« | Psalm 102 | » |
1 Lord, listen to my prayer; let my cry for help come to you.
2 Do not hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to me. When I cry for help, answer me quickly.
3 My life is passing away like smoke, and my bones are burned up with fire.
4 My heart is like grass that has been cut and dried. I forget to eat.
5 Because of my grief, my skin hangs on my bones.
6 I am like a desert owl, like an owl living among the ruins.
7 I lie awake. I am like a lonely bird on a housetop.
8 All day long enemies insult me; those who make fun of me use my name as a curse.
9 I eat ashes for food, and my tears fall into my drinks.
10 Because of your great anger, you have picked me up and thrown me away.
11 My days are like a passing shadow; I am like dried grass.
12 But, Lord, you rule forever, and your fame goes on and on.
13 You will come and have mercy on Jerusalem, because the time has now come to be kind to her; the right time has come.
14 Your servants love even her stones; they even care about her dust.
15 Nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings on earth will honor you.
16 The Lord will rebuild Jerusalem; there his glory will be seen.
17 He will answer the prayers of the needy; he will not reject their prayers.
18 Write these things for the future so that people who are not yet born will praise the Lord.
19 The Lord looked down from his holy place above; from heaven he looked down at the earth.
20 He heard the moans of the prisoners, and he freed those sentenced to die.
21 The name of the Lord will be heard in Jerusalem; his praise will be heard there.
22 People will come together, and kingdoms will serve the Lord.
23 God has made me tired of living; he has cut short my life.
24 So I said, "My God, do not take me in the middle of my life. Your years go on and on.
25 In the beginning you made the earth, and your hands made the skies.
26 They will be destroyed, but you will remain. They will all wear out like clothes. And, like clothes, you will change them and throw them away.
27 But you never change, and your life will never end.
28 Our children will live in your presence, and their children will remain with you." 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.