« | Psalm 71 | » |
1 In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
2 In your justice rescue and deliver me; listen to me and save me!
3 Be my rock and refuge, my secure stronghold; for you are my rock and fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of the violent.
5 You are my hope, Lord; my trust, GOD, from my youth.
6 On you I depend since birth; from my mother's womb you are my strength; my hope in you never wavers.
7 I have become a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge!
8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, shall sing your glory every day.
9 Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me.
10 For my enemies speak against me; they watch and plot against me.
11 They say, "God has abandoned that one Pursue, seize the wretch! No one will come to the rescue!"
12 God, do not stand far from me; my God, hasten to help me.
13 Bring to a shameful end those who attack me; Cover with contempt and scorn those who seek my ruin.
14 I will always hope in you and add to all your praise.
15 My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds, day after day your acts of deliverance, though I cannot number them all.
16 I will speak of the mighty works of the Lord; O GOD, I will tell of your singular justice.
17 God, you have taught me from my youth; to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
18 Now that I am old and gray, do not forsake me, God, That I may proclaim your might to all generations yet to come, Your power
19 and justice, God, to the highest heaven. You have done great things; O God, who is your equal?
20 You have sent me many bitter afflictions, but once more revive me. From the watery depths of the earth once more raise me up.
21 Restore my honor; turn and comfort me,
22 That I may praise you with the lyre for your faithfulness, my God, And sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel!
23 My lips will shout for joy as I sing your praise; my soul, too, which you have redeemed.
24 Yes, my tongue shall recount your justice day by day. For those who sought my ruin will have been shamed and disgraced.
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.