« | Psalm 4 | » |
1 Answer me when I call, O my God Who is right and good! You have made a way for me when I needed help. Be kind to me, and hear my prayer.
2 O sons of men, how long will you turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is of no use, and run after lies?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart him who is God-like for Himself. The Lord hears when I call to Him.
4 Shake with anger and do not sin. When you are on your bed, look into your hearts and be quiet.
5 Give the gifts that are right and good, and trust in the Lord.
6 Many are asking, "Who will show us any good?" Let the light of Your face shine on us, O Lord.
7 You have filled my heart with more happiness than they have when there is much grain and wine.
8 I will lie down and sleep in peace. O Lord, You alone keep me safe.
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.