The ERV version was developed in the 1980s by the World Bible Translation Centre, using the Easy to Read version for the Deaf (ERD) as its basis. The ERD itself was developed for people whose first language is sign language, on the principle that a clear translation would provide clear communication. Since then, the ERV has been a dynamic text, enhanced over several revisions, including a broader vocabulary. It is especially helpful for those who have limited experience with English, including children and people who are just learning English. Several special features are used to aid understanding, including brief explanations or synonyms (italicized within parentheses) following difficult or unusual words within the text.
Authentic Media have long been associated with publishing Youth Bibles and have now produced this ERV Youth Bible packed full of features to connect young people to the word of God and enable them to understand the ‘big picture’ of what the Bible is really all about.
The vision for the Authentic Youth Bible is to give teens something meaty to chew on, to get them to ask and answer questions about what a story is saying, for them to engage with the text and get some sense of understanding of where they are in the narrative, the points of the passage and what this might mean for their relationship with God, others and the world.
Over 164 ‘Bible Bits’ were created, that dig deeper into the passage and narrative of the Bible giving teens a resource to help them to study the Bible for themselves.
The Youth Bible also contains a Topical Subject Stream. This is a selection of colour inserts that show what the Bible has to say on the following important issues, chosen by young people themselves:
- Sin and Forgiveness
- God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit – The Trinity
- Church
- Eternal Life
- Witnessing and Evangelism
- Following Jesus
- Giving and Serving
- Prayer
- Hard times and Suffering
- Worrying
- Sex and Relationships
- Peer Pressure
- Image and Self Esteem
- Guidance
- Spiritual Gifts
- Trusting God
Other features include:
- Bible Book Introductions written by Nick Page
- More than 270 ‘Insight’ sections that explain the meaning or context of certain verses and passages
- Notes on the ERV translation
- An overview of the Bible
