« | Psalm 145 | » |
1 (By David for praise.) I will praise you, my God and King, and always honor your name.
2 I will praise you each day and always honor your name.
3 You are wonderful, LORD, and you deserve all praise, because you are much greater than anyone can understand.
4 Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds.
5 I will keep thinking about your marvelous glory and your mighty miracles.
6 Everyone will talk about your fearsome deeds, and I will tell all nations how great you are.
7 They will celebrate and sing about your matchless mercy and your power to save.
8 You are merciful, LORD! You are kind and patient and always loving.
9 You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation.
10 All creation will thank you, and your loyal people will praise you.
11 They will tell about your marvelous kingdom and your power.
12 Then everyone will know about the mighty things you do and your glorious kingdom.
13 Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our LORD, you keep your word and do everything you say.
14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand.
15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food.
16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live.
17 Our LORD, everything you do is kind and thoughtful,
18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.
19 You satisfy the desires of all your worshipers, and you come to save them when they ask for help.
20 You take care of everyone who loves you, but you destroy the wicked.
21 I will praise you, LORD, and everyone will respect your holy name forever.
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.