« | Psalm 69 | » |
1 God, save me, because the water has risen to my neck.
2 I'm sinking down into the mud, and there is nothing to stand on. I am in deep water, and the flood covers me.
3 I am tired from calling for help; my throat is sore. My eyes are tired from waiting for God to help me.
4 There are more people who hate me for no reason than hairs on my head; powerful enemies want to destroy me for no reason. They make me pay back what I did not steal.
5 God, you know what I have done wrong; I cannot hide my guilt from you.
6 Lord God All-Powerful, do not let those who hope in you be ashamed because of me. God of Israel, do not let your worshipers be disgraced because of me.
7 For you, I carry this shame, and my face is covered with disgrace.
8 I am like a stranger to my closest relatives and a foreigner to my mother's children.
9 My strong love for your Temple completely controls me. When people insult you, it hurts me.
10 When I cry and go without food, they make fun of me.
11 When I wear clothes of sadness, they joke about me.
12 They make fun of me in public places, and the drunkards make up songs about me.
13 But I pray to you, Lord, for favor. God, because of your great love, answer me. You are truly able to save.
14 Pull me from the mud, and do not let me sink. Save me from those who hate me and from the deep water.
15 Do not let the flood drown me or the deep water swallow me or the grave close its mouth over me.
16 Lord, answer me because your love is so good. Because of your great kindness, turn to me.
17 Do not hide from me, your servant. I am in trouble. Hurry to help me!
18 Come near and save me; rescue me from my enemies.
19 You see my shame and disgrace. You know all my enemies and what they have said.
20 Insults have broken my heart and left me weak. I looked for sympathy, but there was none; I found no one to comfort me.
21 They put poison in my food and gave me vinegar to drink.
22 Let their own feasts cause their ruin; let their feasts trap them and pay them back.
23 Let their eyes be closed so they cannot see and their backs be forever weak from troubles.
24 Pour your anger out on them; let your anger catch up with them.
25 May their place be empty; leave no one to live in their tents.
26 They chase after those you have hurt, and they talk about the pain of those you have wounded.
27 Charge them with crime after crime, and do not let them have anything good.
28 Wipe their names from the book of life, and do not list them with those who do what is right.
29 I am sad and hurting. God, save me and protect me.
30 I will praise God in a song and will honor him by giving thanks.
31 That will please the Lord more than offering him cattle, more than sacrificing a bull with horns and hoofs.
32 Poor people will see this and be glad. Be encouraged, you who worship God.
33 The Lord listens to those in need and does not look down on captives.
34 Heaven and earth should praise him, the seas and everything in them.
35 God will save Jerusalem and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will live there and own the land.
36 The descendants of his servants will inherit that land, and those who love him will live there.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.