« | Psalm 41 | » |
1 For the leader. A psalm of David.
2 Happy those concerned for the lowly and poor; when misfortune strikes, the LORD delivers them.
3 The LORD keeps and preserves them, makes them happy in the land, and does not betray them to their enemies.
4 The LORD sustains them on their sickbed, allays the malady when they are ill.
5 Once I prayed, "LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, I have sinned against you.
6 My enemies say the worst of me: 'When will that one die and be forgotten?'
7 When people come to visit me, they speak without sincerity. Their hearts store up malice; they leave and spread their vicious lies.
8 My foes all whisper against me; they imagine the worst about me:
9 I have a deadly disease, they say; I will never rise from my sickbed.
10 Even the friend who had my trust, who shared my table, has scorned me.
11 But you, LORD, have mercy and raise me up that I may repay them as they deserve."
12 By this I know you are pleased with me, that my enemy no longer jeers at me.
13 For my integrity you have supported me and let me stand in your presence forever.
14 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from all eternity and forever. Amen. Amen.
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.