« | Job 17 | » |
1 My spirit is broken; I am ready to give up. My life is almost gone; the grave is waiting for me.
2 People stand around me and laugh at me. I watch them as they tease and insult me.
3 "God, give me some support. No one else will!
4 You have closed my friends' minds, and they don't understand. Please don't let them win.
5 You know what people say: 'A man neglects his own children to help his friends.' But my friends have turned against me.
6 God has made my name a bad word to everyone. People spit in my face.
7 My eyes are almost blind from my grief. My whole body is as thin as a shadow.
8 Good people wonder how this could happen. The innocent are upset with anyone who is against God.
9 But those who do right will continue to do what is right. Those who are not guilty grow stronger and stronger.
10 "But come on, all of you, and try to prove me wrong. I don't find any of you to be wise.
11 My life is passing away, and my plans are destroyed. My hope is gone.
12 Everything is confused— night is day, and evening comes when it should be dawn.
13 "I might hope for the grave to be my new home. I might hope to make my bed in the dark grave.
14 I might say to the grave, 'You are my father,' and to the worms, 'my mother' or 'my sister.'
15 But you can't really call that hope, can you? Does anyone see any hope for me?
16 Will hope go down with me to the place of death? Will we go down into the dirt together?"
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.