« | Job 40 | » |
1 I am the LORD All-Powerful,
2 but you have argued that I am wrong. Now you must answer me.
3 Job said to the LORD:
4 Who am I to answer you?
5 I did speak once or twice, but never again.
6 Then out of the storm the LORD said to Job:
7 Face me and answer the questions I ask!
8 Are you trying to prove that you are innocent by accusing me of injustice?
9 Do you have a powerful arm and a thundering voice that compare with mine?
10 If so, then surround yourself with glory and majesty.
11 Show your furious anger! Throw down and crush
12 all who are proud and evil.
13 Wrap them in grave clothes and bury them together in the dusty soil.
14 Do this, and I will agree that you have won this argument.
15 I created both you and the hippopotamus. It eats only grass like an ox,
16 but look at the mighty muscles in its body
17 and legs. Its tail is like a cedar tree, and its thighs are thick.
18 The bones in its legs are like bronze or iron.
19 I made it more powerful than any other creature, yet I am stronger still.
20 Undisturbed, it eats grass while the other animals play nearby.
21 It rests in the shade of trees along the riverbank
22 or hides among reeds in the swamp.
23 It remains calm and unafraid with the Jordan River rushing and splashing in its face.
24 There is no way to capture a hippopotamus-- not even by hooking its nose or blinding its eyes.
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.