« | Psalm 90 | » |
1 The prayer of Moses, the man of God. My Lord, you have been our home forever and ever.
2 You were God before the mountains were born, before the earth and the world were made. You have always been and will always be God!
3 You bring people into this world, and you change them into dust again.
4 To you, a thousand years is like yesterday, like a few hours in the night.
5 Our life is like a dream that ends when morning comes. We are like grass
6 that grows and looks so fresh in the morning, but in the evening it is dry and dying.
7 Your anger could destroy us. Your anger frightens us!
8 You know about all our sins. You see every one of our secret sins.
9 Your anger can end our life. Our lives fade away like a whisper.
10 We live about 70 years or, if we are strong, 80 years. But most of them are filled with hard work and pain. Then, suddenly, the years are gone, and we fly away.
11 No one really knows the full power of your anger, but our fear and respect for you is as great as your anger.
12 Teach us how short our lives are so that we can become wise.
13 Lord, come back to us. Be kind to your servants.
14 Fill us with your love every morning. Let us be happy and enjoy our lives.
15 For years you have made life hard for us and have given us many troubles. Now make us happy for just as long.
16 Let your servants see the wonderful things you can do for them. And let their children see your glory.
17 Lord, our God, be kind to us. Make everything we do successful. Yes, make it all successful.
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.