« | Psalm 10 | » |
1 Lord, why are you so far away? Why do you hide when there is trouble?
2 Proudly the wicked chase down those who suffer. Let them be caught in their own traps.
3 They brag about the things they want. They bless the greedy but hate the Lord.
4 The wicked people are too proud. They do not look for God; there is no room for God in their thoughts.
5 They always succeed. They are far from keeping your laws; they make fun of their enemies.
6 They say to themselves, "Nothing bad will ever happen to me; I will never be ruined."
7 Their mouths are full of curses, lies, and threats; they use their tongues for sin and evil.
8 They hide near the villages. They look for innocent people to kill; they watch in secret for the helpless.
9 They wait in hiding like a lion. They wait to catch poor people; they catch the poor in nets.
10 The poor are thrown down and crushed; they are defeated because the others are stronger.
11 The wicked think, "God has forgotten us. He doesn't see what is happening."
12 Lord, rise up and punish the wicked. Don't forget those who need help.
13 Why do wicked people hate God? They say to themselves, "God won't punish us."
14 Lord, surely you see these cruel and evil things; look at them and do something. People in trouble look to you for help. You are the one who helps the orphans.
15 Break the power of wicked people. Punish them for the evil they have done.
16 The Lord is King forever and ever. Destroy from your land those nations that do not worship you.
17 Lord, you have heard what the poor people want. Do what they ask, and listen to them.
18 Protect the orphans and put an end to suffering so they will no longer be afraid of evil people. For the director of music. Of David.
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.