« | Job 37 | » |
1 I am frightened and tremble all over,
2 when I hear the roaring voice of God in the thunder,
3 and when I see his lightning flash across the sky.
4 God's majestic voice thunders his commands,
5 creating miracles too marvelous for us to understand.
6 Snow and heavy rainstorms
7 make us stop and think about God's power,
8 and they force animals to seek shelter.
9 The windstorms of winter strike,
10 and the breath of God freezes streams and rivers.
11 Rain clouds filled with lightning appear at God's command,
12 traveling across the sky
13 to release their cargo-- sometimes as punishment for sin, sometimes as kindness.
14 Job, consider carefully the many wonders of God.
15 Can you explain why lightning flashes at the orders
16 of God who knows all things? Or how he hangs the clouds in empty space?
17 You almost melt in the heat of fierce desert winds when the sky is like brass.
18 God can spread out the clouds to get relief from the heat, but can you?
19 Tell us what to say to God! Our minds are in the dark, and we don't know how to argue our case.
20 Should I risk my life by telling God that I want to speak?
21 No one can stare at the sun after a breeze has blown the clouds from the sky.
22 Yet the glorious splendor of God All-Powerful is brighter by far.
23 God cannot be seen-- but his power is great, and he is always fair.
24 And so we humans fear God, because he shows no respect for those who are proud and think they know so much.
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.