« | Psalm 102 | » |
1 A prayer for a time of suffering, when anyone feels weak and wants to tell their complaints to the Lord. Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my cry for help.
2 Don't turn away from me when I have troubles. Listen to me, and answer me quickly when I cry for help.
3 My life is passing away like smoke. My life is like a fire slowly burning out.
4 My strength is gone— I am like dry, dying grass. I even forget to eat.
5 Because of my sadness, I am losing so much weight that my skin hangs from my bones.
6 I am lonely, like an owl living in the desert, like an owl living among old ruined buildings.
7 I cannot sleep. I am like a lonely bird on the roof.
8 My enemies insult me all the time. They make fun of me and use me as an example in their curses.
9 My great sadness is my only food. My tears fall into my drink.
10 You were angry with me, so you picked me up and threw me away.
11 My life is almost finished, like the long shadows at the end of the day. I am like dry and dying grass.
12 But you, Lord, will rule as king forever! Your name will continue forever and ever!
13 You will rise up and comfort Zion. The time has come for you to be kind to Zion.
14 Your servants love her stones. They love even the dust of that city!
15 The nations will worship the Lord's name. All the kings on earth will honor you.
16 The Lord will rebuild Zion, and people will again see her glory.
17 He will listen to the prayers of those in poverty. He will not ignore them.
18 Write these things for future generations, so that they will praise the Lord.
19 The Lord will look down from his Holy Place above. He will look down at the earth from heaven.
20 And he will hear the prisoner's prayers. He will free those who were condemned to die.
21 Then people in Zion will tell about the Lord. They will praise his name in Jerusalem
22 when nations gather together and kingdoms come to serve the Lord.
23 My strength failed me. My life is cut short.
24 So I said, "Don't let me die while I am still young. God, you will live forever and ever!
25 Long ago, you made the world. You made the sky with your own hands!
26 The earth and sky will end, but you will live forever! They will wear out like clothes, and like clothes, you will change them.
27 But you never change. You will live forever!
28 We are your servants today. Our children will live here, and their descendants will come here to worship you."
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.