« | Psalm 7 | » |
1 A song of David that he sang to the Lord about Cush from the tribe of Benjamin. Lord my God, I come to you for protection. Save me from those who are chasing me.
2 If you don't help me, I will be torn apart, like an animal caught by a lion. I will be carried away with no one to save me.
3 Lord my God, I have done nothing wrong.
4 I have done nothing to hurt a friend or to help his enemies.
5 If that is not the truth, then punish me. Let an enemy chase me, catch me, and kill me. Let him grind me into the dirt and put me in my grave. Selah
6 Lord, get up and show your anger! My enemy is angry, so stand and fight against him. Get me the justice that you demand.
7 Gather the nations around you, and take your place as judge.
8 Lord, judge the people. Lord, judge me. Prove that I am right and that I am innocent.
9 Stop those who do evil. Support those who do good. God, you are fair. You know what people are thinking.
10 God helps people who want to do right, so he will protect me.
11 God is a good judge. He always condemns evil.
12 If the wicked will not change, then God is ready to punish them. He has prepared his deadly weapons. His sword is sharp. His bow is strung, drawn back, and ready to shoot its flaming arrow.
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14 The minds of the wicked are full of evil; they are pregnant with wicked plans, which give birth to lies.
15 They dig a pit to trap others, but they are the ones who will fall into it.
16 The trouble they cause will come back on them. They plan harm for others, but they are the ones who will be hurt.
17 I praise the Lord because he is good. I praise the name of the Lord Most High.
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.