« | Psalm 16 | » |
1 A miktam of David. Protect me, God, because I depend on you.
2 I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord. Every good thing I have comes from you."
3 But you also said, "The gods of this land are my powerful gods. They are the only ones who make me happy."
4 But those who worship other gods will have many troubles. I will not share in the gifts of blood they offer to their idols. I will not even say their names.
5 Lord, you give me all that I need. You support me. You give me my share.
6 My share is wonderful. My inheritance is very beautiful.
7 I praise the Lord because he taught me well. Even at night he put his instructions deep inside my mind.
8 I always remember that the Lord is with me. He is here, close by my side, so nothing can defeat me.
9 So my heart and soul will be very happy. Even my body will live in safety,
10 because you will not leave me in the place of death. You will not let your faithful one rot in the grave.
11 You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.
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.