« | Psalm 138 | » |
1 Lord, I will thank you with all my heart; I will sing to you before the gods.
2 I will bow down facing your holy Temple, and I will thank you for your love and loyalty. You have made your name and your word greater than anything.
3 On the day I called to you, you answered me. You made me strong and brave.
4 Lord, let all the kings of the earth praise you when they hear the words you speak.
5 They will sing about what the Lord has done, because the Lord's glory is great.
6 Though the Lord is supreme, he takes care of those who are humble, but he stays away from the proud.
7 Lord, even when I have trouble all around me, you will keep me alive. When my enemies are angry, you will reach down and save me by your power.
8 Lord, you do everything for me. Lord, your love continues forever. Do not leave us, whom you made.
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.