« | Psalm 142 | » |
1 A maskil of David. This is a prayer from the time he was in the cave. I cry out to the Lord. I beg the Lord to help me.
2 I tell him my problems; I tell him about my troubles.
3 I am ready to give up. But you, Lord, know the path I am on, and you know that my enemies have set a trap for me.
4 I look around, and I don't see anyone I know. I have no place to run. There is no one to save me.
5 Lord, I cry out to you for help: "You are my place of safety. You are all I need in life."
6 Listen to my prayer. I am so weak. Save me from those who are chasing me. They are stronger than I am.
7 Help me escape this trap, so that I can praise your name. Then good people will celebrate with me, because you took care of me.
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.