« | Psalm 71 | » |
1 In you, Lord, is my protection. Never let me be ashamed.
2 Because you do what is right, save and rescue me; listen to me and save me.
3 Be my place of safety where I can always come. Give the command to save me, because you are my rock and my strong, walled city.
4 My God, save me from the power of the wicked and from the hold of evil and cruel people.
5 Lord, you are my hope. Lord, I have trusted you since I was young.
6 I have depended on you since I was born; you helped me even on the day of my birth. I will always praise you.
7 I am an example to many people, because you are my strong protection.
8 I am always praising you; all day long I honor you.
9 Do not reject me when I am old; do not leave me when my strength is gone.
10 My enemies make plans against me, and they meet together to kill me.
11 They say, "God has left him. Go after him and take him, because no one will save him."
12 God, don't be far off. My God, hurry to help me.
13 Let those who accuse me be ashamed and destroyed. Let those who are trying to hurt me be covered with shame and disgrace.
14 But I will always have hope and will praise you more and more.
15 I will tell how you do what is right. I will tell about your salvation all day long, even though it is more than I can tell.
16 I will come and tell about your powerful works, Lord God. I will remind people that only you do what is right.
17 God, you have taught me since I was young. To this day I tell about the miracles you do.
18 Even though I am old and gray, do not leave me, God. I will tell the children about your power; I will tell those who live after me about your might.
19 God, your justice reaches to the skies. You have done great things; God, there is no one like you.
20 You have given me many troubles and bad times, but you will give me life again. When I am almost dead, you will keep me alive.
21 You will make me greater than ever, and you will comfort me again.
22 I will praise you with the harp. I trust you, my God. I will sing to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.
23 I will shout for joy when I sing praises to you. You have saved me.
24 I will tell about your justice all day long. And those who want to hurt me will be ashamed and disgraced. Of Solomon.
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.