« | Psalm 115 | » |
1 We don't deserve praise! The LORD alone deserves all of the praise, because of his love and faithfulness.
2 Why should the nations ask, "Where is your God?"
3 Our God is in the heavens, doing as he chooses.
4 The idols of the nations are made of silver and gold.
5 They have a mouth and eyes, but they can't speak or see.
6 Their ears can't hear, and their noses can't smell.
7 Their hands have no feeling, their legs don't move, and they can't make a sound.
8 Everyone who made the idols and all who trust them are just as helpless as those useless gods.
9 People of Israel, you must trust the LORD to help and protect you.
10 Family of Aaron the priest, you must trust the LORD to help and protect you.
11 All of you worship the LORD, so you must trust him to help and protect you.
12 The LORD will not forget to give us his blessing; he will bless all of Israel and the family of Aaron.
13 All who worship the LORD, no matter who they are, will receive his blessing.
14 I pray that the LORD will let your family and your descendants always grow strong.
15 May the LORD who created the heavens and the earth give you his blessing.
16 The LORD has kept the heavens for himself, but he has given the earth to us humans.
17 The dead are silent and cannot praise the LORD,
18 but we will praise him now and forevermore. Shout praises to 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.