« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 A song of David for the day of remembrance. Lord, don't criticize me when you are angry. Don't discipline me in anger.
2 You have hurt me. You punished me and hurt me deeply.
3 You punished me severely, so my whole body is sore. I sinned, and now all my bones hurt.
4 My guilt is like a heavy burden. I am sinking beneath its weight.
5 I did a foolish thing, and now I have infected sores that stink.
6 I am bent and bowed down. I am depressed all day long.
7 I am burning with fever, and my whole body hurts.
8 I hurt so much I cannot feel anything. My pounding heart makes me scream!
9 My Lord, you heard my groaning. You can hear my sighs.
10 My heart is pounding. My strength is gone, and I am going blind.
11 Because of my sickness, my friends and neighbors will not visit me; my family will not come near me.
12 My enemies say bad things about me. They are spreading lies and rumors. They talk about me all the time.
13 But I am like a deaf man and cannot hear. I am like someone who cannot speak.
14 I am like those who cannot hear what people are saying about them. I cannot answer to prove my enemies wrong.
15 Lord, you must defend me. Lord my God, you must speak for me.
16 That's why I prayed, "Don't let my enemies smile at my pain. Full of pride, they will laugh if I stumble and fall."
17 I know I am guilty of doing wrong. I cannot forget my pain.
18 Lord, I told you about the bad things I did. I am worried about my sins.
19 But my enemies are alive and healthy, and they have told many lies.
20 I did nothing but good, and they paid me back with evil. I try to do what is right, but that only makes them turn against me.
21 Lord, don't leave me. My God, stay close to me.
22 Come quickly and help me. My Lord, you are the one who saves 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.