« | Psalm 40 | » |
1 For the leader. A psalm of David.
2 I waited, waited for the LORD; who bent down and heard my cry,
3 Drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp, Set my feet upon rock, steadied my steps,
4 And put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God. Many shall look on in awe and they shall trust in the LORD.
5 Happy those whose trust is the LORD, who turn not to idolatry or to those who stray after falsehood.
6 How numerous, O LORD, my God, you have made your wondrous deeds! And in your plans for us there is none to equal you. Should I wish to declare or tell them, too many are they to recount.
7 sacrifice and offering you do not want; but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts and sin-offerings you do not require;
8 so I said, "Here I am; your commands for me are written in the scroll.
9 To do your will is my delight; my God, your law is in my heart!"
10 I announced your deed to a great assembly; I did not restrain my lips; you, LORD, are my witness.
11 Your deed I did not hide within my heart; your loyal deliverance I have proclaimed. I made no secret of your enduring kindness to a great assembly.
12 LORD, do not withhold your compassion from me; may your enduring kindness ever preserve me.
13 For all about me are evils beyond count; my sins so overcome me I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head; my courage fails me.
14 LORD, graciously rescue me! Come quickly to help me, LORD!
15 Put to shame and confound all who seek to take my life. Turn back in disgrace those who desire my ruin.
16 Let those who say "Aha!" know dismay and shame.
17 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. May those who long for your help always say, "The LORD be glorified."
18 Though I am afflicted and poor, the Lord keeps me in mind. You are my help and deliverer; my God, do not delay!
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.