« | Psalm 9 | » |
1 To the director: Use the Alamoth of Ben. A song of David. I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell about the wonderful things you have done.
2 You make me happy, so I will rejoice in you. God Most High, I praise your name.
3 My enemies turned to run from you, but they fell and were destroyed.
4 You listened to me from your throne like a good judge, and you decided that I was right.
5 You told the nations how wrong they were. You destroyed those evil people. You erased their names from our memory forever and ever.
6 The enemy is finished! You destroyed their cities. There is nothing left to remind us of them.
7 The Lord set up his throne to bring justice, and he will rule forever.
8 He judges everyone on earth fairly. He judges all nations honestly.
9 Many people are suffering— crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to.
10 Lord, those who know your name come to you for protection. And when they come, you do not leave them without help.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who sits as King in Zion. Tell the nations about the great things he has done.
12 He punishes murderers and remembers those who are in need. When suffering people cry for help, he does not ignore them.
13 I said this prayer: "Lord, be kind to me. See how my enemies are hurting me. Save me from the 'gates of death.'
14 Then, at the gates of Jerusalem, I can sing praises to you. I will be so happy because you saved me."
15 Those other nations have fallen into the pit they dug to catch others. They have been caught in their own trap.
16 The Lord showed that he judges fairly. The wicked were caught by what they did to hurt others. Higgayon Selah
17 The wicked will go to the place of death, as will all the nations that forget God.
18 It may seem that those who are poor and needy have been forgotten, but God will not forget them. He will not leave them without hope.
19 Lord, get up and judge the nations. Don't let anyone think they can win against you.
20 Teach them a lesson. Let them know they are only human. Selah
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.