« | Psalm 88 | » |
1 O Lord, the God Who saves me, I have cried out before You day and night.
2 Let my prayer come to You. Listen to my cry.
3 For my soul is filled with troubles. And my life comes near the grave.
4 I am added among those who go down into the deep hole. I am like a man without strength.
5 I am left among the dead, like those who have been killed and lie in the grave, whom You remember no more. They are cut off from Your help.
6 You have put me in the deepest hole, in a dark and deep place.
7 Your anger has rested upon me. And You have troubled me with all Your waves.
8 You have taken my good friends far from me. You have made me hated by them. I am shut in and cannot go out.
9 My eyes have become weak because of trouble. I have called to You every day, O Lord. I have spread out my hands to You.
10 Will You show Your great works to the dead? Will the dead rise and praise You?
11 Will Your loving-kindness be told about in the grave, and how faithful You are in the place that destroys?
12 Will Your great works be known in the darkness, and Your right and good works in the land where all is forgotten?
13 But I have cried to You for help, O Lord. My prayer comes to You in the morning.
14 O Lord, why do You turn away from me? Why do You hide Your face from me?
15 I have been troubled and near death since I was young. I have suffered Your punishment. And I cannot win.
16 Your burning anger has passed over me. The punishment You have sent destroys me.
17 They gather around me like water all day long. Together they close in upon me.
18 You have taken my friend and loved one far from me. Friends that were near to me are in darkness.
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.