« | Zechariah 2 | » |
1 Then I looked up and saw a man holding a rope for measuring things.
2 I asked him, "Where are you going?" He said to me, "I am going to measure Jerusalem, to see how wide and how long it is."
3 Then the angel who was speaking to me left, and another angel went out to talk to him.
4 He said to him, "Run and tell that young man this: 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls, because there will be too many people and animals living there.'
5 The Lord says, 'I will be a wall of fire around her, to protect her, and to bring glory to that city, I will live there.'" The Lord says,
6 "Hurry! Leave the land in the North in a hurry. Yes, it is true that I scattered your people in every direction.
7 You people from Zion now live in Babylon. Escape! Run away from that city!"
8 The Lord sent me to the nations that took away your wealth. He sent me to bring you honor. And this is what the Lord All-Powerful said: "If anyone even touches you, it is as if they did it to the pupil of my eye.
9 I will punish them, and you, their slaves, will take all their wealth." When this happens, then you will know that the Lord All-Powerful sent me.
10 The Lord says, "Zion, be happy, because I am coming, and I will live in your city.
11 At that time people from many nations will come to me. They will become my people, and I will live in your city." Then you will know that the Lord All-Powerful sent me.
12 The Lord will again choose Jerusalem to be his special city. Judah will be his share of the holy land.
13 Everyone, be quiet! The Lord is coming out of his holy house.
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.