« | Psalm 144 | » |
1 (By David.) I praise you, LORD! You are my mighty rock, and you teach me how to fight my battles.
2 You are my friend, and you are my fortress where I am safe. You are my shield, and you made me the ruler of our people.
3 Why do we humans mean anything to you, our LORD? Why do you care about us?
4 We disappear like a breath; we last no longer than a faint shadow.
5 Open the heavens like a curtain and come down, LORD. Touch the mountains and make them send up smoke.
6 Use your lightning as arrows to scatter my enemies and make them run away.
7 Reach down from heaven and set me free. Save me from the mighty flood
8 of those lying foreigners who can't tell the truth.
9 In praise of you, our God, I will sing a new song, while playing my harp.
10 By your power, kings win wars, and your servant David is saved from deadly swords.
11 Won't you keep me safe from those lying foreigners who can't tell the truth?
12 Let's pray that our young sons will grow like strong plants and that our daughters will be as lovely as columns in the corner of a palace.
13 May our barns be filled with all kinds of crops. May our fields be covered with sheep by the thousands,
14 and every cow have calves. Don't let our city be captured or any of us be taken away, and don't let cries of sorrow be heard in our streets.
15 Our LORD and our God, you give these blessings to all who worship you.
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.