« | Haggai 2 |
1 On the twenty-first day of the next month, the LORD told Haggai the prophet to speak this message to Governor Zerubbabel, High Priest Joshua, and everyone else:
2 (SEE 2:1)
3 Does anyone remember how glorious this temple used to be? Now it looks like nothing.
4 But cheer up! Because I, the LORD All-Powerful, will be here to help you with the work,
5 just as I promised your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt. Don't worry. My Spirit is right here with you.
6 Soon I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.
7 I will shake the nations, and their treasures will be brought here. Then the brightness of my glory will fill this temple.
8 All silver and gold belong to me,
9 and I promise that this new temple will be more glorious than the first one. I will also bless this city with peace.
10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the LORD God All-Powerful told the prophet Haggai
11 to ask the priests for their opinion on the following matter:
12 Suppose meat ready to be sacrificed to God is being carried in the folds of someone's clothing, and the clothing rubs against some bread or stew or wine or olive oil or any other food. Would those foods that were touched then become acceptable for sacrifice? "Of course not," the priests answered.
13 Then Haggai said, "Suppose someone has touched a dead body and is considered unacceptable to worship God. If that person touches these foods, would they become unclean?" "Of course they would," the priests answered.
14 So the LORD told Haggai to say: That's how it is with this entire nation. Everything you do and every sacrifice you offer is unacceptable to me.
15 But from now on, things will get better. Before you started laying the foundation for the temple,
16 you recalled what life was like in the past. When you wanted twenty bushels of wheat, there were only ten, and when you wanted fifty jars of wine, there were only twenty.
17 I made all of your hard work useless by sending mildew, mold, and hail--but you still did not return to me, your LORD.
18 Today you have completed the foundation for my temple, so listen to what your future will be like.
19 Although you have not yet harvested any grain, grapes, figs, pomegranates, or olives, I will richly bless you in the days ahead.
20 That same day the LORD spoke to Haggai again and said:
21 Tell Governor Zerubbabel of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth
22 and wipe out kings and their kingdoms. I will overturn war chariots, and then cavalry troops will start slaughtering each other.
23 But tell my servant Zerubbabel that I, the LORD All-Powerful, have chosen him, and he will rule in my name.
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.