« | Psalm 111 | » |
1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart where those who are right with God gather together and in the meeting of the people.
2 The works of the Lord are great. All who find joy in them try to understand them.
3 His work is great and powerful. And He is right and good forever.
4 He has made His great works to be remembered. The Lord shows loving-favor and pity.
5 He gives food to those who fear Him. He will remember His agreement forever.
6 He has shown His people the power of His works by giving them the land of other nations.
7 The works of His hands are faithful and right. All His Laws are true.
8 They stand strong forever and ever. They are done by what is true and right.
9 He has made a way for His people to be free. He has set up His agreement forever. His holy name is to be honored with fear.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. All who obey His Laws have good understanding. His praise lasts forever.
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.