« | Job 3 | » |
1 Finally, Job cursed the day of his birth
2 by saying to God:
3 Blot out the day of my birth and the night when my parents created a son.
4 Forget about that day, cover it with darkness,
5 and send thick, gloomy shadows to fill it with dread.
6 Erase that night from the calendar and conceal it with darkness.
7 Don't let children be created or joyful shouts be heard ever again in that night.
8 Let those with magic powers place a curse on that day.
9 Darken its morning stars and remove all hope of light,
10 because it let me be born into a world of trouble.
11 Why didn't I die at birth?
12 Why was I accepted and allowed to nurse at my mother's breast?
13 Now I would be at peace in the silent world below
14 with kings and their advisors whose palaces lie in ruins,
15 and with rulers once rich with silver and gold.
16 I wish I had been born dead and then buried, never to see the light of day.
17 In the world of the dead, the wicked and the weary rest without a worry.
18 Everyone is there--
19 where captives and slaves are free at last.
20 Why does God let me live when life is miserable and so bitter?
21 I keep longing for death more than I would seek a valuable treasure.
22 Nothing could make me happier than to be in the grave.
23 Why do I go on living when God has me surrounded, and I can't see the road?
24 Moaning and groaning are my food and drink,
25 and my worst fears have all come true.
26 I have no peace or rest-- only troubles and worries.
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.