« | Psalm 60 | » |
1 God, you have rejected us and scattered us. You have been angry, but please come back to us.
2 You made the earth shake and crack. Heal its breaks because it is shaking.
3 You have given your people trouble. You made us unable to walk straight, like people drunk with wine.
4 You have raised a banner to gather those who fear you. Now they can stand up against the enemy.Selah
5 Answer us and save us by your power so the people you love will be rescued.
6 God has said from his Temple, "When I win, I will divide Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead and Manasseh are mine. Ephraim is like my helmet. Judah holds my royal scepter.
8 Moab is like my washbowl. I throw my sandals at Edom. I shout at Philistia."
9 Who will bring me to the strong, walled city?
10 God, surely you have rejected us; you do not go out with our armies.
11 Help us fight the enemy. Human help is useless,
12 but we can win with God's help. He will defeat our enemies.
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.