« | Psalm 56 | » |
1 To the director: To the tune of "The Dove in the Distant Oak." A miktam of David from the time the Philistines captured him in Gath. God, people have attacked me, so be merciful to me. They have been chasing me all day, closing in to attack me.
2 My enemies come at me constantly. There are too many fighters to count.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 I trust in God, so I am not afraid of what people can do to me! I praise God for his promise to me.
5 My enemies are always twisting my words. They are always making plans against me.
6 They hide together and watch every move I make, hoping for some way to kill me.
7 God, send them away because of the bad things they did. Show your anger and defeat those people.
8 You know I am very upset. You know how much I have cried. Surely you have kept an account of all my tears.
9 I know that when l call for help, my enemies will turn and run. I know that because God is with me!
10 I praise God for his promise. I praise the Lord for his promise to me.
11 I trust in God, so I am not afraid of what people can do to me!
12 God, I will keep the special promises I made to you. I will give you my thank offering.
13 You saved me from death. You kept me from being defeated. So I will serve you in the light that only the living can see.
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.