« | Psalm 129 | » |
1 (A song for worship.) Since the time I was young, enemies have often attacked! Let everyone in Israel say:
2 "Since the time I was young, enemies have often attacked! But they have not defeated me,
3 though my back is like a field that has just been plowed."
4 The LORD always does right, and he has set me free from the ropes of those cruel people.
5 I pray that all who hate the city of Zion will be made ashamed and forced to turn and run.
6 May they be like grass on the flat roof of a house, grass that dries up as soon as it sprouts.
7 Don't let them be like wheat gathered in bundles.
8 And don't let anyone who passes by say to them, "The LORD bless you! I give you my blessing in the name of 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.