« | Nahum 2 | » |
1 An enemy is coming to attack you, so guard the strong places of your city. Watch the road. Get ready for war. Prepare for battle!
2 Yes, the Lord changed Jacob's pride. He made it like Israel's pride. The enemy destroyed them and ruined their grapevines.
3 The shields of his soldiers are red. Their uniforms are bright red. Their chariots are shining like flames of fire and are lined up for battle. Their horses are ready to go.
4 The chariots race wildly through the streets and rush back and forth through the square. They look like burning torches, like lightning flashing from place to place!
5 The enemy calls for his best soldiers. They stumble as they rush ahead. They run to the wall and set up their shield over the battering ram.
6 But the gates by the rivers are open, and the enemy comes flooding in and destroys the king's palace.
7 The enemy takes away the queen, and her slave girls moan sadly like doves. They beat their breasts to show their sadness.
8 Nineveh is like a pool whose water is draining away. People yell, "Stop! Stop running away!" But it does not do any good.
9 Take the silver! Take the gold! There are many things to take. There are many treasures.
10 Now Nineveh is empty Everything is stolen. The city is ruined. People have lost their courage, their hearts are melting with fear, their knees are knocking together, their bodies are shaking, and their faces are pale from fear.
11 Where is the lion's cave (Nineveh) now? The male and female lions lived there. Their babies were not afraid.
12 The lion (king of Nineveh) killed people to feed his cubs and lionesses. He filled his cave with men's bodies. He filled his cave with women he had killed.
13 The Lord All-Powerful says, "I am against you, Nineveh. I will burn your chariots and kill your 'young lions' in battle. You will not hunt anyone on earth again. People will never again hear bad news from your messengers."
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.