« | Psalm 59 | » |
1 God, save me from my enemies. Protect me from those who come against me.
2 Save me from those who do evil and from murderers.
3 Look, men are waiting to ambush me. Cruel men attack me, but I have not sinned or done wrong, Lord.
4 I have done nothing wrong, but they are ready to attack me. Wake up to help me, and look.
5 You are the Lord God All-Powerful, the God of Israel. Arise and punish those people. Do not give those traitors any mercy. Selah
6 They come back at night. Like dogs they growl and roam around the city.
7 Notice what comes from their mouths. Insults come from their lips, because they say, "Who's listening?"
8 But, Lord, you laugh at them; you make fun of all of them.
9 God, my strength, I am looking to you, because God is my defender.
10 My God loves me, and he goes in front of me. He will help me defeat my enemies.
11 Lord, our protector, do not kill them, or my people will forget. With your power scatter them and defeat them.
12 They sin by what they say; they sin with their words. They curse and tell lies, so let their pride trap them.
13 Destroy them in your anger; destroy them completely! Then they will know that God rules over Israel and to the ends of the earth.Selah
14 They come back at night. Like dogs they growl and roam around the city.
15 They wander about looking for food, and they howl if they do not find enough.
16 But I will sing about your strength. In the morning I will sing about your love. You are my defender, my place of safety in times of trouble.
17 God, my strength, I will sing praises to you. God, my defender, you are the God who loves me.
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.