« | Job 7 | » |
1 Why is life so hard? Why do we suffer?
2 We are slaves in search of shade; we are laborers longing for our wages.
3 God has made my days drag on and my nights miserable.
4 I pray for night to end, but it stretches out while I toss and turn.
5 My parched skin is covered with worms, dirt, and sores,
6 and my days are running out quicker than the thread of a fast-moving needle.
7 I beg you, God, don't forget! My life is just a breath, and trouble lies ahead.
8 I will vanish from sight, and no one, including you, will ever see me again.
9 I will disappear in the grave or vanish from sight like a passing cloud.
10 Never will I return home; soon I will be forgotten.
11 And so, I cry out to you in agony and distress.
12 Am I the sea or a sea monster? Is that why you imprison me?
13 I go to bed, hoping for rest,
14 but you torture me with terrible dreams.
15 I'd rather choke to death than live in this body.
16 Leave me alone and let me die; my life has no meaning.
17 What makes you so concerned about us humans?
18 Why do you test us from sunrise to sunset?
19 Won't you look away just long enough for me to swallow?
20 Why do you watch us so closely? What's it to you, if I sin? Why am I your target and such a heavy burden?
21 Why do you refuse to forgive? Soon you won't find me, because I'll be dead.
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.