« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 (A psalm by David to be used when an offering is made.) When you are angry, LORD, please don't punish me or even correct me.
2 You shot me with your arrows, and you struck me with your hand.
3 My body hurts all over because of your anger. Even my bones are in pain, and my sins
4 are so heavy that I am crushed.
5 Because of my foolishness, I am covered with sores that stink and spread.
6 My body is twisted and bent, and I groan all day long.
7 Fever has my back in flames, and I hurt all over.
8 I am worn out and weak, moaning and in distress.
9 You, Lord, know every one of my deepest desires, and my noisy groans are no secret to you.
10 My heart is beating fast. I feel weak all over, and my eyes are red.
11 Because of my sickness, no friends or neighbors will come near me.
12 All who want me dead set traps to catch me, and those who want to harm and destroy me plan and plot all day.
13 I am not able to hear or speak a word;
14 I am completely deaf and can't make a sound.
15 I trust you, LORD God, and you will do something.
16 I said, "Don't let them laugh or brag because I slip."
17 I am about to collapse from constant pain.
18 I told you my sins, and I am sorry for them.
19 Many deadly and powerful enemies hate me,
20 and they repay evil for good because I try to do right.
21 You are the LORD God! Stay nearby and don't desert me.
22 You are the one who saves me. Please hurry and help.
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.