« | Psalm 116 | » |
1 I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my prayers.
2 I will call on Him as long as I live, because He has turned His ear to me.
3 The strings of death are all around me. And the fear of the grave came upon me. I suffered with trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, I beg You, save my life!"
5 The Lord is loving and right. Yes, our God is full of loving-kindness.
6 The Lord takes care of the childlike. I was brought down, and He saved me.
7 Return to your rest, O my soul. For the Lord has been good to you.
8 For You, O Lord, have saved my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk with the Lord in the land of the living.
10 I believed when I said, "I am very troubled."
11 I said in my fear, "All men are liars."
12 What should I give to the Lord for all the good things He has done for me?
13 I will show Him my thanks for saving me with a gift of wine and praise His name.
14 I will keep my promises to the Lord before all His people.
15 The death of His holy ones is of great worth in the eyes of the Lord.
16 For sure I am Your servant, O Lord. I am Your servant, the son of the woman who served You. You have set me free from my chains.
17 I will give a gift of thanks to You and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will keep my promises to the Lord before all His people,
19 in the holy place of the Lord, and in the center of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
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.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.