« | Song of Solomon 5 | » |
1 My darling my bride, I have entered my garden. I have gathered my myrrh and spice. I have eaten my honey and honeycomb. I have drunk my wine and milk. Dearest friends, eat, drink! Be drunk with love!
2 I am asleep, but my heart is awake. I hear my lover knocking, saying; "Open to me, my darling, my love, my dove, my perfect one! My head is soaked with dew. My hair is wet with the mist of the night."
3 "I have taken off my robe. I don't want to put it on again. I have washed my feet, I don't want to get them dirty again."
4 But my lover put his hand through the opening, and I felt sorry for him.
5 I got up to open for my lover, myrrh dripping from my hands, myrrh scented lotion dripped from my fingers onto the handles of the lock.
6 I opened for my lover, but my lover had turned away and was gone! I nearly died when he came and went. I looked for him, but I couldn't find him; I called for him, but he didn't answer me.
7 The guards patrolling the city found me. They hit me. They hurt me. The guards on the wall took my robe from me.
8 I tell you, women of Jerusalem, if you find my lover, tell him I am weak with love.
9 Beautiful woman, how is your lover different from other lovers? Is your lover better than other lovers? Is that why you ask us to make this promise?
10 My lover is tanned and radiant. He would stand out among 10,000 men.
11 His head is like the purest gold. His hair is curly and as black as a raven.
12 His eyes are like doves by a stream, like doves in a pool of milk, like a jewel in its setting.
13 His cheeks are like a garden of spices, like flowers used for perfume. His lips are like lilies, dripping with liquid myrrh.
14 His arms are like gold rods, filled with jewels. His body is like smooth ivory with sapphires set in it.
15 His legs are like marble pillars on bases of fine gold. He stands tall like the finest cedar tree in Lebanon!
16 Yes, women of Jerusalem, my lover is the most desirable. His mouth is the sweetest of all. This is my lover; this is my darling.
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.