« | Psalm 126 | » |
1 A song for going up to the Temple. It will be like a dream when the Lord comes back with the captives of Zion.
2 We will laugh and sing happy songs! Then the other nations will say, "The Lord did a great thing for Zion!"
3 Yes, we will be happy because the Lord did a great thing for us.
4 So, Lord, bring back the good times, like a desert stream filled again with flowing water.
5 Then those who were sad when they planted will be happy when they gather the harvest!
6 Those who cried as they carried the seeds will be happy when they bring in the crops!
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.