« | Job 17 | » |
1 My hopes have died, my time is up, and the grave is ready.
2 All I can see are angry crowds, making fun of me.
3 If you, LORD, don't help, who will pay the price for my release?
4 My friends won't really listen, all because of you, and so you must be the one to prove them wrong.
5 They have condemned me, just to benefit themselves; now blind their children.
6 You, God, are the reason I am insulted and spit on.
7 I am almost blind with grief; my body is a mere shadow.
8 People who are truly good would feel so alarmed, that they would become angry at my worthless friends.
9 They would do the right thing and because they did, they would grow stronger.
10 But none of my friends show any sense.
11 My life is drawing to an end; hope has disappeared.
12 But all my friends can do is offer empty hopes.
13 I could tell the world below to prepare me a bed.
14 Then I could greet the grave as my father and say to the worms, "Hello, mother and sisters!"
15 But what kind of hope is that?
16 Will it keep me company in the world of the dead?
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.