« | Micah 6 | » |
1 The LORD said to his people: Come and present your case to the hills and mountains.
2 Israel, I am bringing charges against you-- I call upon the mountains and the earth's firm foundation to be my witnesses.
3 My people, have I wronged you in any way at all? Please tell me.
4 I rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to be your leaders.
5 Don't forget the evil plans of King Balak of Moab or what Balaam son of Beor said to him. Remember how I, the LORD, saved you many times on your way from Acacia to Gilgal.
6 What offering should I bring when I bow down to worship the LORD God Most High? Should I try to please him by sacrificing calves a year old?
7 Will thousands of sheep or rivers of olive oil make God satisfied with me? Should I sacrifice to the LORD my first-born child as payment for my terrible sins?
8 The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: "See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God."
9 I am the LORD, and it makes sense to respect my power to punish. So listen to my message for the city of Jerusalem:
10 You store up stolen treasures and use dishonest scales.
11 But I, the LORD, will punish you for cheating with weights and with measures.
12 You rich people are violent, and everyone tells lies.
13 Because of your sins, I will wound you and leave you ruined and defenseless.
14 You will eat, but still be hungry; you will store up goods, but lose everything-- I, the LORD, will let it all be captured in war.
15 You won't harvest what you plant or use the oil from your olive trees or drink the wine from grapes you grow.
16 Jerusalem, this will happen because you followed the sinful example of kings Omri and Ahab. Now I will destroy you and your property. Then the people of every nation will make fun and insult you.
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.