« | Psalm 82 | » |
1 One of Asaph's songs of praise. God stands in the assembly of the gods. He stands as judge among the judges.
2 He says, "How long will you judge unfairly and show special favors to the wicked?" Selah
3 "Defend the poor and orphans. Protect the rights of the poor.
4 Help those who are poor and helpless. Save them from those who are evil.
5 "They don't know what is happening. They don't understand! They don't know what they are doing. Their world is falling down around them!"
6 I, God Most High, say, "You are gods, my own sons.
7 But you will die as all people must die. Your life will end like that of any ruler."
8 Get up, God! You be the judge! You be the leader over all the nations!
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.