« | Isaiah 33 | » |
1 You defeated my people. Now you're in for trouble! You've never been destroyed, but you will be destroyed; you've never been betrayed, but you will be betrayed. When you have finished destroying and betraying, you will be destroyed and betrayed in return.
2 Please, LORD, be kind to us! We depend on you. Make us strong each morning, and come to save us when we are in trouble.
3 Nations scatter when you roar and show your greatness.
4 We attack our enemies like swarms of locusts; we take everything that belongs to them.
5 You, LORD, are above all others, and you live in the heavens. You have brought justice and fairness to Jerusalem;
6 you are the foundation on which we stand today. You always save us and give true wisdom and knowledge. Nothing means more to us than obeying you.
7 Listen! Our bravest soldiers are running through the streets, screaming for help. Our messengers hoped for peace, but came home crying.
8 No one travels anymore; every road is empty. Treaties are broken, and no respect is shown to any who keep promises.
9 Fields are dry and barren; Mount Lebanon wilts with shame. Sharon Valley is a desert; the forests of Bashan and Carmel have lost their leaves.
10 But the LORD says, "Now I will do something and be greatly praised.
11 Your deeds are straw that will be set on fire by your very own breath.
12 You will be burned to ashes like thorns in a fire.
13 Everyone, both far and near, come look at what I have done. See my mighty power!"
14 Those terrible sinners on Mount Zion tremble as they ask in fear, "How can we possibly live where a raging fire never stops burning?"
15 But there will be rewards for those who live right and tell the truth, for those who refuse to take money by force or accept bribes, for all who hate murder and violent crimes.
16 They will live in a fortress high on a rocky cliff, where they will have food and plenty of water.
17 With your own eyes you will see the glorious King; you will see his kingdom reaching far and wide.
18 Then you will ask yourself, "Where are those officials who terrified us and forced us to pay such heavy taxes?"
19 You will never again have to see the proud people who spoke a strange and foreign language you could not understand.
20 Look to Mount Zion where we celebrate our religious festivals. You will see Jerusalem, secure as a tent with pegs that cannot be pulled up and fastened with ropes that can never be broken.
21 Our wonderful LORD will be with us! There will be deep rivers and wide streams safe from enemy ships.
22 The LORD is our judge and our ruler; the LORD is our king and will keep us safe.
23 But your nation is a ship with its rigging loose, its mast shaky, and its sail not spread. Someday even you that are lame will take everything you want from your enemies.
24 The LORD will forgive your sins, and none of you will say, "I feel sick."
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.