« | Psalm 139 | » |
1 To the director: A praise song of David. Lord, you have tested me, so you know all about me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away.
3 You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do.
4 Lord, you know what I want to say, even before the words leave my mouth.
5 You are all around me—in front of me and behind me. I feel your hand on my shoulder.
6 I am amazed at what you know; it is too much for me to understand.
7 Your Spirit is everywhere I go. I cannot escape your presence.
8 If I go up to heaven, you will be there. If I go down to the place of death, you will be there.
9 If I go east where the sun rises or go to live in the west beyond the sea,
10 even there you will take my hand and lead me. Your strong right hand will protect me.
11 Suppose I wanted to hide from you and said, "Surely the darkness will hide me. The day will change to night and cover me."
12 Even the darkness is not dark to you. The night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same.
13 You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was!
15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother's womb.
16 You could see my body grow each passing day. You listed all my parts, and not one of them was missing.
17 Your thoughts are beyond my understanding. They cannot be measured!
18 If I could count them, they would be more than all the grains of sand. But when I finished, I would have just begun.
19 You murderers, get away from me! God, kill those wicked people—
20 those who say bad things about you. Your enemies use your name falsely.
21 Lord, I hate those who hate you. I hate those who are against you.
22 I hate them completely! Your enemies are also my enemies.
23 God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries.
24 Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right.
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.