« | Psalm 79 | » |
1 God, nations have come against your chosen people. They have ruined your holy Temple. They have turned Jerusalem into ruins.
2 They have given the bodies of your servants as food to the wild birds. They have given the bodies of those who worship you to the wild animals.
3 They have spilled blood like water all around Jerusalem. No one was left to bury the dead.
4 We are a joke to the other nations; they laugh and make fun of us.
5 Lord, how long will this last? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like a fire?
6 Be angry with the nations that do not know you and with the kingdoms that do not honor you.
7 They have gobbled up the people of Jacob and destroyed their land.
8 Don't punish us for our past sins. Show your mercy to us soon, because we are helpless!
9 God our Savior, help us so people will praise you. Save us and forgive our sins so people will honor you.
10 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Tell the other nations in our presence that you punish those who kill your servants.
11 Hear the moans of the prisoners. Use your great power to save those sentenced to die.
12 Repay those around us seven times over for their insults to you, Lord.
13 We are your people, the sheep of your flock. We will thank you always; forever and ever we will praise you.
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.