyes.
17 I was never cruel to anyone, and my prayers are pure.
18 "Earth, don't hide the wrong things that were done to me. Don't let my begging for fairness be stopped.
19 Even now there is someone in heaven who will speak for me. There is someone above who will testify for me.
20 My friend speaks for me, while my eyes pour out tears to God.
21 He speaks to God for me, like someone presenting an argument for a friend.
22 "In only a few years I will go to that place of no return.
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.