« | Psalm 55 | » |
1 To the director: With instruments. A maskil of David. God, hear my prayer. Don't ignore my cry for help.
2 Please listen and answer me. Let me speak to you and tell you what upsets me.
3 My enemies shout at me and threaten me. In their anger they attack me. They bring troubles crashing down on me.
4 My heart is pounding inside me. I am scared to death.
5 I am trembling with fear. I am terrified!
6 Oh, I wish I had wings like a dove. I would fly away and find a place to rest.
7 I would go far into the desert and stay there. Selah
8 I would run away. I would escape from this storm of trouble.
9 My Lord, confuse their words and stop their plans. I see much cruelty and fighting in this city.
10 Day and night, in every neighborhood, the city is filled with evil and trouble.
11 There is so much crime in the streets. People who hurt and cheat others are everywhere.
12 If it were an enemy insulting me, I could bear it. If it were my enemies attacking me, I could hide.
13 But it is you, the one so close to me, my companion, my good friend, who does this.
14 We used to share our secrets with one another, as we walked through the crowds together in God's Temple.
15 I wish death would take my enemies by surprise! I wish the earth would open up and swallow them alive because they plan such terrible things together.
16 I will call to God for help, and the Lord will save me.
17 I speak to God morning, noon, and night. I tell him what upsets me, and he listens to me!
18 I have fought in many battles, but he has always rescued me and brought me back safely.
19 God, who has always ruled as king, will hear me and punish my enemies. Selah But they will never change. They don't fear and respect God.
20 This one who was once my friend now attacks his friends. He is breaking every promise he made.
21 His words about peace are as smooth as butter, but he has only war on his mind. His words are as slick as oil, but they cut like a knife.
22 Give your worries to the Lord, and he will care for you. He will never let those who are good be defeated.
23 But, God, you will send those liars and murderers to the grave. They will die before their life is half finished! As for me, I will put my trust in you.
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.