« | Hosea 7 | » |
1 "Whenever I would heal Israel, I see the sin of Ephraim and the wrong-doing of Samaria. They are false in their ways. The robber breaks into houses, and sinful men rob in the streets.
2 They do not think about how I remember all the sinful things they do. Their sins are all around them, and are always before Me.
3 They make the king glad with their wrong-doing, and the leaders with their lies.
4 None of them are faithful. They are like a hot stove whose fire the bread-maker leaves alone from the time he makes the dough until the bread rises.
5 On the special day of our king the leaders became drunk with wine. He joined hands with those who laughed at the truth.
6 Their hearts are like a hot stove as they make their plans. Their anger smokes all night, and in the morning it burns like a hot fire.
7 All of them are hot like a stove, and they destroy their leaders. All their kings have fallen, and none of them calls to Me for help.
8 "Ephraim mixes with the nations. Ephraim is a cake not turned.
9 Strangers destroy his strength, yet he does not know it. White hairs come upon him, yet he does not know it.
10 Israel's pride speaks against him, yet they do not return to the Lord their God. Even for all this, they do not look for Him.
11 Ephraim is like a foolish dove that is not able to think. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria.
12 When they go, I will spread My net over them. I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will punish them for the sinful things they have done.
13 It is bad for them, for they have turned away from Me! They will be destroyed, for they would not obey Me! I would save them and make them free, but they speak lies against Me.
14 They do not cry out to Me from their heart when they cry on their beds. They come together for grain and new wine, but turn away from Me.
15 I taught them and gave strength to their arms, yet they make sinful plans against Me.
16 They do not turn to the Most High. They are like a bow that does not work right. Their leaders will be killed by the sword because of their proud words. And those in the land of Egypt will laugh at them.
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.