« | Psalm 62 | » |
1 My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. He is the One Who saves me.
2 He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken.
3 How long will all of you go against a man to break him down, that you may kill him, like a wall that no longer stands straight, like a fence ready to fall?
4 They have talked only about throwing him down from his high place. They find joy in lies. They pray with their mouth that good will come. But inside they hope that bad will come instead.
5 My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him.
6 He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken.
7 My being safe and my honor rest with God. My safe place is in God, the rock of my strength.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a safe place for us.
9 Men who are not important come to nothing. Men who are important are a lie. When weighed they go up. Together they weigh less than a breath.
10 Do not get money in a wrong way or be proud in stolen things. If you get more riches, do not set your heart on them.
11 God has spoken once. I have heard this twice: Power belongs to God.
12 And loving-kindness belongs to You, O Lord. For You pay every man by the work he has done.
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.