« | Psalm 118 | » |
1 Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.
2 Let the people of Israel say, "His love continues forever."
3 Let the family of Aaron say, "His love continues forever."
4 Let those who respect the Lord say, "His love continues forever."
5 I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free.
6 I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me. People can't do anything to me.
7 The Lord is with me to help me, so I will see my enemies defeated.
8 It is better to trust the Lord than to trust people.
9 It is better to trust the Lord than to trust princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me, but I defeated them in the name of the Lord.
11 They surrounded me on every side, but with the Lord's power I defeated them.
12 They surrounded me like a swarm of bees, but they died as quickly as thorns burn. By the Lord's power, I defeated them.
13 They chased me until I was almost defeated, but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord gives me strength and a song. He has saved me.
15 Shouts of joy and victory come from the tents of those who do right: "The Lord has done powerful things."
16 The power of the Lord has won the victory; with his power the Lord has done mighty things.
17 I will not die, but live, and I will tell what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord has taught me a hard lesson, but he did not let me die.
19 Open for me the Temple gates. Then I will come in and thank the Lord.
20 This is the Lord's gate; only those who are good may enter through it.
21 Lord, I thank you for answering me. You have saved me.
22 The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.
23 The Lord did this, and it is wonderful to us.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!
25 Please, Lord, save us; please, Lord, give us success.
26 God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless all of you from the Temple of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God, and he has shown kindness to us. With branches in your hands, join the feast. Come to the corners of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will thank you; you are my God, and I will praise your greatness.
29 Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.
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.