« | Job 6 | » |
1 Job said:
2 It's impossible to weigh my misery and grief!
3 They outweigh the sand along the beach, and that's why I have spoken without thinking first.
4 The fearsome arrows of God All-Powerful have filled my soul with their poison.
5 Do oxen and wild donkeys cry out in distress unless they are hungry?
6 What is food without salt? What is more tasteless than the white of an egg?
7 That's how my food tastes, and my appetite is gone.
8 How I wish that God would answer my prayer
9 and do away with me.
10 Then I would be comforted, knowing that in all of my pain I have never disobeyed God.
11 Why should I patiently hope when my strength is gone?
12 I am not strong as stone or bronze,
13 and I have finally reached the end of my rope.
14 My friends, I am desperate, and you should help me, even if I no longer respect God All-Powerful.
15 But you are treacherous
16 as streams that swell with melting snow,
17 then suddenly disappear in the summer heat.
18 I am like a caravan, lost in the desert while searching for water.
19 Caravans from Tema and Sheba
20 thought they would find water. But they were disappointed,
21 just as I am with you. Only one look at my suffering, and you run away scared.
22 Have I ever asked any of you to give me a gift
23 or to purchase my freedom from brutal enemies?
24 What have I done wrong? Show me, and I will keep quiet.
25 The truth is always painful, but your arguments prove nothing.
26 Here I am desperate, and you consider my words as worthless as wind.
27 Why, you would sell an orphan or your own neighbor!
28 Look me straight in the eye; I won't lie to you.
29 Stop accusing me falsely; my reputation is at stake.
30 I know right from wrong, and I am not telling lies.
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.