« | Psalm 62 | » |
1 For the leader; al Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
2 My soul rests in God alone, from whom comes my salvation.
3 God alone is my rock and salvation, my secure height; I shall never fall.
4 How long will you set upon people, all of you beating them down, As though they were a sagging fence or a battered wall?
5 Even from my place on high they plot to dislodge me. They delight in lies; they bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
6 My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope.
7 God alone is my rock and my salvation, my secure height; I shall not fall.
8 My safety and glory are with God, my strong rock and refuge.
9 Trust God at all times, my people! Pour out your hearts to God our refuge! Selah
10 Mortals are a mere breath, the powerful but an illusion; On a balance they rise; together they are lighter than air.
11 Do not trust in extortion; in plunder put no empty hope. Though wealth increase, do not set your heart upon it.
12 One thing God has said; two things I have heard: Power belongs to God;
13 so too, Lord, does kindness, And you render to each of us according to our deeds.
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.