« | Job 26 | » |
1 Then Job answered:
2 "Bildad, you have been such a great help to this tired, weary man! You have really supported me!
3 You have given such wonderful advice to this foolish man! You have provided so much useful information!
4 Who helped you say these things? Whose spirit inspired you to speak?
5 "The ghosts and their neighbors in the underworld shake with fear.
6 But God can see clearly into that place of death. Death is not hidden from God.
7 God stretched the northern sky over empty space. He hung the earth on nothing.
8 He fills the thick clouds with water. But he does not let its heavy weight break the clouds open.
9 He covers the face of the full moon. He spreads his clouds over it and hides it.
10 He drew the horizon on the ocean, like a circle where light and darkness meet.
11 The foundations that hold up the sky shake with fear when God threatens them.
12 With his own power God calmed the sea. With his wisdom he destroyed Rahab.
13 His breath made the skies clear. His hand destroyed the snake that tried to get away.
14 These are only a few of the amazing things God has done. We hear only a small whisper of God's thundering power."
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.