« | Lamentations 5 |
1 Our LORD, don't forget how we have suffered and been disgraced.
2 Foreigners and strangers have taken our land and our homes.
3 We are like children whose mothers are widows.
4 The water we drink and the wood we burn cost far too much.
5 We are terribly mistreated; we are worn out and can find no rest.
6 We had to surrender to Egypt and Assyria because we were hungry.
7 Our ancestors sinned, but they are dead, and we are left to pay for their sins.
8 Slaves are now our rulers, and there is no one to set us free.
9 We are in danger from brutal desert tribes; we must risk our lives just to bring in our crops.
10 Our skin is scorched from fever and hunger.
11 On Zion and everywhere in Judah our wives and daughters are being raped.
12 Our rulers are strung up by their arms, and our nation's advisors are treated shamefully.
13 Young men are forced to do the work of slaves; boys must carry heavy loads of wood.
14 Our leaders are not allowed to decide cases in court, and young people no longer play music.
15 Our hearts are sad; instead of dancing, we mourn.
16 Zion's glory has disappeared! And we are doomed because of our sins.
17 We feel sick all over and can't even see straight;
18 our city is in ruins, overrun by wild dogs.
19 You will rule forever, LORD! You are King for all time.
20 Why have you forgotten us for so long?
21 Bring us back to you! Give us a fresh start.
22 Or do you despise us so much that you don't want us?
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.