« | Psalm 129 | » |
1 "They have made it hard for me many times since I was young," let Israel now say.
2 "They have made it hard for me many times since I was young. But they have not won over me.
3 Those who plow have plowed my back. And they have made their ditches long."
4 The Lord is right and good. He has cut in two the ropes of the sinful.
5 May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned away.
6 Let them be like grass on the roof, which dries up before it grows.
7 No one can pick it and fill his hand. No one can gather it and fill his arms.
8 And those who pass by do not say, "May the Lord be good to you. We pray that good will come to you in the name of 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.