« | Psalm 136 | » |
1 Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love continues forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love continues forever.
4 Only he can do great miracles. His love continues forever.
5 With his wisdom he made the skies. His love continues forever.
6 He spread out the earth on the seas. His love continues forever.
7 He made the sun and the moon. His love continues forever.
8 He made the sun to rule the day. His love continues forever.
9 He made the moon and stars to rule the night. His love continues forever.
10 He killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians. His love continues forever.
11 He brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. His love continues forever.
12 He did it with his great power and strength. His love continues forever.
13 He parted the water of the Red Sea. His love continues forever.
14 He brought the Israelites through the middle of it. His love continues forever.
15 But the king of Egypt and his army drowned in the Red Sea. His love continues forever.
16 He led his people through the desert. His love continues forever.
17 He defeated great kings. His love continues forever.
18 He killed powerful kings. His love continues forever.
19 He defeated Sihon king of the Amorites. His love continues forever.
20 He defeated Og king of Bashan. His love continues forever.
21 He gave their land as a gift. His love continues forever.
22 It was a gift to his servants, the Israelites. His love continues forever.
23 He remembered us when we were in trouble. His love continues forever.
24 He freed us from our enemies. His love continues forever.
25 He gives food to every living creature. His love continues forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. 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.