« | Psalm 122 | » |
1 A song of David for going up to the Temple. I was happy when the people said, "Let us go to the Lord's Temple."
2 Here we are, standing at the gates of Jerusalem.
3 This is New Jerusalem! The city has been rebuilt as one united city.
4 This is where the tribes come, the tribes who belong to the Lord. The people of Israel come here to praise the Lord's name.
5 The kings from David's family put their thrones here. They set up their thrones to judge the people.
6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem: "May those who love you find peace.
7 May there be peace within your walls. May there be safety in your great buildings."
8 For the good of my family and neighbors, I pray that there will be peace here.
9 For the good of the Temple of the Lord our God, I pray that good things will happen to this city.
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.