« | Psalm 83 | » |
1 God, do not keep quiet; God, do not be silent or still.
2 Your enemies are making noises; those who hate you are getting ready to attack.
3 They are making secret plans against your people; they plot against those you love.
4 They say, "Come, let's destroy them as a nation. Then no one will ever remember the name 'Israel.'"
5 They are united in their plan. These have made an agreement against you:
6 the families of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,
7 the people of Byblos, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, and Tyre.
8 Even Assyria has joined them to help Ammon and Moab, the descendants of Lot.Selah
9 God, do to them what you did to Midian, what you did to Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River.
10 They died at Endor, and their bodies rotted on the ground.
11 Do to their important leaders what you did to Oreb and Zeeb. Do to their princes what you did to Zebah and Zalmunna.
12 They said, "Let's take for ourselves the pasturelands that belong to God."
13 My God, make them like tumbleweed, like chaff blown away by the wind.
14 Be like a fire that burns a forest or like flames that blaze through the hills.
15 Chase them with your storm, and frighten them with your wind.
16 Cover them with shame. Then people will look for you, Lord.
17 Make them afraid and ashamed forever. Disgrace them and destroy them.
18 Then they will know that you are the Lord, that only you are God Most High over all the earth.
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.