« | Psalm 147 | » |
1 Shout praises to the LORD! Our God is kind, and it is right and good to sing praises to him.
2 The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem and brings the people of Israel back home again.
3 He renews our hopes and heals our bodies.
4 He decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name.
5 Our LORD is great and powerful! He understands everything.
6 The LORD helps the poor, but he smears the wicked in the dirt.
7 Celebrate and sing! Play your harps for the LORD our God.
8 He fills the sky with clouds and sends rain to the earth, so that the hills will be green with grass.
9 He provides food for cattle and for the young ravens, when they cry out.
10 The LORD doesn't care about the strength of horses or powerful armies.
11 The LORD is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love.
12 Everyone in Jerusalem, come and praise the LORD your God!
13 He makes your city gates strong and blesses your people by giving them children.
14 God lets you live in peace, and he gives you the very best wheat.
15 As soon as God speaks, the earth obeys.
16 He covers the ground with snow like a blanket of wool, and he scatters frost like ashes on the ground.
17 God sends down hailstones like chips of rocks. Who can stand the cold?
18 At his command the ice melts, the wind blows, and streams begin to flow.
19 God gave his laws and teachings to the descendants of Jacob, the nation of Israel.
20 But he has not given his laws to any other nation. 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.