« | Psalm 135 | » |
1 Shout praises to the LORD! You are his servants, so praise his name.
2 All who serve in the temple of the LORD our God,
3 come and shout praises. Praise the name of the LORD! He is kind and good.
4 He chose the family of Jacob and the people of Israel for his very own.
5 The LORD is much greater than any other god.
6 He does as he chooses in heaven and on earth and deep in the sea.
7 The LORD makes the clouds rise from far across the earth, and he makes lightning to go with the rain. Then from his secret place he sends out the wind.
8 The LORD killed the first-born of people and animals in the land of Egypt.
9 God used miracles and wonders to fight the king of Egypt and all of his officials.
10 He destroyed many nations and killed powerful kings,
11 including King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. He conquered every kingdom in the land of Canaan
12 and gave their property to his people Israel.
13 The name of the LORD will be remembered forever, and he will be famous for all time to come.
14 The LORD will bring justice and show mercy to all who serve him.
15 Idols of silver and gold are made and worshiped in other nations.
16 They have a mouth and eyes, but they can't speak or see.
17 They are completely deaf, and they can't breathe.
18 Everyone who makes idols and all who trust them will end up as helpless as their idols.
19 Everyone in Israel, come praise the LORD! All the family of Aaron
20 and all the tribe of Levi, come praise the LORD! All of his worshipers, come praise the LORD.
21 Praise the LORD from Zion! He lives here in Jerusalem. 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.