« | Psalm 17 | » |
1 Hear what is right, O Lord. Listen to my cry. Hear my prayer, for it does not come from lying lips.
2 May You decide in my favor. May Your eyes see what is right.
3 You have tested my heart. You have visited me during the night. You have tested me and have found nothing wrong. I have decided that my mouth will not sin.
4 As for the actions of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept myself from the paths of those who want to hurt others.
5 My steps have followed Your paths. My feet have not turned from them.
6 I have called to You, O God, for You will answer me. Listen to me and hear my words.
7 Show Your great loving-kindness. You save by Your right hand the people that come to You for help from those who hate them.
8 Keep me safe as You would Your own eye. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings,
9 from the sinful who fight against me, those who would kill me and are all around me.
10 They have closed their fat hearts to pity. And their mouths speak with pride.
11 They have followed our every step and are all around us. They are watching for a way to bring us down to the ground.
12 He is like a hungry lion, like a young lion hiding and waiting.
13 Rise up, O Lord. Stand against him. Bring him down. Save me from the sinful with Your sword.
14 O Lord, save me by Your hand from such men. Their riches are in this life. Their stomach is filled with what you have stored for them. Their children are filled. Let them leave some for their babies.
15 As for me, I will see Your face in what is right and good. I will be happy to see You when I awake.
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.