« | Jeremiah 5 | » |
1 "Search Jerusalem for honest people who try to be faithful. If you can find even one, I'll forgive the whole city.
2 Everyone breaks promises made in my name."
3 I answered, "I know that you look for truth. You punished your people for their lies, but in spite of the pain, they became more stubborn and refused to turn back to you."
4 Then I thought to myself, "These common people act like fools, and they have never learned what the LORD their God demands of them.
5 I'll go and talk to the leaders. They know what God demands." But even they had decided not to obey the LORD.
6 The people have rebelled and rejected the LORD too many times. So enemies will attack like lions from the forest or wolves from the desert. Those enemies will watch the towns of Judah, and like leopards they will tear to pieces whoever goes outside.
7 People of Judah, how can I forgive you? I gave you everything, but you abandoned me and worshiped idols. You men go to prostitutes and are unfaithful to your wives.
8 You are no better than animals, and you always want sex with someone else's wife.
9 Why shouldn't I punish the people of Judah?
10 I will tell their enemies, "Go through my vineyard. Don't destroy the vines, but cut off the branches, because they are the people who don't belong to me."
11 In every way, Judah and Israel have been unfaithful to me. *
12 Their prophets lie and say, "The LORD won't punish us. We will have peace and plenty of food."
13 They tell these lies in my name, so now they will be killed in war or starve to death.
14 I am the LORD God All-Powerful. Jeremiah, I will tell you exactly what to say. Your words will be a fire; Israel and Judah will be the fuel.
15 People of Israel, I have made my decision. An army from a distant country will attack you. I've chosen an ancient nation, and you won't understand their language.
16 All of them are warriors, and their arrows bring death.
17 This nation will eat your crops and livestock; they will leave no fruit on your vines or trees. And although you feel safe behind thick walls, your towns will be destroyed and your children killed.
18 The LORD said: Jeremiah, the enemy army won't kill everyone in Judah.
19 And the people who survive will ask, "Why did the LORD our God do such terrible things to us?" Then tell them: I am the LORD, but you abandoned me and worshiped other gods in your own land. Now you will be slaves in a foreign country.
20 Tell these things to each other, you people of Judah, you descendants of Jacob.
21 You fools! Why don't you listen when I speak? Why can't you understand
22 that you should worship me with fear and trembling? I'm the one who made the shore to hold back the ocean. Waves may crash on the beach, but they can come no farther.
23 You stubborn people have rebelled and turned your backs on me.
24 You refuse to say, "Let's worship the LORD! He's the one who sends rain in spring and autumn and gives us a good harvest."
25 That's why I cannot bless you! *
26 A hunter traps birds and puts them in a cage, but some of you trap humans and make them your slaves.
27 You are evil, and you lie and cheat to make yourselves rich. You are powerful
28 and prosperous, but you refuse to help the poor get the justice they deserve.
29 You need to be punished, and so I will take revenge.
30 Look at the terrible things going on in this country. I am shocked!
31 Prophets give their messages in the name of a false god, my priests don't want to serve me, and you--my own people-- like it this way! But on the day of disaster, where will you turn for help?
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.