« | Psalm 22 | » |
1 (A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune "A Deer at Dawn." ) My God, my God, why have you deserted me? Why are you so far away? Won't you listen to my groans and come to my rescue?
2 I cry out day and night, but you don't answer, and I can never rest.
3 Yet you are the holy God, ruling from your throne and praised by Israel.
4 Our ancestors trusted you, and you rescued them.
5 When they cried out for help, you saved them, and you did not let them down when they depended on you.
6 But I am merely a worm, far less than human, and I am hated and rejected by people everywhere.
7 Everyone who sees me makes fun and sneers. They shake their heads,
8 and say, "Trust the LORD! If you are his favorite, let him protect you and keep you safe."
9 You, LORD, brought me safely through birth, and you protected me when I was a baby at my mother's breast.
10 From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.
11 Don't stay far off when I am in trouble with no one to help me.
12 Enemies are all around like a herd of wild bulls. Powerful bulls from Bashan are everywhere.
13 My enemies are like lions roaring and attacking with jaws open wide.
14 I have no more strength than a few drops of water. All my bones are out of joint; my heart is like melted wax.
15 My strength has dried up like a broken clay pot, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You, God, have left me to die in the dirt.
16 Brutal enemies attack me like a pack of dogs, tearing at my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones, and my enemies just stare and sneer at me.
18 They took my clothes and gambled for them.
19 Don't stay far away, LORD! My strength comes from you, so hurry and help.
20 Rescue me from enemy swords and save me from those dogs.
21 Don't let lions eat me. You rescued me from the horns of wild bulls,
22 and when your people meet, I will praise you, LORD.
23 All who worship the LORD, now praise him! You belong to Jacob's family and to the people of Israel, so fear and honor the LORD!
24 The LORD doesn't hate or despise the helpless in all of their troubles. When I cried out, he listened and did not turn away.
25 When your people meet, you will fill my heart with your praises, LORD, and everyone will see me keep my promises to you.
26 The poor will eat and be full, and all who worship you will be thankful and live in hope.
27 Everyone on this earth will remember you, LORD. People all over the world will turn and worship you,
28 because you are in control, the ruler of all nations.
29 All who are rich and have more than enough will bow down to you, Lord. Even those who are dying and almost in the grave will come and bow down.
30 In the future, everyone will worship and learn about you, our Lord.
31 People not yet born will be told, "The Lord has saved us!"
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.