« | Lamentations 5 |
1 Remember, Lord, what happened to us. Look and see our disgrace.
2 Our land has been turned over to strangers; our houses have been given to foreigners.
3 We are like orphans with no father; our mothers are like widows.
4 We have to buy the water we drink; we must pay for the firewood.
5 Those who chase after us want to catch us by the neck. We are tired and find no rest.
6 We made an agreement with Egypt and with Assyria to get enough food.
7 Our ancestors sinned against you, but they are gone; now we suffer because of their sins.
8 Slaves have become our rulers, and no one can save us from them.
9 We risk our lives to get our food; we face death in the desert.
10 Our skin is hot like an oven; we burn with starvation.
11 The enemy abused the women of Jerusalem and the girls in the cities of Judah.
12 Princes were hung by the hands; they did not respect our older leaders.
13 The young men ground grain at the mill, and boys stumbled under loads of wood.
14 The older leaders no longer sit at the city gates; the young men no longer sing.
15 We have no more joy in our hearts; our dancing has turned to sadness.
16 The crown has fallen from our head. How terrible it is because we sinned.
17 Because of this we are afraid, and now our eyes are dim.
18 Mount Zion is empty, and wild dogs wander around it.
19 But you rule forever, Lord. You will be King from now on.
20 Why have you forgotten us for so long? Have you left us forever?
21 Bring us back to you, Lord, and we will return. Make our days as they were before,
22 or have you completely rejected us? Are you so angry with us?
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.