« | Isaiah 46 | » |
1 The gods Bel and Nebo are down on their knees, as wooden images of them are carried away on weary animals.
2 They are down on their knees to rescue the heavy load, but the images are still taken to a foreign country.
3 You survivors in Israel, listen to me, the LORD. Since the day you were born, I have carried you along.
4 I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.
5 Can anyone compare with me? Is anyone my equal?
6 Some people hire a goldsmith and give silver and gold to be formed into an idol for them to worship.
7 They carry the idol on their shoulders, then put it on a stand, but it cannot move. They call out to the idol when they are in trouble, but it doesn't answer, and it cannot help.
8 Now keep this in mind, you sinful people. And don't ever forget it.
9 I alone am God! There are no other gods; no one is like me. Think about what happened many years ago.
10 From the very beginning, I told what would happen long before it took place. I kept my word
11 and brought someone from a distant land to do what I wanted. He attacked from the east, like a hawk swooping down. Now I will keep my promise and do what I planned.
12 You people are stubborn and far from being safe, so listen to me.
13 I will soon come to save you. I am not far away and will waste no time; I take pride in Israel and will save Jerusalem.
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.