« | Isaiah 57 | » |
1 God's faithful people are dragged off and killed, and no one even cares. Evil sweeps them away,
2 but in death they find peace for obeying God.
3 You people are unfaithful! You go to fortunetellers, and you worship idols. Now pay close attention!
4 Who are you making fun of? Who are you sneering at? Look how your sins have made fools of you.
5 All you think about is sex under those green trees where idols are worshiped. You sacrifice your children on altars built in valleys under rocky slopes.
6 You have chosen to worship idols made of stone; you have given them offerings of wine and grain. Should I be pleased?
7 You have spread out your beds on the tops of high mountains, where you sacrifice to idols.
8 Even in your homes you have placed pagan symbols all around your huge beds. Yes, you have rejected me, sold yourselves to your lovers, and gone to bed with them.
9 You smear on olive oil and all kinds of perfume to worship the god Molech. You even seek advice from spirits of the dead.
10 Though you tired yourself out by running after idols, you refused to stop. Your desires were so strong that they kept you going.
11 Did you forget about me and become unfaithful because you were more afraid of someone else? Have I been silent so long that you no longer fear me?
12 You think you're so good, but I'll point out the truth.
13 Ask your idols to save you when you are in trouble. Be careful though-- it takes only a faint breath to blow them over. But if you come to me for protection, this land and my holy mountain will always belong to you.
14 The LORD says, "Clear the road! Get it ready for my people."
15 Our holy God lives forever in the highest heavens, and this is what he says: Though I live high above in the holy place, I am here to help those who are humble and depend only on me.
16 My people, I won't stay angry and keep on accusing you. After all, I am your Creator. I don't want you to give up in complete despair.
17 Your greed made me furious. That's why I punished you and refused to be found, while you kept returning to your old sinful ways.
18 I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning
19 start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the LORD, will heal you and give you peace.
20 The wicked are a restless sea tossing up mud.
21 But I, the LORD, have 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.