« | Psalm 21 | » |
1 (A psalm by David for the music leader.) Our LORD, your mighty power makes the king glad, and he celebrates victories that you have given him.
2 You did what he wanted most and never told him "No."
3 You truly blessed the king, and you placed on him a crown of finest gold.
4 He asked to live a long time, and you promised him life that never ends.
5 The king is highly honored. You have let him win victories that have made him famous.
6 You have given him blessings that will last forever, and you have made him glad by being so near to him.
7 LORD Most High, the king trusts you, and your kindness keeps him from defeat.
8 With your mighty arm, LORD, you will strike down all of your hateful enemies.
9 They will be destroyed by fire once you are here, and because of your anger, flames will swallow them.
10 You will wipe their families from the earth, and they will disappear.
11 All their plans to harm you will come to nothing.
12 You will make them run away by shooting your arrows at their faces.
13 Show your strength, LORD, so that we may sing and praise your power.
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.