« | Psalm 129 | » |
1 A song for going up to the Temple. All my life enemies have attacked me. Say it again, Israel.
2 All my life enemies have attacked me, but they have never defeated me.
3 They beat me until I had deep cuts. My back looked like a freshly plowed field.
4 But the Lord does what is right; he cut the ropes and set me free from those wicked people.
5 May those who hate Zion be put to shame. May they be stopped and chased away.
6 They will be like grass on a flat roof that dies before it has time to grow.
7 The one who goes to harvest it will not find enough to cut and stack.
8 May no one walking by those wicked people ever say, "May the Lord bless you! We bless you in the name of 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.