« | Psalm 61 | » |
1 Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer.
2 I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a safe place for me, a tower of strength where I am safe from those who fight against me.
4 Let me live in Your tent forever. Let me be safe under the covering of Your wings.
5 For You have heard my promises, O God. You have given me that which You give to those who fear Your name.
6 You will add days to the life of the king. His years will be as long as the lives of many children and grandchildren added together.
7 He will stay forever with God. Set apart loving-kindness and truth to keep him safe.
8 So I will sing thanks to Your name forever and keep my promises day by day.
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.