« | Psalm 19 | » |
1 (A psalm by David for the music leader.) The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
2 Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next.
3 They don't speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice.
4 Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun.
5 It rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like a hero eager to run a race.
6 It travels all the way across the sky. Nothing hides from its heat.
7 The Law of the LORD is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people.
8 The LORD's instruction is right; it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly, and they give us light.
9 Worshiping the LORD is sacred; he will always be worshiped. All of his decisions are correct and fair.
10 They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb.
11 By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded.
12 None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it.
13 Don't let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault.
14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.
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.