« | Song of Solomon 5 | » |
1 "I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my perfume with my spice. I have eaten my honey and the comb. I have drunk my wine and my milk. Eat and drink, friends. Drink much, O lovers."
2 "I was asleep, but my heart was awake. A voice! My love was knocking: 'Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one! For my head is wet from the water on the grass in the early morning. My hair is wet from the night.'
3 I have taken off my dress. How can I put it on again? I have washed my feet. Should I get them dirty again?
4 My love put his hand through the opening, and joy filled my heart.
5 I got up to let my love in, and perfume fell from my hands. Wet perfume fell from my fingers onto the lock.
6 I opened the door to my love, but he had already gone! My heart went out to him as he spoke. I looked for him, but did not find him. I called him, but he did not answer me.
7 The watchmen of the city found me. They beat me and hurt me. The watchmen of the walls took my coat from me.
8 I tell you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my loved one, you must tell him that I am weak with love."
9 "What is your loved one more than another loved one, O most beautiful among women? What is your loved one more than another loved one, that you tell us to do this?"
10 "My loved one is bright and red, the best among 10,000.
11 His head is like gold, pure gold. His hair has waves and is black as a raven.
12 His eyes are like doves beside rivers of water, washed in milk, and resting in their places.
13 His cheeks are like beds of spices, with sweet-smelling plants. His lips are like lily flowers giving off drops of perfume.
14 His hands are strong pieces of gold set with stones of much worth. His body is made of ivory set with stones of much worth.
15 His legs are pillars of clay put on bases of pure gold. He looks like Lebanon, as beautiful as the cedar trees.
16 His mouth is very sweet, everything about him is pleasing. This is my loved one and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."
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.