« | Job 35 | » |
1 Elihu said:
2 Job, are you really innocent in the sight of God?
3 Don't you honestly believe it pays to obey him?
4 I will give the answers to you and your friends.
5 Look up to the heavens
6 and think! Do your sins hurt God?
7 Is any good you may have done at all helpful to him?
8 The evil or good you do only affects other humans.
9 In times of trouble, everyone begs the mighty God to have mercy.
10 But after their Creator helps them through hard times, they forget about him,
11 though he makes us wiser than animals or birds.
12 God won't listen to the prayers of proud and evil people.
13 If God All-Powerful refuses to answer their empty prayers,
14 he will surely deny your impatient request to face him in court.
15 Job, you were wrong to say God doesn't punish sin.
16 Everything you have said adds up to nonsense.
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.