« | Psalm 144 | » |
1 A song of David. The Lord is my Rock. Praise the Lord! He prepares me for war. He trains me for battle.
2 He loves me and protects me. He is my safe place high on the mountain. He rescues me. He is my shield. I trust in him. He helps me rule my people.
3 Lord, why are people important to you? Why do you even notice us?
4 Our life is like a puff of air. It is like a passing shadow.
5 Lord, tear open the skies and come down. Touch the mountains, and smoke will rise from them.
6 Send the lightning and make my enemies run away. Shoot your "arrows" and make them run away.
7 Reach down from heaven and save me! Don't let me drown in this sea of enemies. Save me from these foreigners.
8 They are all liars, even when they swear to tell the truth.
9 God, I will sing a new song for you. I will play a ten-stringed harp and sing praise to you.
10 You are the one who gives victory to kings. You saved your servant David from the sword of his enemy.
11 Save me from these foreigners. They are all liars, even when they swear to tell the truth.
12 Save us so that our sons will be as strong as trees, and our daughters as beautiful as the carved columns of a palace.
13 Save us so that our barns will be filled with crops, and there will be thousands of sheep in our fields.
14 Then our soldiers will be safe, and no enemy will try to break in. Then we will not go to war, and people will not be screaming in our streets.
15 How wonderful to have such blessings! Yes, what blessings there are for those who have the Lord as their God.
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.