« | Isaiah 34 | » |
1 Everyone of every nation, the entire earth, and all of its creatures, come here and listen!
2 The LORD is terribly angry with the nations; he has condemned them to be slaughtered.
3 Their dead bodies will be left to rot and stink; their blood will flow down the mountains.
4 Each star will disappear-- the sky will roll up like a scroll. Everything in the sky will dry up and wilt like leaves on a vine or fruit on a tree.
5 After the sword of the LORD has done what it wants to the skies above, it will come down on Edom, the nation that the LORD has doomed for destruction.
6 The sword of the LORD is covered with blood from lambs and goats, together with fat from kidneys of rams. This is because the LORD will slaughter many people and make a sacrifice of them in the city of Bozrah and everywhere else in Edom.
7 Edom's leaders are wild oxen. They are powerful bulls, but they will die with the others. Their country will be soaked with their blood, and its soil made fertile with their fat.
8 The LORD has chosen the year and the day, when he will take revenge and come to Zion's defense.
9 Edom's streams will turn into tar and its soil into sulfur-- then the whole country will go up in flames.
10 It will burn night and day and never stop smoking. Edom will be a desert, generation after generation; no one will ever travel through that land.
11 Owls, hawks, and wild animals will make it their home. God will leave it in ruins, merely a pile of rocks.
12 Edom will be called "Kingdom of Nothing." Its rulers will also be nothing.
13 Its palaces and fortresses will be covered with thorns; only wolves and ostriches will make their home there.
14 Wildcats and hyenas will hunt together, demons will scream to demons, and creatures of the night will live among the ruins.
15 Owls will nest there to raise their young among its shadows, while families of buzzards circle around.
16 In The Book of the LORD you can search and find where it is written, "The LORD brought together all of his creatures by the power of his Spirit. Not one is missing."
17 The LORD has decided where they each should live; they will be there forever, generation after generation.
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.