« | Psalm 64 | » |
1 To the director: A song of David. God, listen to my complaint. Save me from the terrible threats of my enemies!
2 Protect me from the secret plans of the wicked. Hide me from that gang of evil people.
3 They sharpen their tongues to use like swords. They aim their poisonous words like arrows.
4 Suddenly, from their hiding places, they let their arrows fly. They shoot to kill innocent people.
5 They encourage each other to do wrong. They talk about setting traps and say, "No one will see them here!
6 No one will discover our crime. We have the perfect plan!" Yes, people can be very tricky and hard to understand.
7 But suddenly, God will shoot his arrows, and those wicked people will be hit.
8 He will use their own words against them, and they will be destroyed. Then everyone who sees them will shake their heads in amazement.
9 People will see what God has done. They will tell other people about him. Then everyone will learn more about God. They will learn to fear and respect him.
10 Good people are happy to serve the Lord. They depend on him to protect them. All those who want to do right will praise him!
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.