« | Job 13 | » |
1 I know and understand every bit of this.
2 None of you are smarter than I am; there's nothing you know that I don't.
3 But I prefer to argue my case with God All-Powerful--
4 you are merely useless doctors, who treat me with lies.
5 The wisest thing you can do is to keep quiet
6 and listen to my argument.
7 Are you telling lies for God
8 and not telling the whole truth when you argue his case?
9 If he took you to court, could you fool him, just as you fool others?
10 If you were secretly unfair, he would correct you,
11 and his glorious splendor would make you terrified.
12 Your wisdom and arguments are as delicate as dust.
13 Be quiet while I speak, then say what you will.
14 I will be responsible for what happens to me.
15 God may kill me, but still I will trust him and offer my defense.
16 This may be what saves me, because no guilty person would come to his court.
17 Listen carefully to my words!
18 I have prepared my case well, and I am certain to win.
19 If you can prove me guilty, I will give up and die.
20 I ask only two things of you, my God, and I will no longer hide from you--
21 stop punishing and terrifying me!
22 Then speak, and I will reply; or else let me speak, and you reply.
23 Please point out my sins, so I will know them.
24 Why have you turned your back and count me your enemy?
25 Do you really enjoy frightening a fallen leaf?
26 Why do you accuse me of horrible crimes and make me pay for sins I did in my youth?
27 You have tied my feet down and keep me surrounded;
28 I am rotting away like cloth eaten by worms.
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.