« | Psalm 109 | » |
1 (A psalm by David for the music leader.) I praise you, God! Don't keep silent.
2 Destructive and deceitful lies are told about me,
3 and hateful things are said for no reason.
4 I had pity and prayed for my enemies, but their words to me were harsh and cruel.
5 For being friendly and kind, they paid me back with meanness and hatred.
6 My enemies said, "Find some worthless fools to accuse him of a crime.
7 Try him and find him guilty! Consider his prayers a lie.
8 Cut his life short and let someone else have his job.
9 Make orphans of his children and a widow of his wife;
10 make his children beg for food and live in the slums.
11 "Let the people he owes take everything he owns. Give it all to strangers.
12 Don't let anyone be kind to him or have pity on the children he leaves behind.
13 Bring an end to his family, and from now on let him be a forgotten man.
14 "Don't let the LORD forgive the sins of his parents and his ancestors.
15 Don't let the LORD forget the sins of his family, or let anyone remember his family ever lived.
16 He was so cruel to the poor, homeless, and discouraged that they died young.
17 "He cursed others. Now place a curse on him! He never wished others well. Wish only trouble for him!
18 He cursed others more often than he dressed himself. Let his curses strike him deep, just as water and olive oil soak through to our bones.
19 Let his curses surround him, just like the clothes he wears each day."
20 Those are the cruel things my enemies wish for me. Let it all happen to them!
21 Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me.
22 I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope.
23 I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect.
24 I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony.
25 When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
26 Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love.
27 Let others know that you alone have saved me.
28 I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant.
29 You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes.
30 I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet.
31 You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
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.