« | Psalm 77 | » |
1 My voice goes up to God, and I will cry out. My voice goes up to God and He will hear me.
2 I looked to the Lord when I was in trouble. I put out my hand at night, and it did not get tired. My soul would not be comforted.
3 When I remember God, then I am troubled. When I am in deep thought, then my spirit becomes weak.
4 You keep my eyes from closing. I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5 I have thought about the days of old, the years of long ago.
6 I remember my song in the night. I think with my heart. And my spirit asks questions.
7 Will the Lord turn away forever? Will He never show favor again?
8 Has His loving-kindness stopped forever? Has His promise come to an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be loving and kind? Has He in anger taken away His loving-pity?
10 Then I said, "It is my sorrow that the right hand of the Most High has changed."
11 I will remember the things the Lord has done. Yes, I will remember the powerful works of long ago.
12 I will think of all Your work, and keep in mind all the great things You have done.
13 O God, Your way is holy. What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God Who does great works. You have shown Your power among the people.
15 You have set free Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph, with Your strong arm.
16 The waters saw You, O God. The waters saw You and shook. The sea shook also.
17 The clouds poured down water. The sky sounded with thunder. Your arrows of lightning went this way and that.
18 The sound of Your thunder was in the turning wind. The lightning lit up the world. The earth shook.
19 Your way was through the sea. Your paths went through the powerful waters. And it cannot be known where You stepped.
20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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.