« | Job 19 | » |
1 Job said:
2 How long will you torture me with your words?
3 Isn't ten times enough for you to accuse me? Aren't you ashamed?
4 Even if I have sinned, you haven't been harmed.
5 You boast of your goodness, claiming I am suffering because I am guilty.
6 But God is the one at fault for finding fault with me.
7 Though I pray to be rescued from this torment, no whisper of justice answers me.
8 God has me trapped with a wall of darkness
9 and stripped of respect.
10 God rips me apart, uproots my hopes,
11 and attacks with fierce anger, as though I were his enemy.
12 His entire army advances, then surrounds my tent.
13 God has turned relatives and friends against me,
14 and I am forgotten.
15 My guests and my servants consider me a stranger,
16 and when I call my servants, they pay no attention.
17 My breath disgusts my wife; everyone in my family turns away.
18 Young children can't stand me, and when I come near, they make fun.
19 My best friends and loved ones have turned from me.
20 I am skin and bones-- just barely alive.
21 My friends, I beg you for pity! God has made me his target.
22 Hasn't he already done enough? Why do you join the attack?
23 I wish that my words could be written down
24 or chiseled into rock.
25 I know that my Savior lives, and at the end he will stand on this earth.
26 My flesh may be destroyed, yet from this body I will see God.
27 Yes, I will see him for myself, and I long for that moment.
28 My friends, you think up ways to blame and torment me, saying I brought it on myself.
29 But watch out for the judgment, when God will punish you!
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.