« | Job 18 | » |
1 Bildad from Shuah said:
2 How long will you talk? Be sensible! Let us speak.
3 Or do you think that we are dumb animals?
4 You cut yourself in anger. Will that shake the earth or even move the rocks?
5 The lamps of sinful people soon are snuffed out,
6 leaving their tents dark.
7 Their powerful legs become weak, and they stumble on schemes of their own doing.
8 Before they know it,
9 they are trapped in a net,
10 hidden along the path.
11 Terror strikes and pursues from every side.
12 Starving, they run, only to meet disaster,
13 then afterwards to be eaten alive by death itself.
14 Those sinners are dragged from the safety of their tents to die a gruesome death.
15 Then their tents and possessions are burned to ashes,
16 and they are left like trees, dried up from the roots.
17 They are gone and forgotten,
18 thrown far from the light into a world of darkness,
19 without any children to carry on their name.
20 Everyone, from east to west, is overwhelmed with horror.
21 Such is the fate of sinners and their families who don't know God.
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.