« | Psalm 113 | » |
1 Praise the Lord! Servants of the Lord, praise him! Praise the Lord's name.
2 May the Lord's name be praised now and forever.
3 May the Lord's name be praised from where the sun rises to where it goes down.
4 The Lord is higher than all nations. His glory rises to the skies.
5 There is no one like the Lord our God. He sits on his throne high in heaven.
6 He is so high above us that he must look down to see the sky and the earth.
7 He lifts the poor out of the dirt and rescues beggars from the garbage dump.
8 He puts them in important positions, giving them a place among the leaders of his people.
9 He gives children to the woman whose home is empty. He makes her a happy mother. Praise the Lord!
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.