« | Psalm 5 | » |
1 Lord, listen to my words. Understand my sadness.
2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, because I pray to you.
3 Lord, every morning you hear my voice. Every morning, I tell you what I need, and I wait for your answer.
4 You are not a God who is pleased with the wicked; you do not live with those who do evil.
5 Those people who make fun of you cannot stand before you. You hate all those who do evil.
6 You destroy liars; the Lord hates those who kill and trick others.
7 Because of your great love, I can come into your Temple. Because I fear and respect you, I can worship in your holy Temple.
8 Lord, since I have many enemies, show me the right thing to do. Show me clearly how you want me to live.
9 My enemies' mouths do not tell the truth; in their hearts they want to destroy others. Their throats are like open graves; they use their tongues for telling lies.
10 God, declare them guilty! Let them fall into their own traps. Send them away because their sins are many; they have turned against you.
11 But let everyone who trusts you be happy; let them sing glad songs forever. Protect those who love you and who are happy because of you.
12 Lord, you bless those who do what is right; you protect them like a soldier's shield. For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Upon the sheminith. 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.