« | Psalm 51 | » |
1 To the director: A song of David telling about the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David's sin with Bathsheba God, be merciful to me because of your faithful love. Because of your great compassion, erase all the wrongs I have done.
2 Scrub away my guilt. Wash me clean from my sin.
3 I know I have done wrong. I remember that sin all the time.
4 I did what you said is wrong. You are the one I have sinned against. I say this so that people will know that I am wrong, and you are right. What you decided is fair.
5 I was born to do wrong, a sinner before I left my mother's womb.
6 You want me to be completely loyal, so put true wisdom deep inside of me.
7 Remove my sin and make me pure. Wash me until I am whiter than snow!
8 Let me hear sounds of joy and happiness again. Let the bones you crushed be happy again.
9 Don't look at my sins. Erase them all.
10 God, create a pure heart in me, and make my spirit strong again.
11 Don't push me away or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Your help made me so happy. Give me that joy again. Make my spirit strong and ready to obey you.
13 I will teach the guilty how you want them to live, and the sinners will come back to you.
14 God, spare me from the punishment of death. My God, you are the one who saves me! Let me sing about all the good things you do for me!
15 My Lord, I will open my mouth and sing your praises!
16 You don't really want sacrifices, or I would give them to you.
17 The sacrifice that God wants is a humble spirit. God, you will not turn away someone who comes with a humble heart and is willing to obey you.
18 God, please be good to Zion. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then you can enjoy the kind of sacrifices you want. You will receive whole burnt offerings, and people will again offer bulls on your altar.
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.