« | Job 16 | » |
1 Job said:
2 I have often heard this, and it offers no comfort.
3 So why don't you keep quiet? What's bothering you?
4 If I were in your place, it would be easy to criticize or to give advice.
5 But I would offer hope and comfort instead.
6 If I speak, or if I don't, I hurt all the same. My torment continues.
7 God has worn me down and destroyed my family;
8 my shriveled up skin proves that I am his prisoner.
9 God is my hateful enemy, glaring at me and attacking with his sharp teeth.
10 Everyone is against me; they sneer and slap my face.
11 And God is the one who handed me over to this merciless mob.
12 Everything was going well, until God grabbed my neck and shook me to pieces. God set me up as the target
13 for his arrows, and without showing mercy, he slashed my stomach open, spilling out my insides.
14 God never stops attacking,
15 and so, in my sorrow I dress in sackcloth and sit in the dust.
16 My face is red with tears, and dark shadows circle my eyes,
17 though I am not violent, and my prayers are sincere.
18 If I should die, I beg the earth not to cover my cry for justice.
19 Even now, God in heaven is both my witness and my protector.
20 My friends have rejected me, but God is the one I beg
21 to show that I am right, just as a friend should.
22 Because in only a few years, I will be dead and gone.
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.