« | Psalm 36 | » |
1 (For the music leader by David, the LORD's servant.) Sinners don't respect God; sin is all they think about.
2 They like themselves too much to hate their own sins or even to see them.
3 They tell deceitful lies, and they don't have the sense to live right.
4 Those people stay awake, thinking up mischief, and they follow the wrong road, refusing to turn from sin.
5 Your love is faithful, LORD, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you.
6 Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care.
7 Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
8 You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river.
9 The life-giving fountain belongs to you, and your light gives light to each of us.
10 Our LORD, keep showing love to everyone who knows you, and use your power to save all whose thoughts please you.
11 Don't let those proud and merciless people kick me around or chase me away.
12 Look at those wicked people! They are knocked down, never to get up again.
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.