« | Psalm 136 | » |
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness lasts forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for His lovingkindness lasts forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His lovingkindness lasts forever.
4 Give thanks to Him Who alone does great works, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
5 Give thanks to Him Who by wisdom made the heavens, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
6 Give thanks to Him Who spread out the earth upon the waters, for His lovingkindness lasts forever.
7 Give thanks to Him Who made the great lights, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
8 He made the sun to rule during the day, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
9 He made the moon and stars to rule during the night, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
10 Give thanks to Him Who killed the first-born of Egypt, for His lovingkindness lasts forever.
11 He brought Israel out from among them, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
12 He put out His arm and brought them out with a strong hand, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
13 Give thanks to Him Who divided the Red Sea in two, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
14 He led Israel through, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
15 But He caused the death of Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
16 Give thanks to Him Who led His people through the place where no people live, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
17 Give thanks to Him Who destroyed great kings, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
18 He killed powerful kings, for His lovingkindness lasts forever.
19 He put to death Sihon, king of the Amorites, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
20 He put to death Og, king of Bashan, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
21 He gave their land as a gift, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
22 He gave it as a gift to Israel His servant, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
23 Give thanks to Him Who remembered us when we had nothing, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
24 He took us away from those who hated us, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
25 He gives food to all men, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.
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.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.