« | Zechariah 2 | » |
1 Then I looked up and saw a man holding a string used to find the length of things.
2 So I said, "Where are you going?" And he said to me, "To see how long and how wide Jerusalem is."
3 Then the angel who was speaking with me was going out, and another angel was coming out to meet him,
4 and said to him, "Run, say to that young man, 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the many men and cattle in it.
5 For I will be a wall of fire around her,' says the Lord. 'And I will be the shining-greatness of her.' "
6 "Come, come, run from the land of the north!" says the Lord. "For I have sent you to the four winds of the heavens," says the Lord.
7 "O Zion! Run away, you who are living with the people of Babylon."
8 For the Lord of All says, "The Lord of shining-greatness has sent Me against the nations which have robbed you in battle. For whoever touches you, touches what is of great worth to Him.
9 I will wave My hand over them, and they will be taken by those who were made to serve them. Then you will know that the Lord of All has sent Me.
10 Sing for joy and be glad, O people of Zion. For I am coming and I will live among you," says the Lord.
11 "Many nations will be joined to the Lord in that day and will become My people. I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord of All has sent Me to you.
12 The Lord will receive Judah as His share in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.
13 All of you be quiet before the Lord. For He is coming from His holy place."
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.