« | Psalm 147 | » |
1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God. For it is pleasing and praise is right.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem. He gathers those of Israel who had been taken away.
3 He heals those who have a broken heart. He heals their sorrows.
4 He knows the number of the stars. He gives names to all of them.
5 Great is our Lord, and great in power. His understanding has no end.
6 The Lord lifts up those who are suffering, and He brings the sinful down to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanks. Sing praises to our God on the harp.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds. He gives rain for the earth. He makes grass grow on the mountains.
9 He gives food to the animals, and to the young ravens that cry.
10 His joy is not in the strength of a horse. He does not find joy in the legs of a man.
11 But the Lord favors those who fear Him and those who wait for His loving-kindness.
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For He has made your gates strong. He has made good come to your children within you.
14 He makes peace within your walls. He fills you with the best grain.
15 He sends His Word to the earth. And His Word runs fast.
16 He gives snow like wool. He spreads ice like ashes.
17 He throws down His ice as hail stones. Who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His Word and melts them. He makes His wind blow and the waters flow.
19 He speaks His Word to Jacob, and His Law to Israel.
20 He has not done this with any other nation. They do not know His Law. Praise the Lord!
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.