« | Isaiah 42 | » |
1 Here is my servant! I have made him strong. He is my chosen one; I am pleased with him. I have given him my Spirit, and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He won't shout or yell or call out in the streets.
3 He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame, but he will make sure that justice is done.
4 He won't quit or give up until he brings justice everywhere on earth, and people in foreign nations long for his teaching.
5 I am the LORD God. I created the heavens like an open tent above. I made the earth and everything that grows on it. I am the source of life for all who live on this earth, so listen to what I say.
6 I chose you to bring justice, and I am here at your side. I selected and sent you to bring light and my promise of hope to the nations.
7 You will give sight to the blind; you will set prisoners free from dark dungeons.
8 My name is the LORD! I won't let idols or humans share my glory and praise.
9 Everything has happened just as I said it would; now I will announce what will happen next.
10 Tell the whole world to sing a new song to the LORD! Tell those who sail the ocean and those who live far away to join in the praise.
11 Tell the tribes of the desert and everyone in the mountains to celebrate and sing.
12 Let them announce his praises everywhere.
13 The LORD is marching out like an angry soldier, shouting with all his might while attacking his enemies.
14 For a long time, I, the LORD, have held my temper; now I will scream and groan like a woman giving birth.
15 I will destroy the mountains and what grows on them; I will dry up rivers and ponds.
16 I will lead the blind on roads they have never known; I will guide them on paths they have never traveled. Their road is dark and rough, but I will give light to keep them from stumbling. This is my solemn promise.
17 Everyone who worships idols as though they were gods will be terribly ashamed.
18 You people are deaf and blind, but the LORD commands you to listen and to see.
19 No one is as blind or deaf as his messenger, his chosen servant,
20 who sees and hears so much, but pays no attention.
21 The LORD always does right, and so he wanted his Law to be greatly praised.
22 But his people were trapped and imprisoned in holes with no one to rescue them. All they owned had been taken, and no one was willing to give it back.
23 Why won't his people ever learn to listen?
24 Israel sinned and refused to obey the LORD or follow his instructions. So the LORD let them be robbed of everything they owned.
25 He was furious with them and punished their nation with the fires of war. Still they paid no attention. They didn't even care when they were surrounded and scorched by flames.
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.