« | Psalm 98 | » |
1 A song of praise. Sing a new song to the Lord, because he has done amazing things! His powerful and holy right arm has brought him another victory.
2 The Lord showed the nations his power to save. He showed them his goodness.
3 He has kept his promise of love and loyalty to the people of Israel. People everywhere have seen our God's power to save.
4 Everyone on earth, shout with joy to the Lord. Start singing happy songs of praise!
5 Praise the Lord with harps. Yes, praise him with music from the harps.
6 Blow the pipes and horns, and shout for joy to the Lord our King!
7 Let the sea and everything in it, the earth and all who live on it shout his praise!
8 Rivers, clap your hands! All together now, mountains sing out!
9 Sing before the Lord because he is coming to rule the world. He will rule the world fairly. He will rule the people with goodness.
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.