« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 O Lord, do not speak sharp words to me when You are angry. Do not punish me in Your burning anger.
2 For Your arrows have cut deep into me. And Your hand has come down upon me.
3 My body is in pain because of Your anger. There is no strength in my bones because of my sin.
4 For my sins are gone over my head. Like a heavy load, they weigh too much for me.
5 My sores smell and grow bigger because I do foolish things.
6 I cannot stand straight but keep my head down. I have sorrow all day long
7 for my body is filled with burning pain. There is no strength in my body.
8 I am weak and broken. I cry because of the pain in my heart.
9 Lord, all my desire is before You. And my breathing deep within is not hidden from You.
10 My heart beats fast. My strength leaves me. Even the light of my eyes has gone from me.
11 My loved ones and my friends stay away from me because of my sickness. My family stands far away.
12 Those who want to take my life set their traps. And those who want to destroy me talk about ways to do it. They make their sinful plans all day long.
13 But like a deaf man, I do not hear. I am like one who cannot speak and does not open his mouth.
14 Yes, I am like a man who does not hear, and whose mouth does not argue.
15 For I hope in You, O Lord. You will answer, O Lord my God.
16 For I said, "Do not let them be happy and raise themselves up against me when my foot trips."
17 For I am ready to fall. And my sorrow is always with me.
18 For I tell my wrong-doings. I am full of sorrow because of my sin.
19 But those who fight against me are full of action and strength. There are many who hate me without reason.
20 They pay what is bad for what is good. They are against me because I follow what is good.
21 Do not leave me alone, O Lord! O my God, do not be far from me!
22 Hurry to help me, O Lord, Who saves me!
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.