« | Job 10 | » |
1 I am sick of life! And from my deep despair, I complain to you, my God.
2 Don't just condemn me! Point out my sin.
3 Why do you take such delight in destroying those you created and in smiling on sinners?
4 Do you look at things the way we humans do?
5 Is your life as short as ours?
6 Is that why you are so quick to find fault with me?
7 You know I am innocent, but who can defend me against you?
8 Will you now destroy someone you created?
9 Remember that you molded me like a piece of clay. So don't turn me back into dust once again.
10 As cheese is made from milk, you created my body from a tiny drop.
11 Then you tied my bones together with muscles and covered them with flesh and skin.
12 You, the source of my life, showered me with kindness and watched over me.
13 You have not explained all of your mysteries,
14 but you catch and punish me each time I sin.
15 Guilty or innocent, I am condemned and ashamed because of my troubles.
16 No matter how hard I try, you keep hunting me down like a powerful lion.
17 You never stop accusing me; you become furious and attack over and over again.
18 Why did you let me be born? I would rather have died before birth
19 and been carried to the grave without ever breathing.
20 I have only a few days left. Why don't you leave me alone? Let me find some relief,
21 before I travel to the land
22 of darkness and despair, the place of no return.
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.