« | Psalm 138 | » |
1 (By David.) With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises.
2 I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before.
3 When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.
4 All kings on this earth have heard your promises, LORD, and they will praise you.
5 You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done.
6 Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.
7 I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe.
8 You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
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.