« | Psalm 140 | » |
1 O Lord, take me away from sinful men. Keep me safe from men who want to hurt others.
2 They make sinful plans in their hearts. They always start wars.
3 They make their tongues sharp like a snake's. And the poison of a snake is under their lips.
4 O Lord, keep me from the hands of the sinful. Keep me safe from men who want to hurt others and have planned to trip my feet.
5 The proud have hidden a trap for me. With ropes they have spread a net. They have set traps for me beside the road.
6 I said to the Lord, "You are my God. Listen to the voice of my prayers, O Lord.
7 O God the Lord, the strength that saves me, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 O Lord, do not give the sinful what they want. Do not let their plans work, or they will be honored.
9 "As for those who gather around me, may the wrong-doing of their lips come upon their heads.
10 May burning coals fall upon them. May they be thrown into the fire, into deep holes, and rise no more.
11 Do not let the man whose talking hurts people stand in the land. May trouble hurry to catch and destroy the man who wants to hurt others."
12 I know that the Lord will stand by those who suffer and do what is right for the poor.
13 For sure those who are right and good will give thanks to Your name. Those who are right will live with You.
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.