Song of Solomon 1 | » |
1 Solomon's Most Wonderful Song.
2 Cover me with kisses, for your love is better than wine.
3 Your perfume smells wonderful, but your name is sweeter than the best perfume. That is why the young women love you.
4 Take me with you. Let's run away. The king took me into his room. We will rejoice and be happy for you. Remember, your love is better than wine. With good reason, the young women love you.
5 Daughters of Jerusalem, I am dark and beautiful, as black as the tents of Kedar and Salma.
6 Don't look at how dark I am, at how dark the sun has made me. My brothers were angry with me. They forced me to take care of their vineyards, so I could not take care of myself.
7 I love you with all my soul! Tell me, where do you feed your sheep? Where do you lay them down at noon? {I should come to be with you} or I will be like a hired woman caring for the sheep of your friends.
8 You are such a beautiful woman. Surely you know what to do. Go, follow the sheep. Feed your young goats near the shepherds' tents.
9 My darling, you are more exciting to me than any mare among the stallions pulling Pharaoh's chariots. {Those horses have beautiful decorations at the side of their faces and around their necks.}
10 Here are the decorations made for you, a golden headband and a silver necklace. Your cheeks are so beautiful decorated with gold. Your neck is so beautiful laced with silver.
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12 The smell of my perfume reaches out to the king lying on his couch.
13 My lover is like the small bag of myrrh {around my neck}, lying all night between my breasts.
14 My lover is like a bunch of henna flowers near the vineyards of En Gedi.
15 My darling, you are so beautiful! Oh, you are beautiful! Your eyes are like doves.
16 You are so handsome, my lover! Yes, and so charming! Our bed is so fresh and pleasant.
17 The beams of our house are cedar. The rafters are fir.
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.