« | Psalm 20 | » |
1 To the director: A song of David. May the Lord answer you in times of trouble. May the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from his Holy Place. May he support you from Zion.
3 May he remember all the gifts you have offered. May he accept all your sacrifices. Selah
4 May he give you what you really want. May he make all your plans successful.
5 We will celebrate when he helps you. We will praise the name of God. May the Lord give you everything you ask for.
6 Now I know the Lord helps his chosen king. From his holy heaven he answered. With his great power he saved him.
7 Some give the credit for victory to their chariots and soldiers, but we honor the Lord our God.
8 They fall in battle, totally defeated, but we survive and stand strong!
9 Lord, save the king! Answer us when we call to you for help.
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.