« | Psalm 86 | » |
1 Lord, listen to me and answer me. I am poor and helpless.
2 Protect me, because I worship you. My God, save me, your servant who trusts in you.
3 Lord, have mercy on me, because I have called to you all day.
4 Give happiness to me, your servant, because I give my life to you, Lord.
5 Lord, you are kind and forgiving and have great love for those who call to you.
6 Lord, hear my prayer, and listen when I ask for mercy.
7 I call to you in times of trouble, because you will answer me.
8 Lord, there is no god like you and no works like yours.
9 Lord, all the nations you have made will come and worship you. They will honor you.
10 You are great and you do miracles. Only you are God.
11 Lord, teach me what you want me to do, and I will live by your truth. Teach me to respect you completely.
12 Lord, my God, I will praise you with all my heart, and I will honor your name forever.
13 You have great love for me. You have saved me from death.
14 God, proud men are attacking me; a gang of cruel men is trying to kill me. They do not respect you.
15 But Lord, you are a God who shows mercy and is kind. You don't become angry quickly. You have great love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and have mercy. Give me, your servant, strength. Save me, the son of your female servant.
17 Show me a sign of your goodness. When my enemies look, they will be ashamed. You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. A song. A psalm of the sons of Korah.
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.