« | Psalm 34 | » |
1 (Written by David when he pretended to be crazy in front of Abimelech, so that Abimelech would send him away, and David could leave.) I will always praise the LORD.
2 With all my heart, I will praise the LORD. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad.
3 Honor the LORD with me! Celebrate his great name.
4 I asked the LORD for help, and he saved me from all my fears.
5 Keep your eyes on the LORD! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame.
6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the LORD saved me from all my troubles.
7 If you honor the LORD, his angel will protect you.
8 Discover for yourself that the LORD is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.
9 Honor the LORD! You are his special people. No one who honors the LORD will ever be in need.
10 Young lions may go hungry or even starve, but if you trust the LORD, you will never miss out on anything good.
11 Come, my children, listen as I teach you to respect the LORD.
12 Do you want to live and enjoy a long life?
13 Then don't say cruel things and don't tell lies.
14 Do good instead of evil and try to live at peace.
15 If you obey the LORD, he will watch over you and answer your prayers.
16 But God despises evil people, and he will wipe them all from the earth, till they are forgotten.
17 When his people pray for help, he listens and rescues them from their troubles.
18 The LORD is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.
19 The LORD's people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through.
20 Not one of their bones will ever be broken.
21 Wicked people are killed by their own evil deeds, and if you hate God's people you will be punished.
22 The LORD saves the lives of his servants. Run to him for protection, and you won't be punished.
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.