« | Habakkuk 2 | » |
1 While standing guard on the watchtower, I waited for the LORD's answer, before explaining the reason for my complaint.
2 Then the LORD told me: "I will give you my message in the form of a vision. Write it clearly enough to be read at a glance.
3 At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting-- it will happen!
4 "I, the LORD, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me."
5 Wine is treacherous, and arrogant people are never satisfied. They are no less greedy than death itself-- they open their mouths as wide as the world of the dead and swallow everyone.
6 But they will be mocked with these words: You're doomed! You stored up stolen goods and cheated others of what belonged to them.
7 But without warning, those you owe will demand payment. Then you will become a frightened victim.
8 You robbed cities and nations everywhere on earth and murdered their people. Now those who survived will be as cruel to you.
9 You're doomed! You made your family rich at the expense of others. You even said to yourself, "I'm above the law."
10 But you will bring shame on your family and ruin to yourself for what you did to others.
11 The very stones and wood in your home will testify against you.
12 You're doomed! You built a city on crime and violence.
13 But the LORD All-Powerful sends up in flames what nations and people work so hard to gain.
14 Just as water fills the sea, the land will be filled with people who know and honor the LORD.
15 You're doomed! You get your friends drunk, just to see them naked.
16 Now you will be disgraced instead of praised. The LORD will make you drunk, and when others see you naked, you will lose their respect.
17 You destroyed trees and animals on Mount Lebanon; you were ruthless to towns and people everywhere. Now you will be terrorized.
18 What is an idol worth? It's merely a false god. Why trust a speechless image made from wood or metal by human hands?
19 What can you learn from idols covered with silver or gold? They can't even breathe. Pity anyone who says to an idol of wood or stone, "Get up and do something!"
20 Let all the world be silent-- the LORD is present in his holy temple.
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.