« | Isaiah 21 | » |
1 This is a message about a desert beside the sea: Enemies from a hostile nation attack like a whirlwind from the Southern Desert.
2 What a horrible vision was shown to me-- a vision of betrayal and destruction. Tell Elam and Media to surround and attack the Babylonians. The LORD has sworn to end the suffering they caused.
3 I'm in terrible pain like a woman giving birth. I'm shocked and hurt so much that I can't hear or see.
4 My head spins; I'm horrified! Early evening, my favorite time, has become a nightmare.
5 In Babylon the high officials were having a feast. They were eating and drinking, when someone shouted, "Officers, take your places! Grab your shields."
6 The LORD said to me, "Send guards to find out what's going on.
7 When they see cavalry troops and columns of soldiers on donkeys and camels, tell them to be ready!"
8 Then a guard said, "I have stood day and night on this watchtower, Lord.
9 Now I see column after column of cavalry troops." Right away someone shouted, "Babylon has fallen! Every idol in the city lies broken on the ground."
10 Then I said, "My people, you have suffered terribly, but I have a message for you from the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel."
11 This is a message about Dumah: From the country of Seir, someone shouts to me, "Guard, how much longer before daylight?"
12 From my guard post, I answered, "Morning will soon be here, but night will return. If you want to know more, come back later."
13 This is a message for Arabs who live in the barren desert in the region of Dedan: You must order your caravans
14 to bring water for those who are thirsty. You people of Tema must bring food for the hungry refugees.
15 They are worn out and weary from being chased by enemies with swords and arrows.
16 The Lord said to me: A year from now the glory of the people of Kedar will all come to an end, just as a worker's contract ends after a year.
17 Only a few of their warriors will be left with bows and arrows. This is a promise that I, the LORD God of Israel, have made.
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.