« | Psalm 39 | » |
1 I said, "I will watch my ways so I may not sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth shut as if it were tied with ropes, while the sinful are near me."
2 I stayed quiet, not even saying anything good. And my sorrow grew worse.
3 My heart was hot within me. As I thought about things, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue,
4 "O Lord, let me know my end and how many days I have to live. Let me know that I do not have long to stay here.
5 You have made each of my days as long as a hand is wide. My whole life is nothing in Your eyes. Every man at his best is only a breath.
6 Every man walks here and there like a shadow. He makes a noise about nothing. He stores up riches, not knowing who will gather them.
7 And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
8 Save me from all my sins. Do not let me be put to shame by the foolish.
9 I cannot speak. I do not open my mouth because it is You Who has done it.
10 Do not punish me any more. I am growing weak by the beatings of Your hand.
11 With sharp words You punish a man for sin. You destroy like a moth what is of worth to him. For sure, every man is only a breath.
12 O Lord, hear my prayer, and listen to my cry. Do not be quiet when You see my tears. For I am a stranger with You, a visitor like all my fathers.
13 Look away from me, so I may have joy again before I go and am no more."
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.