« | Job 33 | » |
1 Job, listen to me! Pay close attention.
2 Everything I will say
3 is true and sincere,
4 just as surely as the Spirit of God All-Powerful gave me the breath of life.
5 Now line up your arguments and prepare to face me.
6 We each were made from clay, and God has no favorites,
7 so don't be afraid of me or what I might do.
8 I have heard you argue
9 that you are innocent, guilty of nothing.
10 You claim that God has made you his enemy,
11 that he has bound your feet and blocked your path.
12 But, Job, you're wrong-- God is greater than any human.
13 So why do you challenge God to answer you?
14 God speaks in different ways, and we don't always recognize his voice.
15 Sometimes in the night, he uses terrifying dreams
16 to give us warnings.
17 God does this to make us turn from sin and pride
18 and to protect us from being swept away to the world of the dead.
19 Sometimes we are punished with a serious illness and aching joints.
20 Merely the thought of our favorite food makes our stomachs sick,
21 and we become so skinny that our bones stick out.
22 We feel death and the grave taking us in their grip.
23 One of a thousand angels then comes to our rescue by saying we are innocent.
24 The angel shows kindness, commanding death to release us, because the price was paid.
25 Our health is restored, we feel young again,
26 and we ask God to accept us. Then we joyfully worship God, and we are rewarded because we are innocent.
27 When that happens, we tell everyone, "I sinned and did wrong, but God forgave me
28 and rescued me from death! Now I will see the light."
29 God gives each of us chance after chance
30 to be saved from death and brought into the light that gives life.
31 So, Job, pay attention and don't interrupt,
32 though I would gladly listen to anything you say that proves you are right.
33 Otherwise, listen in silence to my wisdom.
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.