« | Psalm 60 | » |
1 You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor.
2 You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.
3 You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling.
4 But you have raised a banner for those who fear you-- a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude
5 Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.
6 God has promised this by his holiness: "I will divide up Shechem with joy. I will measure out the valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh, too. Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors, and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.
8 But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant, and I will wipe my feet on Edom and shout in triumph over Philistia."
9 Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will bring me victory over Edom?
10 Have you rejected us, O God? Will you no longer march with our armies?
11 Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless.
12 With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.
The New Living Translation (NLT)
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a modern English translation of the Bible that aims to make the Scriptures accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. First published in 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, the NLT was conceived as an effort to create a translation that combines both accuracy and readability. Unlike many other translations that focus on a word-for-word rendering of the original texts, the NLT employs a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, also known as dynamic equivalence. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and message of the original texts in a way that is natural and understandable in modern English.
One of the defining features of the NLT is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators, a team of over 90 evangelical scholars, aimed to create a text that would be approachable for a wide audience, including those who may find traditional translations challenging to read. The NLT’s language is contemporary and conversational, making it particularly effective for public reading, teaching, and personal study. This emphasis on readability helps ensure that the profound messages of the Bible are easily grasped and retained by readers from various backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge.
The NLT also incorporates a rich array of study aids designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These include book introductions, footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. These features are particularly useful for readers who seek a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their application to modern life. The translation also includes clear and concise headings that help guide readers through the narrative and thematic structure of each book, making it easier to follow and comprehend the overall message.
Despite its many strengths, the New Living Translation has faced some criticism, particularly from those who favor more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while making the text more readable, can sometimes result in a loss of the precise nuances and literary qualities of the original languages. Some scholars believe that certain theological concepts might be oversimplified in the process of making the text more accessible. Nevertheless, the NLT remains one of the most popular and widely used translations today, valued for its readability, clarity, and ability to convey the timeless truths of the Bible in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.