« | Amos 3 | » |
1 People of Israel, I rescued you from Egypt. Now listen to my judgment against you.
2 Of all nations on earth, you are the only one I have chosen. That's why I will punish you because of your sins.
3 Can two people walk together without agreeing to meet?
4 Does a lion roar in the forest unless it has caught a victim? Does it growl in its den unless it is eating?
5 How can anyone catch a bird without using a net? Does a trap spring shut unless something is caught?
6 Isn't the whole city frightened when the trumpet signals an attack? Isn't it the LORD who brings disaster on a city?
7 Whatever the LORD God plans to do, he tells his servants, the prophets.
8 Everyone is terrified when a lion roars-- and ordinary people become prophets when the LORD God speaks.
9 Here is a message for the leaders of Philistia and Egypt-- tell everyone to come together on the hills of Samaria. Let them see the injustice and the lawlessness in that city.
10 The LORD has said that they don't even know how to do right. They have become rich from violence and robbery.
11 And so the LORD God has sworn that they will be surrounded. Enemies will break through their defenses and steal their treasures.
12 The LORD has promised that only a few from Samaria will escape with their lives and with some broken pieces of their beds and couches. It will be like when a shepherd rescues two leg bones and part of a sheep's ear from the jaws of a lion.
13 The LORD God All-Powerful told me to speak this message against Jacob's descendants:
14 When I, the LORD, punish Israel for their sins, I will destroy the altars at Bethel. Even the corners of the altar will be left in the dirt.
15 I will tear down winter homes and summer homes. Houses decorated with ivory and all other mansions will be gone forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.