« | Psalm 137 | » |
1 We sat by the rivers in Babylon and cried as we remembered Zion.
2 We hung our harps nearby, there on the willow trees.
3 There in Babylon, those who captured us told us to sing. Our enemies told us to entertain them. They said, "Sing us one of your songs about Zion. "
4 But we cannot sing the Lord's songs in a foreign country!
5 Jerusalem, if I ever forget you, may I never play a song again.
6 If I fail to remember you, may I never sing again. I will always remember Jerusalem as my greatest joy!
7 Lord, be sure to punish the Edomites for what they did when Jerusalem was captured. They shouted, "Destroy its buildings! Pull them down to the ground!"
8 Babylon, you will be destroyed! Bless the one who pays you back for what you did to us.
9 Bless the one who grabs your babies and smashes them against a rock.
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.