« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 Lord, don't correct me when you are angry. Don't punish me when you are furious.
2 Your arrows have wounded me, and your hand has come down on me.
3 My body is sick from your punishment. Even my bones are not healthy because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me; like a load it weighs me down.
5 My sores stink and become infected because I was foolish.
6 I am bent over and bowed down; I am sad all day long.
7 I am burning with fever, and my whole body is sore.
8 I am weak and faint. I moan from the pain I feel.
9 Lord, you know everything I want; my cries are not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, and my strength is gone. I am losing my sight.
11 Because of my wounds, my friends and neighbors avoid me, and my relatives stay far away.
12 Some people set traps to kill me. Those who want to hurt me plan trouble; all day long they think up lies.
13 I am like a deaf man; I cannot hear. Like a mute, I cannot speak.
14 I am like a person who does not hear, who has no answer to give.
15 I trust you, Lord. You will answer, my Lord and God.
16 I said, "Don't let them laugh at me or brag when I am defeated."
17 I am about to die, and I cannot forget my pain.
18 I confess my guilt; I am troubled by my sin.
19 My enemies are strong and healthy, and many hate me for no reason.
20 They repay me with evil for the good I did. They lie about me because I try to do good.
21 Lord, don't leave me; my God, don't go away.
22 Quickly come and help me, my Lord and Savior. For the director of music. For Jeduthun. 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.