« | Song of Solomon 2 | » |
1 I am a rose in the Plain of Sharon, a lily in the valleys.
2 Among the young women, my darling is like a lily among thorns!
3 Among the young men, my lover is like an apple tree in the woods! I enjoy sitting in his shadow; his fruit is sweet to my taste.
4 He brought me to the banquet room, and his banner over me is love.
5 Strengthen me with raisins, and refresh me with apples, because I am weak with love.
6 My lover's left hand is under my head, and his right arm holds me tight.
7 Women of Jerusalem, promise me by the gazelles and the deer not to awaken or excite my feelings of love until it is ready.
8 I hear my lover's voice. Here he comes jumping across the mountains, skipping over the hills.
9 My lover is like a gazelle or a young deer. Look, he stands behind our wall peeking through the windows, looking through the blinds.
10 My lover spoke and said to me, "Get up, my darling; let's go away, my beautiful one.
11 Look, the winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
12 Blossoms appear through all the land. The time has come to sing; the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
13 There are young figs on the fig trees, and the blossoms on the vines smell sweet. Get up, my darling; let's go away, my beautiful one."
14 My beloved is like a dove hiding in the cracks of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff. Show me your face, and let me hear your voice. Your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.
15 Catch the foxes for us -- the little foxes that ruin the vineyards while they are in blossom.
16 My lover is mine, and I am his. He feeds among the lilies
17 until the day dawns and the shadows disappear. Turn, my lover. Be like a gazelle or a young deer on the mountain valleys.
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.