« | Psalm 79 | » |
1 One of Asaph's songs of praise. God, some people from other nations came to fight your people. They ruined your holy Temple. They left Jerusalem in ruins.
2 They left the bodies of your servants for the wild birds to eat. They let wild animals eat the bodies of your followers.
3 Blood flowed like water all over Jerusalem. No one is left to bury the bodies.
4 The countries around us insult us. The people around us laugh at us and make fun of us.
5 Lord, will you be angry with us forever? Will your strong feelings continue to burn like a fire?
6 Turn your anger against the nations that do not know you, against the people who do not honor you as God.
7 Those nations killed Jacob's family and destroyed their land.
8 Please don't punish us for the sins of our ancestors. Hurry, show us your mercy! We need you so much!
9 Our God and Savior, help us! That will bring glory to your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the good of your name.
10 Don't give the other nations a reason to say, "Where is their God? Can't he help them?" Let us see you punish those people. Punish them for killing your servants.
11 Listen to the sad cries of the prisoners! Use your great power to free those who are sentenced to die.
12 Punish the nations around us! Pay them back seven times for what they did to us. Punish them for insulting you.
13 We are your people, the sheep of your flock. We will praise you forever. We will praise you forever and ever!
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.