« | Psalm 112 | » |
1 Praise the Lord! What blessings there are for those who fear and respect the Lord, who are happy to do what he commands.
2 Their descendants will be given power on earth. Those who do right will be greatly blessed.
3 Their family will be very rich, and their goodness will continue forever.
4 A light shines in the dark for those who are good, for those who are merciful, kind, and fair.
5 It is good for people to be kind and generous and to be fair in business.
6 Such good people will never fall. They will always be remembered.
7 They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord.
8 They remain confident and without fear, so they defeat their enemies.
9 They freely give to the poor. Their goodness will continue forever. They will be honored with victory.
10 The wicked become angry when they see this. They grind their teeth in anger, but then they disappear. They will never get what they want most.
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.