« | Psalm 17 | » |
1 A prayer of David. Lord, hear my prayer for justice. I am calling loudly to you. I am being honest in what I say, so please listen to my prayer.
2 You will make the right decision, because you can see the truth.
3 You were with me all night and looked deep into my heart. You questioned me and found that I did not say or do anything wrong.
4 Unlike most people, I have obeyed your commands, so I have never been like those who are cruel and evil.
5 I have followed your way. My feet never left your path.
6 Every time I call to you, God, you answer me. So listen to me now, and hear what I say.
7 Show your amazing kindness and rescue those who depend on you. Use your great power and protect them from their enemies.
8 Protect me like the pupil of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
9 Save me from the wicked people who are trying to destroy me. Protect me from those who come to hurt me.
10 They think only of themselves and brag about what they will do.
11 They have been following me, and now they are all around me. They watch me, waiting to throw me to the ground.
12 Like hungry lions, they want to kill and eat. Like young lions, they hide, ready to attack.
13 Lord, get up and face the enemy. Make them surrender. Use your sword and save me from these wicked people.
14 Use your power, Lord, and remove them from this life. But as for the people you treasure, fill them with food. Give them plenty for their children and their grandchildren.
15 I have done only what is right, so I will see your face. And seeing you, I will be fully satisfied.
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.