Song of Solomon 1 | » |
1 Solomon's Greatest Song.
2 Kiss me with the kisses of your mouth, because your love is better than wine.
3 The smell of your perfume is pleasant, and your name is pleasant like expensive perfume. That's why the young women love you.
4 Take me with you; let's run together. The king takes me into his rooms. We will rejoice and be happy with you; we praise your love more than wine. With good reason, the young women love you.
5 I'm dark but lovely, women of Jerusalem, dark like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Don't look at how dark I am, at how dark the sun has made me. My brothers were angry with me and made me tend the vineyards, so I haven't tended my own vineyard!
7 Tell me, you whom I love, where do you feed your sheep? Where do you let them rest at noon? Why should I look for you near your friend's sheep, like a woman who wears a veil?
8 You are the most beautiful of women. Surely you know to follow the sheep and feed your young goats near the shepherds' tents.
9 My darling, you are like a mare among the king's stallions.
10 Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, and your neck with jewels.
11 We will make for you gold earrings with silver hooks.
12 The smell of my perfume spreads out to the king on his couch.
13 My lover is like a bag of myrrh that lies all night between my breasts.
14 My lover is like a bunch of flowers from the vineyards at En Gedi.
15 My darling, you are beautiful! Oh, you are beautiful, and your eyes are like doves.
16 You are so handsome, my lover, and so pleasant! Our bed is the grass.
17 Cedar trees form our roof; our ceiling is made of juniper wood.
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.