« | Song of Solomon 7 | » |
1 Princess, your feet are beautiful in those sandals. The curves of your thighs are like jewelry made by an artist.
2 Your navel is like a round cup; may it never be without wine. Your belly is like a pile of wheat surrounded by lilies.
3 Your breasts are like twin fawns of a young gazelle.
4 Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon near the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon that looks toward Damascus.
5 Your head is like Carmel, and the hair on your head is like silk. Your long flowing hair captures even a king.
6 You are so beautiful and so pleasant, a lovely, delightful young woman!
7 You are tall— as tall as a palm tree. And your breasts are like the clusters of fruit on that tree.
8 I would love to climb that tree and take hold of its branches. May your breasts be like clusters of grapes and your fragrance like apples.
9 May your mouth be like the best wine, flowing straight to my love, flowing gently to the sleeper's lips.
10 I belong to my lover, and he wants me.
11 Come, my lover, let's go out into the field; let's spend the night in the villages.
12 Let's get up early and go to the vineyards. Let's see if the vines are in bloom. Let's see if the blossoms have opened and if the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give you my love.
13 Smell the mandrakes and all the pleasant flowers by our door. I have saved many pleasant things for you, my lover, pleasant things, new and old.
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.