« | Psalm 140 | » |
1 (A psalm by David for the music leader.) Rescue me from cruel and violent enemies, LORD!
2 They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
3 Their words bite deep like the poisonous fangs of a snake.
4 Protect me, LORD, from cruel and brutal enemies, who want to destroy me.
5 Those proud people have hidden traps and nets to catch me as I walk.
6 You, LORD, are my God! Please listen to my prayer.
7 You have the power to save me, and you keep me safe in every battle.
8 Don't let the wicked succeed in doing what they want, or else they might never stop planning evil.
9 They have me surrounded, but make them the victims of their own vicious lies.
10 Dump flaming coals on them and throw them into pits where they can't climb out.
11 Chase those cruel liars away! Let trouble hunt them down.
12 Our LORD, I know that you defend the homeless and see that the poor are given justice.
13 Your people will praise you and will live with you because they do right.
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.