« | Psalm 135 | » |
1 Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you servants of the Lord,
2 you who stand in the Lord's Temple and in the Temple courtyards.
3 Praise the Lord, because he is good; sing praises to him, because it is pleasant.
4 The Lord has chosen the people of Jacob for himself; he has chosen the people of Israel for his very own.
5 I know that the Lord is great. Our Lord is greater than all the gods.
6 The Lord does what he pleases, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and the deep oceans.
7 He brings the clouds from the ends of the earth. He sends the lightning with the rain. He brings out the wind from his storehouses.
8 He destroyed the firstborn sons in Egypt the firstborn of both people and animals.
9 He did many signs and miracles in Egypt against the king and his servants.
10 He defeated many nations and killed powerful kings:
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.
12 Then he gave their land as a gift, a gift to his people, the Israelites.
13 Lord, your name is everlasting; Lord, you will be remembered forever.
14 The Lord defends his people and has mercy on his servants.
15 The idols of other nations are made of silver and gold, the work of human hands.
16 They have mouths, but they cannot speak. They have eyes, but they cannot see.
17 They have ears, but they cannot hear. They have no breath in their mouths.
18 People who make idols will be like them, and so will those who trust them.
19 Family of Israel, praise the Lord. Family of Aaron, praise the Lord.
20 Family of Levi, praise the Lord. You who respect the Lord should praise him.
21 You people of Jerusalem, praise the Lord on Mount Zion.
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.