Hebrews 1 | » |
1 Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors.
2 But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son.
3 God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.
4 He had become much greater than the angels, and the name he was given is far greater than any of theirs.
5 God has never said to any of the angels, "You are my Son, because today I have become your Father!" Neither has God said to any of them, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son!"
6 When God brings his first-born Son into the world, he commands all of his angels to worship him.
7 And when God speaks about the angels, he says, "I change my angels into wind and my servants into flaming fire."
8 But God says about his Son, "You are God, and you will rule as King forever! Your royal power brings about justice.
9 You loved justice and hated evil, and so I, your God, have chosen you. I appointed you and made you happier than any of your friends."
10 The Scriptures also say, "In the beginning, Lord, you were the one who laid the foundation of the earth and created the heavens.
11 They will all disappear and wear out like clothes, but you will last forever.
12 You will roll them up like a robe and change them like a garment. But you are always the same, and you will live forever."
13 God never said to any of the angels, "Sit at my right side until I make your enemies into a footstool for you!"
14 Angels are merely spirits sent to serve people who are going to be saved.
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.