« | Psalm 60 | » |
1 O God, You have turned away from us. You have broken us. You have been angry. O heal us and turn to us again.
2 You have made the land shake. You have torn it open. Heal it where it is broken, for it shakes.
3 You have made Your people suffer hard things. You have given us wine to drink that makes us not able to walk straight.
4 You have given a flag to those who fear You, so it may be seen because of the truth.
5 Save us with Your right hand, and answer us, so Your loved ones may be set free.
6 God has said in His holy place: "I will be full of joy. I will divide Shechem and the valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead is Mine. And Manasseh is Mine. Ephraim is the covering for My head. Judah is My Law giver.
8 Moab is where I wash My hands. I will throw My shoe over Edom. Call out, Philistia, because of me."
9 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom?
10 Have You not turned away from us, O God? And will You not go out with our armies, O God?
11 O give us help against those who hate us. For the help of man is worth nothing.
12 With God's help we will do well. And He will break under His feet those who fight against us.
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.