« | Psalm 136 | » |
1 Praise the Lord because he is good. His faithful love will last forever.
2 Praise the God of gods! His faithful love will last forever.
3 Praise the Lord of Lords! His faithful love will last forever.
4 Praise him who alone does wonderful miracles! His faithful love will last forever.
5 Praise the one who used wisdom to make the skies! His faithful love will last forever.
6 He spread the land over the sea. His faithful love will last forever.
7 He made the great lights. His faithful love will last forever.
8 He made the sun to rule the day. His faithful love will last forever.
9 He made the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love will last forever.
10 He killed the firstborn males in Egypt, both men and animals. His faithful love will last forever.
11 He took Israel out of Egypt. His faithful love will last forever.
12 He used his powerful arms and strong hands. His faithful love will last forever.
13 He split the Red Sea into two parts. His faithful love will last forever.
14 He led Israel through the sea. His faithful love will last forever.
15 He drowned Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. His faithful love will last forever.
16 He led his people through the desert. His faithful love will last forever.
17 He defeated powerful kings. His faithful love will last forever.
18 He defeated strong kings. His faithful love will last forever.
19 He defeated Sihon king of the Amorites. His faithful love will last forever.
20 He defeated Og king of Bashan. His faithful love will last forever.
21 He gave their land to Israel. His faithful love will last forever.
22 He gave it as a gift to Israel, his servant. His faithful love will last forever.
23 He remembered us when we were defeated. His faithful love will last forever.
24 He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love will last forever.
25 He provides food for all living things. His faithful love will last forever.
26 Praise the God of heaven! 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.