« | Psalm 80 | » |
1 To the director: To the tune of "Lilies of the Agreement." One of Asaph's songs of praise. Shepherd of Israel, listen to us. You lead your people like sheep. You sit on your throne above the Cherub angels. Let us see you.
2 Shepherd of Israel, show your greatness to the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Come and save your people.
3 God, accept us again. Smile down on us and save us!
4 Lord God All-Powerful, when will you listen to our prayers? How long will you be angry with us?
5 Instead of bread and water, you gave your people tears.
6 You made us the target of everyone's hatred. Our enemies make fun of us.
7 God All-Powerful, accept us again. Smile down on us and save us!
8 When you brought us out of Egypt, we were like your special vine. You forced other nations to leave this land, and you planted that vine here.
9 You prepared the ground for it, and it sent its roots down deep and spread throughout the land.
10 It covered the mountains, and its leaves shaded even the giant cedar trees.
11 Its branches spread to the Mediterranean Sea, its shoots to the Euphrates River.
12 God, why did you pull down the walls that protect your vine? Now everyone who passes by picks its grapes.
13 Wild pigs come and ruin it. Wild animals eat the leaves.
14 God All-Powerful, come back. Look down from heaven at your vine and protect it.
15 Look at the vine you planted with your own hands. Look at the young plant you raised.
16 Our enemies have cut it down and burned it up. Show them how angry you are and destroy them.
17 Reach out and help your chosen one. Reach out to the people you raised up.
18 Then we will never leave you. Let us live, and we will worship you.
19 Lord God All-Powerful, accept us again. Smile down on us and save us!
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.