« | Psalm 72 | » |
1 God, give the king your good judgment and the king's son your goodness.
2 Help him judge your people fairly and decide what is right for the poor.
3 Let there be peace on the mountains and goodness on the hills for the people.
4 Help him be fair to the poor and save the needy and punish those who hurt them.
5 May they respect you as long as the sun shines and as long as the moon glows.
6 Let him be like rain on the grass, like showers that water the earth.
7 Let goodness be plentiful while he lives. Let peace continue as long as there is a moon.
8 Let his kingdom go from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.
9 Let the people of the desert bow down to him, and make his enemies lick the dust.
10 Let the kings of Tarshish and the faraway lands bring him gifts. bring their presents to him.
11 Let all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.
12 He will help the poor when they cry out and will save the needy when no one else will help.
13 He will be kind to the weak and poor, and he will save their lives.
14 He will save them from cruel people who try to hurt them, because their lives are precious to him.
15 Long live the king! Let him receive gold from Sheba. Let people always pray for him and bless him all day long.
16 Let the fields grow plenty of grain and the hills be covered with crops. Let the land be as fertile as Lebanon, and let the cities grow like the grass in a field.
17 Let the king be famous forever; let him be remembered as long as the sun shines. Let the nations be blessed because of him, and may they all bless him.
18 Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such miracles.
19 Praise his glorious name forever. Let his glory fill the whole world. Amen and amen.
20 This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.
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.