« | Psalm 12 | » |
1 To the director: On the sheminith. A song of David. Save me, Lord! We can no longer trust anyone! All the good, loyal people are gone.
2 People lie to their neighbors. They say whatever they think people want to hear.
3 The Lord should cut off their lying lips and cut out their bragging tongues.
4 Those people think they can win any argument. They say, "We are so good with words, no one will be our master."
5 They took advantage of the poor and stole what little they had. But the Lord knows what they did, and he says, "I will rescue those who are poor and helpless, and I will punish those who hurt them."
6 The Lord's words are true and pure, like silver purified by fire, like silver melted seven times to make it perfectly pure.
7 Lord, take care of the helpless. Protect them forever from the wicked people in this world.
8 The wicked are all around us, and everyone thinks evil is something to be praised!
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.