« | Song of Solomon 6 | » |
1 Where has your lover gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your lover turn? We will look for him with you.
2 My lover has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens and to gather lilies.
3 I belong to my lover, and my lover belongs to me. He feeds among the lilies.
4 My darling, you are as beautiful as the city of Tirzah, as lovely as the city of Jerusalem, like an army flying flags.
5 Turn your eyes from me, because they excite me too much. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead.
6 Your teeth are white like sheep just coming from their bath; each one has a twin, and none of them is missing.
7 Your cheeks behind your veil are like slices of a pomegranate.
8 There may be sixty queens and eighty slave women and so many girls you cannot count them,
9 but there is only one like my dove, my perfect one. She is her mother's only daughter, the brightest of the one who gave her birth. The young women saw her and called her happy; the queens and the slave women also praised her.
10 Who is that young woman that shines out like the dawn? She is as pretty as the moon, as bright as the sun, as wonderful as an army flying flags.
11 I went down into the orchard of nut trees to see the blossoms of the valley, to look for buds on the vines, to see if the pomegranate trees had bloomed.
12 Before I realized it, my desire for you made me feel like a prince in a chariot.
13 Come back, come back, woman of Shulam. Come back, come back, so we may look at you! as you would at the dance of two armies?
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.