« | Psalm 19 | » |
1 To the director: A song of David. The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made.
2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God's power.
3 You cannot hear them say anything. They don't make any sound we can hear.
4 But their message goes throughout the world. Their teaching reaches the ends of the earth. The sun's tent is set up in the heavens.
5 It comes out like a happy bridegroom from his bedroom. It begins its path across the sky like an athlete eager to run a race.
6 It starts at one end of the sky and runs all the way to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The Lord's teachings are perfect. They give strength to his people. The Lord's rules can be trusted. They help even the foolish become wise.
8 The Lord's laws are right. They make people happy. The Lord's commands are good. They show people the right way to live.
9 Learning respect for the Lord is good. It will last forever. The Lord's judgments are right. They are completely fair.
10 His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb.
11 His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them.
12 People cannot see their own mistakes, so don't let me commit secret sins.
13 Don't let me do what I know is wrong. Don't let sin control me. If you help me, I can be pure and free from sin.
14 May my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock — the one who rescues 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.
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.