« | Psalm 3 | » |
1 A song of David telling about the time he was running from his son Absalom. Lord, I have so many enemies. So many people have turned against me.
2 They say to themselves, "God will not rescue him!" Selah
3 But you, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; you give me hope.
4 I will pray to the Lord, and he will answer me from his holy mountain. Selah
5 I can lie down to rest and know that I will wake up, because the Lord covers and protects me.
6 So I will not be afraid of my enemies, even if thousands of them surround me.
7 Lord, get up! My God, come rescue me! If you hit my enemies on the cheek, you will break all their teeth.
8 Lord, the victory is yours! You are so good to your people. Selah
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.