« | Song of Solomon 7 | » |
1 Your feet are beautiful in sandals, you daughter of a prince. Your round thighs are like jewels shaped by an artist.
2 Your navel is like a round drinking cup always filled with wine. Your stomach is like a pile of wheat surrounded with lilies.
3 Your breasts are like two fawns, like twins of a gazelle.
4 Your neck is like an ivory tower. near the gate of Bath Rabbim. that looks down on Damascus.
5 Your head is like Mount Carmel, and your hair is like purple cloth; the king is captured in its folds.
6 You are beautiful and pleasant; my love, you are full of delights.
7 You are tall like a palm tree, and your breasts are like its bunches of fruit.
8 I said, "I will climb up the palm tree and take hold of its fruit." Let your breasts be like bunches of grapes, the smell of your breath like apples,
9 and your mouth like the best wine. Let this wine go down sweetly for my lover; may it flow gently past the lips and teeth.
10 I belong to my lover, and he desires only me.
11 Come, my lover, let's go out into the country and spend the night in the fields.
12 Let's go early to the vineyards and see if the buds are on the vines. Let's see if the blossoms have already opened and if the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love.
13 The mandrake flowers give their sweet smell, and all the best fruits are at our gates. I have saved them for you, my lover, the old delights and the new.
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.