« | Psalm 55 | » |
1 God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my cry for help.
2 Pay attention to me and answer me. I am troubled and upset
3 by what the enemy says and how the wicked look at me. They bring troubles down on me, and in anger they attack me.
4 I am frightened inside; the terror of death has attacked me.
5 I am scared and shaking, and terror grips me.
6 I said, "I wish I had wings like a dove. Then I would fly away and rest.
7 I would wander far away and stay in the desert.Selah
8 I would hurry to my place of escape, far away from the wind and storm."
9 Lord, destroy and confuse their words, because I see violence and fighting in the city.
10 Day and night they are all around its walls, and evil and trouble are everywhere inside.
11 Destruction is everywhere in the city; trouble and lying never leave its streets.
12 It was not an enemy insulting me. I could stand that. It was not someone who hated me. I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a person like me, my companion and good friend.
14 We had a good friendship and walked together to God's Temple.
15 Let death take away my enemies. Let them die while they are still young because evil lives with them.
16 But I will call to God for help, and the Lord will save me.
17 Morning, noon, and night I am troubled and upset, but he will listen to me.
18 Many are against me, but he keeps me safe in battle.
19 God who lives forever will hear me and punish them.Selah But they will not change; they do not fear God.
20 The one who was my friend attacks his friends and breaks his promises.
21 His words are slippery like butter, but war is in his heart. His words are smoother than oil, but they cut like knives.
22 Give your worries to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down.
23 But, God, you will bring down the wicked to the grave. Murderers and liars will live only half a lifetime. But I will trust in you.
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.