« | Psalm 132 | » |
1 (A song for worship.) Our LORD, don't forget David and how he suffered.
2 Mighty God of Jacob, remember how he promised:
3 "I won't go home or crawl into bed
4 or close my eyelids,
5 until I find a home for you, the mighty LORD God of Jacob."
6 When we were in Ephrath, we heard that the sacred chest was somewhere near Jaar.
7 Then we said, "Let's go to the throne of the LORD and worship at his feet."
8 Come to your new home, LORD, you and the sacred chest with all of its power.
9 Let victory be like robes for the priests; let your faithful people celebrate and shout.
10 David is your chosen one, so don't reject him.
11 You made a solemn promise to David, when you said, "I, the LORD, promise that someone in your family will always be king.
12 If they keep our agreement and follow my teachings, then someone in your family will rule forever."
13 You have gladly chosen Zion as your home, our LORD.
14 You said, "This is my home! I will live here forever.
15 I will bless Zion with food, and even the poor will eat until they are full.
16 Victory will be like robes for the priests, and its faithful people will celebrate and shout.
17 I will give mighty power to the kingdom of David. Each one of my chosen kings will shine like a lamp
18 and wear a sparkling crown. But I will disgrace their enemies."
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.