« | Psalm 50 | » |
1 One of Asaph's songs. The Lord God Most Powerful has spoken. He calls to everyone on earth, from where the sun rises to where it sets.
2 God appeared from Zion, the city of perfect beauty.
3 Our God is coming and will not keep quiet. Fire burns in front of him. There is a great storm around him.
4 He tells the sky and the earth to be witnesses as he judges his people.
5 He says, "My followers, gather around me. Come, my worshipers, who made an agreement with me."
6 God is the judge, and the skies tell how fair he is. Selah
7 God says, "My people, listen to me! People of Israel, I will show my evidence against you. I am God, your God.
8 The problem I have with you is not your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you bring to me everyday.
9 Why would I want more bulls from your barns or goats from your pens?
10 I already own all the animals in the forest. I own all the animals on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not ask you for food. I already own the world and everything in it.
13 I don't eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats."
14 You made promises to God Most High, so give him what you promised. Bring your sacrifices and thank offerings.
15 God says, "Call me when trouble comes. I will help you, and you will honor me."
16 But God says to the wicked, "Stop quoting my laws! Stop talking about my agreement!
17 You hate for me to tell you what to do. You ignore what I say.
18 You see a thief and run to join him. You jump into bed with those who commit adultery.
19 You say evil things and tell lies.
20 You sit around talking about people, finding fault with your own brothers.
21 When you did these things, I said nothing. So you thought that I was just like you. But I will not be quiet any longer. I will correct you and make clear what I have against you.
22 You people who have forgotten God, understand what I am telling you, or I will tear you apart, and no one will be able to save you!
23 Whoever gives a thank offering shows me honor. And whoever decides to live right will see my power to save."
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.