« | Psalm 61 | » |
1 To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to thee, when my heart is faint. Lead thou me to the rock that is higher than I;
3 for thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in thy tent for ever! Oh to be safe under the shelter of thy wings! [Selah]
5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows, thou hast given me the heritage of those who fear thy name.
6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned for ever before God; bid steadfast love and faithfulness watch over him!
8 So will I ever sing praises to thy name, as I pay my vows day after day.
The Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is a widely respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1952 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901, with the primary aim of providing a more accurate and readable text while retaining the literary qualities of its predecessor. The RSV sought to modernize the language of the ASV without sacrificing its faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, making it a significant milestone in the history of English Bible translations.
One of the key features of the RSV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation approach. This method ensures that the translation closely mirrors the structure and wording of the original texts, allowing readers to engage more directly with the biblical languages. The translators of the RSV were guided by the latest biblical scholarship of their time, and they endeavored to produce a text that was both accurate and elegant. This combination of precision and literary quality has made the RSV a popular choice for both academic study and liturgical use.
The RSV also stands out for its ecumenical appeal. It was one of the first translations to be accepted across a wide range of Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. This broad acceptance was partly due to the inclusive approach of the translation committee, which included scholars from various religious backgrounds. The RSV’s ecumenical nature helped it gain widespread usage in churches, seminaries, and universities, fostering a greater sense of unity among different Christian communities.