« | Genesis 5 | » |
1 This is the history of Adam's family. When God created people, he made them like himself.
2 He created them male and female. And on the same day he made them, he blessed them and called them "humans."
3 After Adam was 130 years old, he had another son. This son looked just like Adam. Adam named his son Seth.
4 After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.
5 So Adam lived a total of 930 years; then he died.
6 After Seth was 105 years old, he had a son named Enosh.
7 After Enosh was born, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters.
8 So Seth lived a total of 912 years; then he died.
9 After Enosh was 90 years old, he had a son named Kenan.
10 After Kenan was born, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and daughters.
11 So Enosh lived a total of 905 years; then he died.
12 After Kenan was 70 years old, he had a son named Mahalalel.
13 After Mahalalel was born, Kenan lived 840 years and had other sons and daughters.
14 So Kenan lived a total of 910 years; then he died.
15 When Mahalalel was 65 years old, he had a son named Jared.
16 After Jared was born, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters.
17 So Mahalalel lived a total of 895 years; then he died.
18 After Jared was 162 years old, he had a son named Enoch.
19 After Enoch was born, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.
20 So Jared lived a total of 962 years; then he died.
21 After Enoch was 65 years old, he had a son named Methuselah.
22 After Methuselah was born, Enoch walked with God for 300 years and had other sons and daughters.
23 So Enoch lived a total of 365 years.
24 One day Enoch was walking with God, and he disappeared. God took him.
25 After Methuselah was 187 years old, he had a son named Lamech.
26 After Lamech was born, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters.
27 So Methuselah lived a total of 969 years; then he died.
28 When Lamech was 182 years old, he had a son.
29 Lamech named his son Noah. Lamech said, "We work very hard as farmers because God cursed the ground. But Noah will bring us rest."
30 After Noah was born, Lamech lived 595 years and had other sons and daughters.
31 So Lamech lived a total of 777 years; then he died.
32 After Noah was 500 years old, he had sons named Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
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.