« | Psalm 103 | » |
1 (By David.) With all my heart I praise the LORD, and with all that I am I praise his holy name!
2 With all my heart I praise the LORD! I will never forget how kind he has been.
3 The LORD forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick,
4 and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.
5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.
6 For all who are mistreated, the LORD brings justice.
7 He taught his Law to Moses and showed all Israel what he could do.
8 The LORD is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.
9 The LORD won't always be angry and point out our sins;
10 he doesn't punish us as our sins deserve.
11 How great is God's love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth!
12 How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west!
13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the LORD is kind to all who worship him,
14 because he knows we are made of dust.
15 We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom.
16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten.
17 The LORD is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants
18 who faithfully obey him.
19 God has set up his kingdom in heaven, and he rules the whole creation.
20 All of you mighty angels, who obey God's commands, come and praise your LORD!
21 All of you thousands who serve and obey God, come and praise your LORD!
22 All of God's creation and all that he rules, come and praise your LORD! With all my heart I praise the LORD!
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.