« | Micah 7 |
1 It is bad for me! For I am like those who pick fruit and gather grapes. There are no grapes to eat, or any of the early figs that I want so much.
2 There is not a God-like person left in the land. There is no good person among men. All of them lie in wait to kill. Each one hunts the other with a net.
3 Both hands are very able in doing sinful things. The ruler and the judge ask for pay in secret to do what is wrong. The powerful man tells what he wants, and they all make plans together.
4 The best of them is like a thistle. The most honest of them is like a thorn bush. The day you have a watchman, you will be punished. Then their trouble will come.
5 Do not trust a neighbor. Do not put trust in a friend. Be careful what you say even with her who lies in your arms.
6 For a son does not honor his father. A daughter rises up against her mother. And a daughterin-law turns against her mother-inlaw. Those of a man's own house hate him.
7 But as for me, I will watch for the Lord. I will wait for the God Who saves me. My God will hear me.
8 Do not have joy over me, you who hate me. When I fall, I will rise. Even though I am in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
9 I will suffer under the Lord's anger, because I have sinned against Him, until He speaks for me and does what is fair for me. He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His saving power.
10 Then the one who hated me will see, and shame will cover her who said to me, "Where is the Lord your God?" My eyes will look on her, and she will be crushed under foot like mud in the streets.
11 It will be a day for building your walls. At that time your land will be made larger.
12 In that day people will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, from Egypt to the Euphrates River, from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain.
13 The earth will be laid waste because of its people and the things they have done.
14 Shepherd Your people with Your power. Take care of Your chosen flock which lives by itself in the woods, in a field of much fruit. Let them eat in Bashan and Gilead as in days long ago.
15 "As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show you powerful works."
16 Nations will see and be ashamed of all their power. They will put their hands on their mouths, and will not be able to hear with their ears.
17 They will eat the dust like a snake, like animals that move along the ground. They will come out of their strong-places shaking with fear. They will come in much fear to the Lord our God, and they will be afraid of You.
18 Who is a God like You, Who forgives sin and the wrong-doing of Your chosen people who are left? He does not stay angry forever because He is happy to show lovingkindness.
19 He will again have loving-pity on us. He will crush our sins under foot. Yes, You will throw all our sins into the deep sea.
20 You will be true to Jacob and show lovingkindness to Abraham, as You promised our fathers in days long ago.
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.