« | Psalm 81 | » |
1 To the director: On the gittith. One of Asaph's songs. Be happy and sing to God, our strength. Shout with joy to the God of Jacob.
2 Begin the music. Play the tambourines. Play the pleasant harps and lyres.
3 Blow the ram's horn at the time of the new moon and at the time of the full moon, when our festival begins.
4 This is the law for the people of Israel. The God of Jacob gave the command.
5 God made this agreement with Joseph's people, when he led them out of Egypt. In a language we didn't understand, God said,
6 "I took the load from your shoulder. I let you drop the worker's basket.
7 When you were in trouble, you called for help, and I set you free. I was hidden in the storm clouds, and I answered you. I tested you by the water at Meribah. " Selah
8 "My people, I am warning you. Israel, listen to me!
9 Don't worship any of the false gods that the foreigners worship.
10 I, the Lord, am your God. I brought you out of Egypt. Israel, open your mouth, and I will feed you.
11 "But my people did not listen to me. Israel did not obey me.
12 So I let them go their own stubborn way and do whatever they wanted.
13 If my people would listen to me and live the way I want,
14 then I would defeat their enemies. I would punish those who cause them trouble.
15 Those who hate the Lord would shake with fear. They would be punished forever.
16 I would give the best wheat to my people. I would give them the purest honey, until they were satisfied."
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.