« | Psalm 139 | » |
1 Lord, you have examined me and know all about me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them.
3 You know where I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do.
4 Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it.
5 You are all around me -- in front and in back -- and have put your hand on me.
6 Your knowledge is amazing to me; it is more than I can understand.
7 Where can I go to get away from your Spirit? Where can I run from you?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the grave, you are there.
9 If I rise with the sun in the east and settle in the west beyond the sea,
10 even there you would guide me. With your right hand you would hold me.
11 I could say, "The darkness will hide me. Let the light around me turn into night."
12 But even the darkness is not dark to you. The night is as light as the day; darkness and light are the same to you.
13 You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother's body.
14 I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.
15 You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body. When I was put together there,
16 you saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.
17 God, your thoughts are precious to me. They are so many!
18 If I could count them, they would be more than all the grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.
19 God, I wish you would kill the wicked! Get away from me, you murderers!
20 They say evil things about you. Your enemies use your name thoughtlessly.
21 Lord, I hate those who hate you; I hate those who rise up against you.
22 I feel only hate for them; they are my enemies.
23 God, examine me and know my heart; test me and know my nervous thoughts.
24 See if there is any bad thing in me. Lead me on the road to everlasting life.
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.