Hebrews 1 | » |
1 Long ago God spoke to our early fathers in many different ways. He spoke through the early preachers.
2 But in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son. God gave His Son everything. It was by His Son that God made the world.
3 The Son shines with the shining-greatness of the Father. The Son is as God is in every way. It is the Son Who holds up the whole world by the power of His Word. The Son gave His own life so we could be clean from all sin. After He had done that, He sat down on the right side of God in heaven.
4 The Son of God was made greater and better than the angels. God gave Him a greater name than theirs.
5 God did not say to any of His angels, "You are My Son. Today I have become Your Father." (Psalm 2:7) And He did not say to any angel, "I will be a Father to Him. He will be a Son to Me." (2 Samuel 7:14)
6 But when God brought His first-born Son, Jesus, into the world, He said, "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
7 He said this about the angels, "He makes His angels to be winds. He makes His servants a burning fire." (Psalm 104:4)
8 But about His Son, He says, "O God, Your throne will last forever. Whatever You say in Your nation is right and good.
9 You have loved what is right. You have hated what is wrong. That is why God, Your God, has chosen You. He has poured over You the oil of joy more than over anyone else." (Psalm 45:6-7)
10 He said also, "Lord, You made the earth in the beginning. You made the heavens with Your hands.
11 They will be destroyed but You will always be here. They will all become old just as clothes become old.
12 You will roll up the heavens like a coat. They will be changed. But You are always the same. You will never grow old." (Psalm 102:25-27)
13 God never said to any angel, "Sit at My right side, until I make those who hate You a place to rest Your feet." (Psalm 110:1)
14 Are not all the angels spirits who work for God? They are sent out to help those who are to be saved from the punishment of sin.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.