« | Psalm 12 | » |
1 Save me, Lord, because the good people are all gone; no true believers are left on earth.
2 Everyone lies to his neighbors; they say one thing and mean another.
3 The Lord will stop those flattering lips and cut off those bragging tongues.
4 They say, "Our tongues will help us win. We can say what we wish; no one is our master."
5 But the Lord says, "I will now rise up, because the poor are being hurt. Because of the moans of the helpless, I will give them the help they want."
6 The Lord's words are pure, like silver purified by fire, like silver purified seven times over.
7 Lord, you will keep us safe; you will always protect us from such people.
8 But the wicked are all around us; everyone loves what is wrong. For the director of music. 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.