« | Psalm 65 | » |
1 All will be quiet before You, and praise belongs to You, O God, in Zion. And our promise to You will be kept.
2 O You Who hears prayer, to You all men come.
3 My sins are strong against me. But You forgive our sins.
4 Happy is the man You choose and bring near to You to live in Your holy place. We will be filled with the good things of Your house, Your holy house.
5 O God Who saves us, You answer us in the way that is right and good by Your great works that make people stand in fear. You are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
6 You have built the mountains by Your strength. You are dressed with power.
7 You quiet the storm of the seas, the sound of their waves, and the noise of the people.
8 Those who live far away are afraid of Your great works. You make morning and evening call out for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it. You make it very rich. The river of God is full of water. You give the people grain when You have made the earth ready.
10 You water where the plow has been used. You cover the seeds with earth. You make it soft with rain. And You make the plants grow well.
11 You crown the year with Your good gifts. There is more than enough where You have been.
12 The fields of the desert are filled with water. And the hills dress themselves with joy.
13 The grass lands are covered with birds. And the valleys are covered with grain. They call out for joy and sing.
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.