« | Job 9 | » |
1 Job said:
2 What you say is true. No human is innocent in the sight of God.
3 Not once in a thousand times could we win our case if we took him to court.
4 God is wise and powerful-- who could possibly oppose him and win?
5 When God becomes angry, he can move mountains before they even know it.
6 God can shake the earth loose from its foundations
7 or command the sun and stars to hold back their light.
8 God alone stretched out the sky, stepped on the sea,
9 and set the stars in place-- the Big Dipper and Orion, the Pleiades and the stars in the southern sky.
10 Of all the miracles God works, we cannot understand a one.
11 God walks right past me, without making a sound.
12 And if he grabs something, who can stop him or raise a question?
13 When God showed his anger, the servants of the sea monster fell at his feet.
14 How, then, could I possibly argue my case with God?
15 Even though I am innocent, I can only beg for mercy.
16 And if God came into court when I called him, he would not hear my case.
17 He would strike me with a storm and increase my injuries for no reason at all.
18 Before I could get my breath, my miseries would multiply.
19 God is much stronger than I am, and who would call me into court to give me justice?
20 Even if I were innocent, God would prove me wrong.
21 I am not guilty, but I no longer care what happens to me.
22 What difference does it make? God destroys the innocent along with the guilty.
23 When a good person dies a sudden death, God sits back and laughs.
24 And who else but God blindfolds the judges, then lets the wicked take over the earth?
25 My life is speeding by, without a hope of happiness.
26 Each day passes swifter than a sailing ship or an eagle swooping down.
27 Sometimes I try to be cheerful and to stop complaining,
28 but my sufferings frighten me, because I know that God still considers me guilty.
29 So what's the use of trying to prove my innocence?
30 Even if I washed myself with the strongest soap,
31 God would throw me into a pit of stinking slime, leaving me disgusting to my clothes.
32 God isn't a mere human like me. I can't put him on trial.
33 Who could possibly judge between the two of us?
34 Can someone snatch away the stick God carries to frighten me?
35 Then I could speak up without fear of him, but for now, I cannot speak.
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.