« | Isaiah 48 | » |
1 People of Israel, you come from Jacob's family and the tribe of Judah. You claim to worship me, the LORD God of Israel, but you are lying.
2 You call Jerusalem your home and say you depend on me, the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel.
3 Long ago I announced what was going to be, then without warning, I made it happen.
4 I knew you were stubborn and hardheaded.
5 And I told you these things, so that when they happened you would not say, "The idols we worship did this."
6 You heard what I said, and you have seen it happen. Now admit that it's true! I will show you secrets you have never known.
7 Today I am doing something new, something you cannot say you have heard before.
8 You have never been willing to listen to what I say; from the moment of your birth, I knew you would rebel.
9 I, the LORD, am true to myself; I will be praised for not punishing and destroying you.
10 I tested you in hard times just as silver is refined in a heated furnace.
11 I did this because of who I am. I refuse to be dishonored or share my praise with any other god.
12 Israel, my chosen people, listen to me. I alone am the LORD, the first and the last.
13 With my own hand I created the earth and stretched out the sky. They obey my every command.
14 Gather around me, all of you! Listen to what I say. Did any of your idols predict this would happen? Did they say that my friend would do what I want done to Babylonia?
15 I was the one who chose him. I have brought him this far, and he will be successful.
16 Come closer and listen! I have never kept secret the things I have said, and I was here before time began. By the power of his Spirit the LORD God has sent me
17 with this message: People of Israel, I am the holy LORD God, the one who rescues you. For your own good, I teach you, and I lead you along the right path.
18 How I wish that you had obeyed my commands! Your success and good fortune would then have overflowed like a flooding river.
19 Your nation would be blessed with more people than there are grains of sand along the seashore. And I would never have let your country be destroyed.
20 Now leave Babylon! Celebrate as you go. Be happy and shout for everyone to hear, "The LORD has rescued his servant Israel!
21 He led us through the desert and made water flow from a rock to satisfy our thirst.
22 But the LORD has promised that none who are evil will live in peace."
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.