« | Jeremiah 30 | » |
1 The LORD God of Israel said, "Jeremiah, get a scroll and write down everything I have told you.
2 (SEE 30:1)
3 Someday I will let my people from both Israel and Judah return to the land I gave their ancestors."
4 Then the LORD told me to say to Israel and Judah: I, the LORD, hear screams of terror, and there is no peace.
5 (SEE 30:4)
6 Can men give birth? Then why do I see them looking so pale and clutching their stomachs like women in labor?
7 My people, soon you will suffer worse than ever before, but I will save you.
8 Now you are slaves of other nations, but I will break the chains and smash the yokes that keep you in slavery.
9 Then you will be my servants, and I will choose a king for you from the family of David. *
10 Israel, you belong to me, so don't be afraid. You deserved to be punished; that's why I scattered you in distant nations. But I am with you, and someday I will destroy those nations.
11 Then I will bring you and your descendants back to your land, where I will protect you and give you peace. Then your fears will be gone. I, the LORD, have spoken.
12 The LORD said: My people, you are wounded and near death.
13 You are accused of a crime with no one to defend you, and you are covered with sores that no medicine can cure. *
14 Your friends have forgotten you; they don't care anymore. Even I have acted like an enemy. And because your sins are horrible and countless, I will be cruel as I punish you.
15 So don't bother to cry out for relief from your pain.
16 But if your enemies try to rob or destroy you, I will rob and destroy them, and they will be led as captives to foreign lands.
17 No one wants you as a friend or cares what happens to you. But I will heal your injuries, and you will get well.
18 The LORD said: Israel, I will be kind to you and let you come home. Jerusalem now lies in ruins, but you will rebuild it, complete with a new palace.
19 Other nations will respect and honor you. Your homes will be filled with children, and you will celebrate, singing praises to me.
20 It will be just like old times. Your nation will worship me, and I will punish anyone who abuses you.
21 One of your own people will become your ruler. And when I invite him to come near me at the place of worship, he will do so. No one would dare to come near without being invited.
22 You will be my people, and I will be your God. I, the LORD, have spoken.
23 I am furious! And like a violent storm I will strike those who do wrong.
24 I won't calm down until I have finished what I have decided to do. Someday, you will understand what I mean.
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.