« | Psalm 109 | » |
1 God, I praise you. Do not be silent.
2 Wicked people and liars have spoken against me; they have told lies about me.
3 They have said hateful things about me and attack me for no reason.
4 They attacked me, even though I loved them and prayed for them.
5 I was good to them, but they repay me with evil. I loved them, but they hate me in return.
6 They say about me, "Have an evil person work against him, and let an accuser stand against him.
7 When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let even his prayers show his guilt.
8 Let his life be cut short, and let another man replace him as leader.
9 Let his children become orphans and his wife a widow.
10 Make his children wander around, begging for food. Let them be forced out of the ruins in which they live.
11 Let the people to whom he owes money take everything he owns, and let strangers steal everything he has worked for.
12 Let no one show him love or have mercy on his orphaned children.
13 Let all his descendants die and be forgotten by those who live after him.
14 Lord, remember how wicked his ancestors were, and don't let the sins of his mother be wiped out.
15 Lord, always remember their sins. Then make people forget about them completely.
16 "He did not remember to be loving. He hurt the poor, the needy, and those who were sad until they were nearly dead.
17 He loved to put curses on others, so let those same curses fall on him. He did not like to bless others, so do not let good things happen to him.
18 He cursed others as often as he wore clothes. Cursing others filled his body and his life, like drinking water and using olive oil.
19 So let curses cover him like clothes and wrap around him like a belt."
20 May the Lord do these things to those who accuse me, to those who speak evil against me.
21 But you, Lord God, be kind to me so others will know you are good. Because your love is good, save me.
22 I am poor and helpless and very sad.
23 I am dying like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees are weak from hunger, and I have grown thin.
25 My enemies insult me; they look at me and shake their heads.
26 Lord my God, help me; because you are loving, save me.
27 Then they will know that your power has done this; they will know that you have done it, Lord.
28 They may curse me, but you bless me. They may attack me, but they will be disgraced. Then I, your servant, will be glad.
29 Let those who accuse me be disgraced and covered with shame like a coat.
30 I will thank the Lord very much; I will praise him in front of many people.
31 He defends the helpless and saves them from those who accuse them. A psalm 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.