« | Psalm 85 | » |
1 O Lord, You showed favor to Your land. You have returned those of Jacob who were taken away.
2 You have forgiven the sins of Your people. You have covered all their sin.
3 You have taken away all Your anger. You have turned away from Your burning anger.
4 O God Who saves us, give us life again. Make Your anger toward us stop.
5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You spread out Your anger to families of all times?
6 Will You not bring us back to life again so that Your people may be happy in You?
7 Show us Your loving-kindness, O Lord, and save us.
8 I will listen to what God the Lord will say. For He will speak peace to His people, to those who are right with Him. But do not let them turn again to foolish things.
9 For sure His saving power is near those who fear Him, so His shining-greatness may live in the land.
10 Loving-kindness and truth have met together. Peace and what is right and good have kissed each other.
11 Truth comes up from the earth. And what is right and good looks down from heaven.
12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good. And our land will give its fruit.
13 What is right and good will go before Him and make a way for His steps.
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.