« | Jonah 2 | » |
1 While Jonah was in the stomach of the fish, he prayed to the Lord his God. He said,
2 "I was in very bad trouble. I called to the Lord for help, and he answered me. I was deep in the grave. I cried to you, Lord, and you heard my voice.
3 "You threw me into the sea. Your powerful waves splashed over me. I went down, down into the deep sea. The water was all around me.
4 Then I thought, 'Now I must go where you cannot see me,' but I continued looking to your holy Temple for help.
5 "The seawater closed over me. The water covered my mouth, and I could not breathe. I went down, down into the deep sea. Seaweed wrapped around my head.
6 I was at the bottom of the sea, the place where mountains begin. I thought I was locked in this prison forever, but the Lord my God took me out of my grave. God, you gave me life again!
7 "My soul gave up all hope, but then I remembered the Lord. I prayed to you, and you heard my prayers in your holy Temple.
8 "Some people worship useless idols, but those statues never help them.
9 I will give sacrifices to you, and I will praise and thank you. I will make special promises to you, and I will do what I promise." Salvation only comes from the Lord!
10 Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out of its stomach onto the dry land.
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.