« | Job 27 | » |
1 Job said:
2 I am desperate because God All-Powerful refuses to do what is right. As surely as God lives,
3 and while he gives me breath,
4 I will tell only the truth.
5 Until the day I die, I will refuse to do wrong by saying you are right,
6 because each day my conscience agrees that I am innocent.
7 I pray that my enemies will suffer no less than the wicked.
8 Such people are hopeless, and God All-Powerful will cut them down,
9 without listening when they beg for mercy.
10 And that is what God should do, because they don't like him or ever pray.
11 Now I will explain in detail what God All-Powerful does.
12 All of you have seen these things for yourselves. So you have no excuse.
13 Here is how God All-Powerful treats those who are wicked and brutal.
14 They may have many children, but most of them will go hungry or suffer a violent death.
15 Others will die of disease, and their widows won't be able to weep.
16 The wicked may collect riches and clothes in abundance as easily as clay.
17 But God's people will wear clothes taken from them and divide up their riches.
18 No homes built by the wicked will outlast a cocoon or a shack.
19 Those sinners may go to bed rich, but they will wake up poor.
20 Terror will strike at night like a flood or a storm.
21 Then a scorching wind will sweep them away
22 without showing mercy, as they try to escape.
23 At last, the wind will celebrate because they are 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.