« | Psalm 140 | » |
1 For the leader. A psalm of David.
2 Deliver me, LORD, from the wicked; preserve me from the violent,
3 From those who plan evil in their hearts, who stir up conflicts every day,
4 Who sharpen their tongues like serpents, venom of asps upon their lips. Selah
5 Keep me, LORD, from the clutches of the wicked; preserve me from the violent, who plot to trip me up.
6 The arrogant have set a trap for me; villains have spread a net, laid snares for me by the wayside. Selah
7 I say to the LORD: You are my God; listen, LORD, to the words of my prayer.
8 My revered LORD, my strong helper, my helmet on the day of battle.
9 LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed. Selah
10 Around me they raise their proud heads; may the mischief they threaten overwhelm them.
11 May God rain burning coals upon them, cast them into the grave never more to rise.
12 Slanderers will not survive on earth; evil will quickly entrap the violent.
13 For I know the LORD will secure justice for the needy, their rights for the poor.
14 Then the just will give thanks to your name; the upright will dwell in your presence.
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.