« | Psalm 59 | » |
1 To the director: To the tune of "Don't Destroy." A miktam of David from the time Saul sent people to watch David's house to try to kill him. God, save me from my enemies. Protect me from those who stand against me.
2 Save me from those who do wrong. Save me from those murderers.
3 Look, powerful men are waiting for me. They are waiting to kill me, even though I did not sin or commit a crime.
4 I have done nothing wrong, but they are rushing to attack me. Lord, come and see for yourself!
5 You are the Lord God All-Powerful, the God of Israel! Get up and punish them. Don't show any mercy to those traitors. Selah
6 Those evil men are like dogs that come into town in the evening, growling and roaming the streets.
7 Listen to their threats and insults. They say such cruel things, and they don't care who hears them.
8 Lord, laugh at them. Make fun of them all.
9 I will sing my songs of praise to you. God, you are my place of safety, high in the mountains.
10 God loves me, and he will help me win. He will help me defeat my enemies.
11 Don't just kill them, or my people might forget. My Lord and Protector, scatter and defeat them with your strength.
12 Those evil people curse and tell lies. Punish them for what they said. Let their pride trap them.
13 Destroy them in your anger. Destroy them completely! Then people all over the world will know that God rules over Jacob's people. Selah
14 Those evil men are like dogs that come into town in the evening, growling and roaming the streets.
15 They roam around looking for food, but even if they eat their fill, they still growl and complain.
16 But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come.
17 I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety. You are the God who loves me!
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.