« | Psalm 31 | » |
1 Lord, I trust in you; let me never be disgraced. Save me because you do what is right.
2 Listen to me and save me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a strong city to save me.
3 You are my rock and my protection. For the good of your name, lead me and guide me.
4 Set me free from the trap they set for me, because you are my protection.
5 I give you my life. Save me, Lord, God of truth.
6 I hate those who worship false gods. I trust only in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, because you saw my suffering; you knew my troubles.
8 You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.
9 Lord, have mercy, because I am in misery. My eyes are weak from so much crying, and my whole being is tired from grief.
10 My life is ending in sadness, and my years are spent in crying. My troubles are using up my strength, and my bones are getting weaker.
11 Because of all my troubles, my enemies hate me, and even my neighbors look down on me. When my friends see me, they are afraid and run.
12 I am like a piece of a broken pot. I am forgotten as if I were dead.
13 I have heard many insults. Terror is all around me. They make plans against me and want to kill me.
14 Lord, I trust you. I have said, "You are my God."
15 My life is in your hands. Save me from my enemies and from those who are chasing me.
16 Show your kindness to me, your servant. Save me because of your love.
17 Lord, I called to you, so do not let me be disgraced. Let the wicked be disgraced and lie silent in the grave.
18 With pride and hatred they speak against those who do right. So silence their lying lips.
19 How great is your goodness that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you have given to those who trust you. You do this for all to see.
20 You protect them by your presence from what people plan against them. You shelter them from evil words.
21 Praise the Lord. His love to me was wonderful when my city was attacked.
22 In my distress, I said, "God cannot see me!" But you heard my prayer when I cried out to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all you who belong to him. The Lord protects those who truly believe, but he punishes the proud as much as they have sinned.
24 All you who put your hope in the Lord be strong and brave. A maskil 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.