« | Psalm 16 | » |
1 A miktam of David. I Keep me safe, O God; in you I take refuge
2 I say to the Lord, you are my Lord, you are my only good.
3 Worthless are all the false gods of the land. Accursed are all who delight in them.
4 They multiply their sorrows who court other gods. Blood libations to them I will not pour out, nor will I take their names upon my lips.
5 LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you have made my destiny secure.
6 Pleasant places were measured out for me; fair to me indeed is my inheritance.
7 I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me.
8 I keep the LORD always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure,
10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.
11 You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
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.