« | Nahum 3 |
1 Doom to the crime capital! Nineveh, city of murder and treachery,
2 here is your fate-- cracking whips, churning wheels; galloping horses, roaring chariots;
3 cavalry attacking, swords and spears flashing; soldiers stumbling over piles of dead bodies.
4 You were nothing more than a prostitute using your magical charms and witchcraft to attract and trap nations.
5 But I, the LORD All-Powerful, am now your enemy. I will pull up your skirt and let nations and kingdoms stare at your nakedness.
6 I will cover you with garbage, treat you like trash, and rub you in the dirt.
7 Everyone who sees you will turn away and shout, "Nineveh is done for! Is anyone willing to mourn or to give her comfort?"
8 Nineveh, do you feel safer than the city of Thebes? The Nile River was its wall of defense.
9 Thebes trusted the mighty power of Ethiopia and Egypt; the nations of Put and Libya were her allies.
10 But she was captured and taken to a foreign country. Her children were murdered at every street corner. The members of her royal family were auctioned off, and her high officials were bound in chains.
11 Nineveh, now it's your turn! You will get drunk and try to hide from your enemy.
12 Your fortresses are fig trees with ripe figs. Merely shake the trees, and fruit will fall into every open mouth.
13 Your army is weak. Fire has destroyed the crossbars on your city gates; now they stand wide open to your enemy.
14 Your city is under attack. Haul in extra water! Strengthen your defenses! Start making bricks! Stir the mortar!
15 You will still go up in flames and be cut down by swords that will wipe you out like wheat attacked by grasshoppers. So, go ahead and increase like a swarm of locusts!
16 More merchants are in your city than there are stars in the sky-- but they are like locusts that eat everything, then fly away.
17 Your guards and your officials are swarms of locusts. On a chilly day they settle on a fence, but when the sun comes out, they take off to who-knows-where.
18 King of Assyria, your officials and leaders sleep the eternal sleep, while your people are scattered in the mountains. Yes, your people are sheep without a shepherd.
19 You're fatally wounded. There's no hope for you. But everyone claps when they hear this news, because your constant cruelty has caused them pain.
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.