« | Psalm 109 | » |
1 To the director: A praise song of David. God, I praise you! Hear my prayer and do something!
2 Wicked people are telling lies about me. They are saying things that are not true.
3 They are saying hateful things about me. They are attacking me for no reason.
4 I loved them, but they were against me. So I said a prayer.
5 I did good things to them, but they are doing bad things to me. I loved them, but they hated me.
6 They said, "Choose someone evil to represent him. Let the one at his side really be his accuser.
7 Let even his prayer be used as evidence against him, and let the court find him guilty.
8 Let his life be cut short, and let someone else take over his work.
9 Let his children become orphans and his wife a widow.
10 Make his children wander around as beggars, forced from homes that lie in ruins.
11 Let the people he owes take everything he owns. Let strangers get everything he worked for.
12 Let no one be kind to him. Let no one show mercy to his children.
13 May his family come to an end. May his name be unknown to future generations.
14 May the Lord remember the sins of his father, and may his mother's sins never be erased.
15 May the Lord remember their sins forever, and may he cause people to forget his family completely.
16 He never did anything good. He never loved anyone. He made life hard for the poor and the helpless.
17 He loved to curse others, so let those bad things happen to him. He never blessed others, so don't let good things happen to him.
18 Cursing was a daily part of his life, like the clothes he wears. Cursing others became a part of him, like the water he drinks and the oil he puts on his body.
19 So let curses cover him like the robe he wears and always surround him like a belt."
20 My enemies said these evil things against me. But may those curses be the way the Lord punishes them.
21 My Lord God, treat me in a way that brings honor to your name. Save me because of your faithful love.
22 I am only a poor, helpless man. I am so sad; my heart is broken.
23 I feel my life is over, fading like a shadow at day's end. I feel like a bug that someone brushed away.
24 My knees are weak from fasting. I have lost weight and become thin.
25 My enemies insult me. They look at me and shake their heads.
26 Lord my God, help me! Show your faithful love and save me!
27 Then they will know that you did it. They will know that it was your power, Lord, that helped me.
28 They curse me, but you can bless me. They attacked me, so defeat them. Then I, your servant, will be happy.
29 Humiliate my enemies! Let them wear their shame like a coat.
30 I give thanks to the Lord. I praise him in front of everyone.
31 He stands by the helpless and saves them from those who try to put them to death.
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.