Song of Solomon 1 | » |
1 The Song of Songs, the most beautiful of them all, which is Solomon's. The First Song
2 "May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.
3 Your oils have a pleasing smell. Your name is like oil poured out. So the young women love you.
4 Take me away with you, and let us run together. The king has brought me into his room. "We will have joy and be glad because of you. We will praise your love more than wine. They are right to love you.
5 "I am dark but beautiful, O people of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not look hard at me because I am dark, for the sun has burned me. My mother's sons were angry with me, and made me take care of the grape-fields. But I have not taken care of my own grape-field.
7 Tell me, O you whom my soul loves. In what field do you feed your flock? Where do your sheep lie down at noon? Why should I need to look for you beside the flocks of your friends?"
8 "If you do not know, most beautiful among women, follow the path of the flock. And let your young goats eat in the field beside the tents of the shepherds.
9 "To me, my love, you are like my horse among the war-wagons of Pharaoh.
10 Your face is beautiful with the objects you wear, and your neck with the beautiful chain around it.
11 We will make objects of gold and silver for you."
12 "While the king was at his table, my perfume gave out its smell.
13 My loved one is like a jar of perfume to me, who lies all night between my breasts.
14 My loved one is to me like many henna flowers, in the grape-fields of Engedi."
15 "How beautiful you are, my love! How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves."
16 "How beautiful you are, my love, and so pleasing! Our bed is green.
17 The pillars of our house are cedars. The pieces on our roof are pine.
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.