« | Song of Solomon 2 | » |
1 I am a crocus on the plain, a lily in the valleys.
2 My darling, among other women, you are like a lily among thorns!
3 My lover, among other men, you are an apple tree among the wild trees in the forest! I enjoy sitting in my lover's shadow; his fruit is so sweet to my taste.
4 My lover took me to the wine house; his intent toward me was love.
5 Strengthen me with raisins; refresh me with apples, because I am weak with love.
6 My lover's left arm is under my head, and his right arm holds me.
7 Women of Jerusalem, promise me, by the gazelles and wild deer, don't awaken love, don't arouse love, until I am ready.
8 I hear my lover's voice. Here it comes, jumping over the mountains, skipping over the hills.
9 My lover is like a gazelle or a young deer. Look at him standing behind our wall, staring out the window, looking through the lattice.
10 My lover speaks to me, "Get up, my darling, my beautiful one, Let's go away!
11 Look, winter is past, the rains have come and gone.
12 The flowers are blooming in the fields. It's time to sing! Listen, the doves have returned.
13 Young figs are growing on the fig trees. Smell the vines in bloom. Get up, my darling, my beautiful one, Let's go away!"
14 My dove, hiding in the caves high on the cliff, hidden here on the mountain, let me see you, let me hear your voice. Your voice is so pleasant, and you are so beautiful!
15 Catch the foxes for us— the little foxes that spoil the vineyard. Our vineyard is now in bloom.
16 My lover is mine, and I am his! My lover feeds among the lilies,
17 while the day breathes its last breath and the shadows run away. Turn, my lover, be like a gazelle or a young deer on the cleft mountains!
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.