« | Psalm 104 | » |
1 My whole being, praise the Lord. Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with glory and majesty;
2 you wear light like a robe. You stretch out the skies like a tent.
3 You build your room above the clouds. You make the clouds your chariot, and you ride on the wings of the wind.
4 You make the winds your messengers, and flames of fire are your servants.
5 You built the earth on its foundations so it can never be moved.
6 You covered the earth with oceans; the water was above the mountains.
7 But at your command, the water rushed away. When you thundered your orders, it hurried away.
8 The mountains rose; the valleys sank. The water went to the places you made for it.
9 You set borders for the seas that they cannot cross, so water will never cover the earth again.
10 You make springs pour into the ravines; they flow between the mountains.
11 They water all the wild animals; the wild donkeys come there to drink.
12 Wild birds make nests by the water; they sing among the tree branches.
13 You water the mountains from above. The earth is full of the things you made.
14 You make the grass for cattle and vegetables for the people. You make food grow from the earth.
15 You give us wine that makes happy hearts and olive oil that makes our faces shine. You give us bread that gives us strength.
16 The Lord's trees have plenty of water; they are the cedars of Lebanon, which he planted.
17 The birds make their nests there; the stork's home is in the fir trees.
18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats. The rocks are hiding places for the badgers.
19 You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun always knows when to set.
20 You make it dark, and it becomes night. Then all the wild animals creep around.
21 The lions roar as they attack. They look to God for food.
22 When the sun rises, they leave and go back to their dens to lie down.
23 Then people go to work and work until evening.
24 Lord, you have made many things; with your wisdom you made them all. The earth is full of your riches.
25 Look at the sea, so big and wide, with creatures large and small that cannot be counted.
26 Ships travel over the ocean, and there is the sea monster Leviathan, which you made to play there.
27 All these things depend on you to give them their food at the right time.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it up. When you open your hand, they are filled with good food.
29 When you turn away from them, they become frightened. When you take away their breath, they die and turn to dust.
30 When you breathe on them, they are created, and you make the land new again.
31 May the glory of the Lord be forever. May the Lord enjoy what he has made.
32 He just looks at the earth, and it shakes. He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.
34 May my thoughts please him; I am happy in the Lord.
35 Let sinners be destroyed from the earth, and let the wicked live no longer. My whole being, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
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.