« | Psalm 34 | » |
1 A song of David when he pretended to be crazy so that Abimelech would send him away, which he did. I will praise the Lord at all times. I will never stop singing his praises.
2 Humble people, listen and be happy, while I brag about the Lord.
3 Praise the Lord with me. Let us honor his name.
4 I went to the Lord for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear.
5 Look to the Lord for help. You will be accepted. Don't be ashamed.
6 This poor man called to the Lord for help, and he heard me. He saved me from all my troubles.
7 The Lord's angel builds a camp around his followers, and he protects them.
8 Give the Lord a chance to show you how good he is. What blessings there are for those who depend on him!
9 The Lord's holy people should fear and respect him. Those who respect him will always have what they need.
10 Even strong lions get weak and hungry, but those who go to the Lord for help will have every good thing.
11 Children, come and listen to me; I will teach you to respect the Lord.
12 Do you want to enjoy life? Do you want to have many happy days?
13 Then avoid saying anything hurtful, and never let a lie come out of your mouth.
14 Stop doing anything evil, and do good. Look for peace, and do all you can to help people live peacefully.
15 The Lord watches over those who do what is right, and he hears their prayers.
16 But the Lord is against those who do evil, so they are forgotten soon after they die.
17 Pray to the Lord, and he will hear you. He will save you from all your troubles.
18 The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged.
19 Good people might have many problems, but the Lord will take them all away.
20 He will protect them completely. Not one of their bones will be broken.
21 But troubles will kill the wicked. The enemies of those who live right will all be punished.
22 The Lord saves his servants. All who go to him for protection will escape punishment.
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.