« | Psalm 7 | » |
1 Lord my God, I trust in you for protection. Save me and rescue me from those who are chasing me.
2 Otherwise, like a lion they will tear me apart. They will rip me to pieces, and no one can save me.
3 Lord my God, what have I done? Have my hands done something wrong?
4 Have I done wrong to my friend or stolen without reason from my enemy?
5 If I have, let my enemy chase me and capture me. Let him trample me into the dust and bury me in the ground.Selah
6 Lord, rise up in your anger; stand up against my enemies' anger. Get up and demand fairness.
7 Gather the nations around you and rule them from above.
8 Lord, judge the people. Lord, defend me because I am right, because I have done no wrong, God Most High.
9 God, you do what is right. You know our thoughts and feelings. Stop those wicked actions done by evil people, and help those who do what is right.
10 God protects me like a shield; he saves those whose hearts are right.
11 God judges by what is right, and God is always ready to punish the wicked.
12 If they do not change their lives, God will sharpen his sword; he will string his bow and take aim.
13 He has prepared his deadly weapons; he has made his flaming arrows.
14 There are people who think up evil and plan trouble and tell lies.
15 They dig a hole to trap others, but they will fall into it themselves.
16 They will get themselves into trouble; the violence they cause will hurt only themselves.
17 I praise the Lord because he does what is right. I sing praises to the Lord Most High. For the director of music. On the gittith. A psalm of David.
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.