« | Lamentations 5 |
1 Remember, Lord, what happened to us. Look and see our shame.
2 Our land has been turned over to strangers. Our houses have been given to foreigners.
3 We have become orphans. We have no father. Our mothers have become like widows.
4 We have to buy the water that we drink. We have to pay for the wood that we use.
5 We are forced to wear a yoke on our necks. We get tired, and we have no rest.
6 We made an agreement with Egypt. We also made an agreement with Assyria to get enough bread.
7 Our ancestors sinned against you, and now they are dead. And we are suffering because of their sins.
8 Slaves have become our rulers. No one can save us from them.
9 We risk our lives to get food. There are men in the desert with swords.
10 Our skin is hot like an oven. We have a high fever because of our hunger.
11 The enemy raped the women of Zion. They raped the women in the cities of Judah.
12 The enemy hanged our princes. They didn't honor our elders.
13 The enemy made our young men grind grain at the mill. Our young men stumbled under loads of wood.
14 The elders no longer sit at the gates of the city. The young men no longer make music.
15 We have no more joy in our hearts. Our dancing has changed to crying for the dead.
16 The crown has fallen from our head. Things have gone bad for us because we sinned.
17 For this reason our hearts have become sick, and our eyes cannot see clearly.
18 Mount Zion is a wasteland. Foxes run around on Mount Zion.
19 But you rule forever, Lord. Your kingly chair lasts forever and ever.
20 You seem to have forgotten us forever. You seem to have left us alone for such a long time.
21 Bring us back to you, Lord. We will gladly come back to you. Make our lives as they were before.
22 You were very angry with us. Have you completely rejected us?
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.