« | Psalm 22 | » |
1 My God, my God, why have you rejected me? You seem far from saving me, far from the words of my groaning.
2 My God, I call to you during the day, but you do not answer. I call at night; I am not silent.
3 You sit as the Holy One. The praises of Israel are your throne.
4 Our ancestors trusted you; they trusted, and you saved them.
5 They called to you for help and were rescued. They trusted you and were not disappointed.
6 But I am like a worm instead of a man. People make fun of me and hate me.
7 Those who look at me laugh. They stick out their tongues and shake their heads.
8 They say, "Turn to the Lord for help. Maybe he will save you. If he likes you, maybe he will rescue you."
9 You had my mother give birth to me. You made me trust you while I was just a baby.
10 I have leaned on you since the day I was born; you have been my God since my mother gave me birth.
11 So don't be far away from me. Now trouble is near, and there is no one to help.
12 People have surrounded me like angry bulls. Like the strong bulls of Bashan, they are on every side.
13 Like hungry, roaring lions they open their mouths at me.
14 My strength is gone, like water poured out onto the ground, and my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; it has melted inside me.
15 My strength has dried up like a clay pot, and my tongue sticks to the top of my mouth. You laid me in the dust of death.
16 Evil people have surrounded me; like dogs they have trapped me. They have bitten my arms and legs.
17 I can count all my bones; people look and stare at me.
18 They divided my clothes among them, and they threw lots for my clothing.
19 But, Lord, don't be far away. You are my strength; hurry to help me.
20 Save me from the sword; save my life from the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the lion's mouth; save me from the horns of the bulls.
22 Then I will tell my fellow Israelites about you; I will praise you in the public meeting.
23 Praise the Lord, all you who respect him. All you descendants of Jacob, honor him; fear him, all you Israelites.
24 He does not ignore those in trouble. He doesn't hide from them but listens when they call out to him.
25 Lord, I praise you in the great meeting of your people; these worshipers will see me do what I promised.
26 Poor people will eat until they are full; those who look to the Lord will praise him. May your hearts live forever!
27 People everywhere will remember and will turn to the Lord. All the families of the nations will worship him
28 because the Lord is King, and he rules the nations.
29 All the powerful people on earth will eat and worship. Everyone will bow down to him, all who will one day die.
30 The people in the future will serve him; they will always be told about the Lord.
31 They will tell that he does what is right. People who are not yet born will hear what God has done. A psalm of David.
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.