« | Job 30 | » |
1 Young people now insult me, although their fathers would have been a disgrace to my sheep dogs.
2 And those who insult me are helpless themselves.
3 They must claw the desert sand in the dark for something to satisfy their hunger.
4 They gather tasteless shrubs for food and firewood,
5 and they are run out of towns, as though they were thieves.
6 Their only homes are ditches or holes between rocks,
7 where they bray like donkeys gathering around shrubs.
8 And like senseless donkeys they are chased away.
9 Those worthless nobodies make up jokes and songs to disgrace me.
10 They are hateful and keep their distance, even while spitting in my direction.
11 God has destroyed me, and so they don't care what they do.
12 Their attacks never stop, though I am defenseless, and my feet are trapped.
13 Without any help, they prevent my escape, destroying me completely
14 and leaving me crushed.
15 Terror has me surrounded; my reputation and my riches have vanished like a cloud.
16 I am sick at heart! Pain has taken its toll.
17 Night chews on my bones, causing endless torment,
18 and God has shrunk my skin, choking me to death.
19 I have been thrown in the dirt and now am dirt myself.
20 I beg God for help, but there is no answer; and when I stand up, he simply stares.
21 God has turned brutal,
22 stirring up a windstorm to toss me about.
23 Soon he will send me home to the world of the dead, where we all must go.
24 No one refuses help to others, when disaster strikes.
25 I mourned for the poor and those who suffered.
26 But when I beg for relief and light, all I receive are disaster and darkness.
27 My stomach is tied in knots; pain is my daily companion.
28 Suffering has scorched my skin, and in the city council I stand and cry out,
29 making mournful sounds like jackals and owls.
30 My skin is so parched, that it peels right off, and my bones are burning.
31 My only songs are sorrow and sadness.
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.