« | Job 14 | » |
1 Life is short and sorrowful for every living soul.
2 We are flowers that fade and shadows that vanish.
3 And so, I ask you, God, why pick on me?
4 There's no way a human can be completely pure.
5 Our time on earth is brief; the number of our days is already decided by you.
6 Why don't you leave us alone and let us find some happiness while we toil and labor?
7 When a tree is chopped down, there is always the hope that it will sprout again.
8 Its roots and stump may rot,
9 but at the touch of water, fresh twigs shoot up.
10 Humans are different-- we die, and that's the end.
11 We are like streams and lakes after the water has gone;
12 we fall into the sleep of death, never to rise again, until the sky disappears.
13 Please hide me, God, deep in the ground-- and when you are angry no more, remember to rescue me.
14 Will we humans live again? I would gladly suffer and wait for my time.
15 My Creator, you would want me; you would call out, and I would answer.
16 You would take care of me, but not count my sins--
17 you would put them in a bag, tie it tight, and toss them away.
18 But in the real world, mountains tumble, and rocks crumble;
19 streams wear away stones and wash away soil. And you destroy our hopes!
20 You change the way we look, then send us away, wiped out forever.
21 We never live to know if our children are praised or disgraced.
22 We feel no pain but our own, and when we mourn, it's only for ourselves.
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.