« | Psalm 47 | » |
1 To the director: A song from the Korah family. Everyone, clap your hands. Shout with joy to God!
2 The Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King over all the earth.
3 He helped us defeat other nations. He put those people under our control.
4 He chose our land for us. He chose that wonderful land for Jacob, the one he loved. Selah
5 The Lord God goes up to his throne at the sound of the trumpet and horn.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7 God is the King of the whole world. Sing songs of praise!
8 God sits on his holy throne; he rules all the nations.
9 The leaders of the nations have come together with the people of the God of Abraham. All the rulers of the world belong to God. He is over them all!
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.