« | Song of Solomon 3 | » |
1 At night on my bed, I looked for the one I love; I looked for him, but I could not find him.
2 I got up and went around the city, in the streets and squares, looking for the one I love. I looked for him, but I could not find him.
3 The watchmen found me as they patrolled the city, so I asked, "Have you seen the one I love?"
4 As soon as I had left them, I found the one I love. I held him and would not let him go until I brought him to my mother's house, to the room where I was born.
5 Women of Jerusalem, promise me by the gazelles and the deer not to awaken or excite my feelings of love until it is ready.
6 Who is this coming out of the desert like a cloud of smoke? Who is this that smells like myrrh, incense, and other spices?
7 Look, it's Solomon's couchn with sixty soldiers around it, the finest soldiers of Israel.
8 These soldiers all carry swords and have been trained in war. Every man wears a sword at his side and is ready for the dangers of the night.
9 King Solomon had a couch made for himself of wood from Lebanon.
10 He made its posts of silver and its braces of gold. The seat was covered with purple cloth that the women of Jerusalem wove with love.
11 Women of Jerusalem, go out and see King Solomon. He is wearing the crown his mother put on his head on his wedding day, when his heart was happy!
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.