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1 Because of Zion I will not keep quiet. Because of Jerusalem I will not rest, until her being right with God shines like a bright light, and her being saved shines like fire.
2 The nations will see that you are right and good. All kings will see your shining-greatness. And you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give.
3 You will be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, a king's crown in the hand of your God.
4 You will no longer be called "Left Alone." Your land will no longer be called "Forgotten." But you will be called "My joy is in her," and your land "Married." For the Lord finds joy in you, and to Him your land will be married.
5 For as a young man marries a young woman who has never had a man, your sons will marry you. And as the man to be married finds joy in his bride, so your God will find joy in you.
6 On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have put men to keep watch. All day and all night they will never be quiet. You who help the Lord remember, do not rest.
7 And give Him no rest until He builds Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.
8 The Lord has sworn by His right hand and by His strong arm, "I will never again give your grain to be food for those who hate you. And strangers will never again drink your new wine that you have worked hard to make.
9 But those who have worked on it will eat it and praise the Lord. And those who gather it will drink it in the open spaces inside My holy house."
10 Go through, go through the gates. Open the way for the people. Build up, build up the road. Take away the stones, and raise the flag over the people.
11 See, the Lord has made it known to the end of the earth: Say to the people of Zion, "Look, the One Who saves you is coming! See, He is bringing His reward that He will give."
12 And they will call them "The holy people, the people who have been saved and set free by the Lord." And you will be called "A city looked for, a city that God has not forgotten."
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.