« | Job 4 | » |
1 Eliphaz from Teman said:
2 Please be patient and listen to what I have to say.
3 Remember how your words
4 have guided and encouraged many in need.
5 But now you feel discouraged when struck by trouble.
6 You respect God and live right, so don't lose hope!
7 No truly innocent person has ever died young.
8 In my experience, only those who plant seeds of evil harvest trouble,
9 and then they are swept away by the angry breath of God.
10 They may roar and growl like powerful lions. But when God breaks their teeth,
11 they starve, and their children are scattered.
12 A secret was told to me in a faint whisper--
13 I was overcome by sleep, but disturbed by dreams;
14 I trembled with fear,
15 and my hair stood on end, as a wind blew past my face.
16 It stopped and stood still. Then a form appeared-- a shapeless form. And from the silence, I heard a voice say,
17 "No humans are innocent in the eyes of God their Creator.
18 He finds fault with his servants and even with his angels.
19 Humans are formed from clay and are fragile as moths, so what chance do you have?
20 Born after daybreak, you die before nightfall and disappear forever.
21 Your tent pegs are pulled up, and you leave this life, having gained no 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.