« | Psalm 40 | » |
1 (A psalm by David for the music leader.) I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer. You listened
2 and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm,
3 and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the LORD God.
4 You bless all of those who trust you, LORD, and refuse to worship idols or follow false gods.
5 You, LORD God, have done many wonderful things, and you have planned marvelous things for us. No one is like you! I would never be able to tell all you have done.
6 Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you; gifts and payment for sin are not what you demand. But you made me willing to listen and obey.
7 And so, I said, "I am here to do what is written about me in the book, where it says,
8 'I enjoy pleasing you. Your Law is in my heart.' "
9 When your people worshiped, you know I told them, "Our LORD always helps!"
10 When all your people met, I did not keep silent. I said, "Our LORD is kind. He is faithful and caring, and he saves us."
11 You, LORD, never fail to have pity on me; your love and faithfulness always keep me secure.
12 I have more troubles than I can count. My sins are all around me, and I can't find my way. My sins outnumber the hairs on my head, and I feel weak.
13 Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me!
14 Disappoint and confuse all who want me dead; turn away and disgrace all who want to hurt me.
15 Embarrass and shame all of those who say, "Just look at you now!"
16 Our LORD, let your worshipers rejoice and be glad. They love you for saving them, so let them always say, "The LORD is wonderful!"
17 I am poor and needy, but, LORD God, you care about me, and you come to my rescue. 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.