« | Job 38 | » |
1 From out of a storm, the LORD said to Job:
2 Why do you talk so much when you know so little?
3 Now get ready to face me! Can you answer the questions I ask?
4 How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there?
5 Doubtless you know who decided its length and width.
6 What supports the foundation? Who placed the cornerstone,
7 while morning stars sang, and angels rejoiced?
8 When the ocean was born, I set its boundaries
9 and wrapped it in blankets of thickest fog.
10 Then I built a wall around it, locked the gates,
11 and said, "Your powerful waves stop here! They can go no farther."
12 Did you ever tell the sun to rise? And did it obey?
13 Did it take hold of the earth and shake out the wicked like dust from a rug?
14 Early dawn outlines the hills like stitches on clothing or sketches on clay.
15 But its light is too much for those who are evil, and their power is broken.
16 Job, have you ever walked on the ocean floor?
17 Have you seen the gate to the world of the dead?
18 And how large is the earth? Tell me, if you know!
19 Where is the home of light, and where does darkness live?
20 Can you lead them home?
21 I'm certain you must be able to, since you were already born when I created everything.
22 Have you been to the places where I keep snow and hail,
23 until I use them to punish and conquer nations?
24 From where does lightning leap, or the east wind blow?
25 Who carves out a path for thunderstorms? Who sends torrents of rain
26 on empty deserts where no one lives?
27 Rain that changes barren land to meadows green with grass.
28 Who is the father of the dew and of the rain?
29 Who gives birth to the sleet and the frost
30 that fall in winter, when streams and lakes freeze solid as a rock?
31 Can you arrange stars in groups such as Orion and the Pleiades?
32 Do you control the stars or set in place the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper?
33 Do you know the laws that govern the heavens, and can you make them rule the earth?
34 Can you order the clouds to send a downpour,
35 or will lightning flash at your command?
36 Did you teach birds to know that rain or floods are on their way?
37 Can you count the clouds or pour out their water
38 on the dry, lumpy soil?
39 When lions are hungry, do you help them hunt?
40 Do you send an animal into their den?
41 And when starving young ravens cry out to me for food, do you satisfy their hunger?
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.