« | Job 18 | » |
1 Then Bildad from Shuah answered:
2 "When will you stop talking? Be sensible; let us say something.
3 Why do you think we are stupid, like dumb cows?
4 Your anger is hurting no one but you. Do you think this world was made for you alone? Do you think God should move mountains just to satisfy you?
5 "Yes, the light of those who are evil will go out. Their fire will stop burning.
6 The light in their houses will become dark. The lamps next to them will go out.
7 Their steps, once strong and fast, become weak. Their own evil plans make them fall.
8 Their own feet lead them into a net. They fall into its hidden pit and are caught.
9 A trap catches them by the heel, and it holds them tight.
10 A rope is hidden on the ground to trip them. A trap is waiting in their path.
11 On every side terrors frighten them. Fears follow every step they take.
12 Disaster is hungry for them. Ruin stands close by, waiting for them to fall.
13 Diseases will eat away their skin. Death's Firstborn will eat their arms and legs.
14 They will be taken away from the safety of their tents and be led away to meet the King of Terrors.
15 Nothing will be left in their tents, which will be sprinkled with burning sulfur.
16 Their roots below will dry up, and their branches above will die.
17 People on earth will not remember them. Their names will be forgotten.
18 They will be forced from light into darkness. They will be chased out of this world.
19 They will leave behind no children, no descendants. None of their people will be left alive.
20 People in the west will be shocked at what happened to them. People in the east will be numb with fear.
21 This is what will happen to the homes of those who are evil. This is the place of those who don't know God!"
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.