« | Psalm 102 | » |
1 (A prayer for someone who hurts and needs to ask the LORD for help.) I pray to you, LORD! Please listen.
2 Don't hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer.
3 My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace.
4 I am wasting away like grass, and my appetite is gone.
5 My groaning never stops, and my bones can be seen through my skin.
6 I am like a lonely owl in the desert
7 or a restless sparrow alone on a roof.
8 My enemies insult me all day, and they use my name for a curse word.
9 Instead of food, I have ashes to eat and tears to drink,
10 because you are furious and have thrown me aside.
11 My life fades like a shadow at the end of day and withers like grass.
12 Our LORD, you are King forever and will always be famous.
13 You will show pity to Zion because the time has come.
14 We, your servants, love each stone in the city, and we are sad to see them lying in the dirt.
15 Our LORD, the nations will honor you, and all kings on earth will praise your glory.
16 You will rebuild the city of Zion. Your glory will be seen,
17 and the prayers of the homeless will be answered.
18 Future generations must also praise the LORD, so write this for them:
19 "From his holy temple, the LORD looked down at the earth.
20 He listened to the groans of prisoners, and he rescued everyone who was doomed to die."
21 All Jerusalem should praise you, our LORD,
22 when people from every nation meet to worship you.
23 I should still be strong, but you, LORD, have made an old person of me.
24 You will live forever! Years mean nothing to you. Don't cut my life in half!
25 In the beginning, LORD, you laid the earth's foundation and created the heavens.
26 They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever.
27 You are always the same. Years cannot change you.
28 Every generation of those who serve you will live in your presence.
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.