« | Psalm 149 | » |
1 Shout praises to the LORD! Sing him a new song of praise when his loyal people meet.
2 People of Israel, rejoice because of your Creator. People of Zion, celebrate because of your King.
3 Praise his name by dancing and playing music on harps and tambourines.
4 The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble.
5 All of you faithful people, praise our glorious Lord! Celebrate and worship.
6 Praise God with songs on your lips and a sword in your hand.
7 Take revenge and punish the nations.
8 Put chains of iron on their kings and rulers.
9 Punish them as they deserve; this is the privilege of God's faithful people. 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.