« | Psalm 90 | » |
1 Lord, you have been our home since the beginning.
2 Before the mountains were born and before you created the earth and the world, you are God. You have always been, and you will always be.
3 You turn people back into dust. You say, "Go back into dust, human beings."
4 To you, a thousand years is like the passing of a day, or like a few hours in the night.
5 While people sleep, you take their lives. They are like grass that grows up in the morning.
6 In the morning they are fresh and new, but by evening they dry up and die.
7 We are destroyed by your anger; we are terrified by your hot anger.
8 You have put the evil we have done right in front of you; you clearly see our secret sins.
9 All our days pass while you are angry. Our years end with a moan.
10 Our lifetime is seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. But the years are full of hard work and pain. They pass quickly, and then we are gone.
11 Who knows the full power of your anger? Your anger is as great as our fear of you should be.
12 Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.
13 Lord, how long before you return and show kindness to your servants?
14 Fill us with your love every morning. Then we will sing and rejoice all our lives.
15 We have seen years of trouble. Now give us as much joy as you gave us sorrow.
16 Show your servants the wonderful things you do; show your greatness to their children.
17 Lord our God, treat us well. Give us success in what we do; yes, give us success in what we do.
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.