« | Psalm 118 | » |
1 Praise the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever!
2 Israel, say it: "His faithful love will last forever!"
3 Aaron's family, say it: "His faithful love will last forever!"
4 You people worshiping the Lord, say it: "His faithful love will last forever!"
5 I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord for help. The Lord answered and made me free.
6 The Lord is with me, so I will not be afraid. No one on earth can do anything to harm me.
7 The Lord is my helper. I will see my enemies defeated.
8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in great leaders.
10 Many enemies surrounded me, but with the Lord's power I defeated them.
11 They surrounded me again and again, but I defeated them with the Lord's power.
12 They surrounded me like a swarm of bees, but they were quickly destroyed like a fast-burning bush. I defeated them with the Lord's power.
13 My enemy attacked me and almost destroyed me, but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and my reason for singing. He saved me!
15 You can hear the victory celebration in the homes of those who live right. The Lord has shown his great power again!
16 The Lord's arm is raised in victory. The Lord has shown his great power again.
17 I will live and not die, and I will tell what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord punished me, but he did not let me die.
19 Gates of goodness, open for me, and I will come in and worship the Lord.
20 Those are the Lord's gates, and only good people can go through them.
21 Lord, I thank you for answering my prayer. I thank you for saving me.
22 The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.
23 The Lord made this happen, and we think it is wonderful!
24 This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be happy today!
25 {The people say,} "Praise the Lord! The Lord saved us!
26 Welcome to the one who comes in the name of the Lord." {The priests answer,} "We welcome you to the Lord's house!
27 The Lord is God, and he accepts us. Tie up the lamb for the sacrifice and carry it to the horns of the altar. "
28 Lord, you are my God, and I thank you. My God, I praise you!
29 Praise the Lord because he is good. His faithful love will last forever.
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.