« | Psalm 79 | » |
1 O God, the nations have come into the land of Your people. They have made Your holy house dirty. They have crushed the walls and buildings of Jerusalem.
2 They have given the dead bodies of Your servants to the birds of the heavens for food. The flesh of those who belong to You has been given to the wild animals of the earth.
3 They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem. And there was no one to bury them.
4 We have become a shame to our neighbors. Those around us laugh at and make fun of us.
5 How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out Your anger on the nations that do not know You, and on the nations that do not call on Your name.
7 For they have destroyed Jacob. They have laid waste the place where he lived.
8 Do not hold the sins of our fathers against us. Let Your loving-pity come fast to meet us. For we are in much need.
9 O God Who saves us, help us for the honor of Your name. Take us out of trouble and forgive our sins, for the honor of Your name.
10 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Make it known among the nations, in front of our eyes, that You punish for the blood that has poured from Your servants.
11 Hear the cries of those in prison. By the greatness of Your power, save those who are being sent to death.
12 And return to our neighbors seven times the shame that they have brought You, O Lord.
13 Then we Your people, the sheep of Your field, will give thanks to You forever. We will tell of Your praise to all the people of all times.
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.