« | Jeremiah 4 | » |
1 The LORD said: Israel, if you really want to come back to me, get rid of those disgusting idols.
2 Make promises only in my name, and do what you promise! Then all nations will praise me, and I will bless them.
3 People of Jerusalem and Judah, don't be so stubborn! Your hearts have become hard, like unplowed ground where thornbushes grow.
4 With all your hearts, keep the agreement I made with you. But if you are stubborn and keep on sinning, my anger will burn like a fire that cannot be put out. *
5 "Sound the trumpets, my people. Warn the people of Judah, 'Run for your lives!
6 Head for Jerusalem or another walled town!' "Jeremiah, tell them I'm sending disaster from the north.
7 An army will come out, like a lion from its den. It will destroy nations and leave your towns empty and in ruins."
8 Then I said to the people of Israel, "Put on sackcloth! Mourn and cry out, 'The LORD is still angry with us.' "
9 The LORD said, "When all this happens, the king and his officials, the prophets and the priests will be shocked and terrified."
10 I said, "You are the LORD God. So why have you fooled everyone, especially the people of Jerusalem? Why did you promise peace, when a knife is at our throats?"
11 When disaster comes, the LORD will tell you people of Jerusalem, "I am sending a windstorm from the desert-- not a welcome breeze. And it will sweep you away as punishment for your sins.
12 (SEE 4:11)
13 Look! The enemy army swoops down like an eagle; their cavalry and chariots race faster than storm clouds blown by the wind." Then you will answer, "We are doomed!"
14 But Jerusalem, there is still time for you to be saved. Wash the evil from your hearts and stop making sinful plans,
15 before a message of disaster arrives from the hills of Ephraim and the town of Dan.
16 The LORD said, "Tell the nations that my people have rebelled against me. And so an army will come from far away to surround Jerusalem and the towns of Judah. I, the LORD, have spoken.
17 (SEE 4:16)
18 "People of Judah, your hearts will be in pain, but it's your own fault that you will be punished."
19 I can't stand the pain! My heart pounds, as I twist and turn in agony. I hear the signal trumpet and the battle cry of the enemy, and I cannot be silent.
20 I see the enemy defeating us time after time, leaving everything in ruins. Even my own home is destroyed in a moment.
21 How long will I see enemy flags and hear their trumpets?
22 I heard the LORD say, "My people ignore me. They are foolish children who do not understand that they will be punished. All they know is how to sin."
23 After this, I looked around. The earth was barren, with no form of life. The sun, moon, and stars had disappeared.
24 The mountains were shaking;
25 no people could be seen, and all the birds had flown away.
26 Farmland had become a desert, and towns were in ruins. The LORD's fierce anger had done all of this.
27 The LORD said: I have made my decision, and I won't change my mind. This land will be destroyed, although not completely. The sky will turn dark, and the earth will mourn.
28 (SEE 4:27)
29 Enemy cavalry and archers shout their battle cry. People run for their lives and try to find safety among trees and rocks. Every town is empty.
30 Jerusalem, your land has been wiped out. But you act like a prostitute and try to win back your lovers, who now hate you. You can put on a red dress, gold jewelry, and eye shadow, but it's no use-- your lovers are out to kill you!
31 I heard groaning and crying. Was it a woman giving birth to her first child? No, it was Jerusalem. She was gasping for breath and begging for help. "I'm dying!" she said. "They have murdered me."
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.