« | Psalm 86 | » |
1 A prayer of David. I am a poor, helpless man. Lord, please listen to me and answer my prayer!
2 I am your follower, so please protect me. I am your servant, and you are my God. I trust in you, so save me.
3 My Lord, be kind to me. I have been praying to you all day.
4 My Lord, I put my life in your hands. I am your servant, so make me happy.
5 My Lord, you are good and merciful. You love all those who call to you for help.
6 Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my cry for mercy.
7 I am praying to you in my time of trouble. I know you will answer me.
8 My Lord, there is no God like you. No one can do what you have done.
9 My Lord, you made everyone. I wish they all would come worship you and honor your name.
10 You are great and do amazing things. You and you alone are God.
11 Lord, teach me your ways, and I will live and obey your truths. Help me make worshiping your name the most important thing in my life.
12 My Lord God, I praise you with all my heart. I will honor your name forever!
13 You have such great love for me. You save me from the place of death.
14 Proud people are attacking me, God. A gang of cruel men is trying to kill me. They don't respect you.
15 My Lord, you are a kind and merciful God. You are patient, loyal, and full of love.
16 Show that you hear me and be kind to me. I am your servant, so give me strength. I am your slave, as my mother was, so save me!
17 Lord, show me a sign that you care for me. My enemies will see it and be disappointed, because you helped and comforted me.
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.