« | Psalm 56 | » |
1 Show me Your loving-kindness, O God, for man has walked on me. All day long the one who tries to keep me down fights with me.
2 All day long those who hate me have walked on me. For there are many who fight against me with pride.
3 When I am afraid, I will trust in You.
4 I praise the Word of God. I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can only a man do to me?
5 All day long they change my words to say what I did not say. They are always thinking of ways to hurt me.
6 They go after me as in a fight. They hide themselves. They watch my steps, as they have waited to take my life.
7 Because they are bad, do not let them get away. Bring down the people in Your anger, O God.
8 You have seen how many places I have gone. Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?
9 Then those who hate me will turn back when I call. I know that God is for me.
10 I praise the Word of God. I praise the Word of the Lord.
11 In God I have put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
12 I am under an agreement with You, O God. I will give You gifts of thanks.
13 For You have set my soul free from death. You have kept my feet from falling, so I may walk with God in the light of life.
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.