« | Psalm 44 | » |
1 (A special psalm for the people of Korah and for the music leader.) Our God, our ancestors told us what wonders you worked and we listened carefully.
2 You chased off the nations by causing them trouble with your powerful arm. Then you let our ancestors take over their land.
3 Their strength and weapons were not what won the land and gave them victory! You loved them and fought with your powerful arm and your shining glory.
4 You are my God and King, and you give victory to the people of Jacob.
5 By your great power, we knocked our enemies down and stomped on them.
6 I don't depend on my arrows or my sword to save me.
7 But you saved us from our hateful enemies, and you put them to shame.
8 We boast about you, our God, and we are always grateful.
9 But now you have rejected us; you don't lead us into battle, and we look foolish.
10 You made us retreat, and our enemies have taken everything we own.
11 You let us be slaughtered like sheep, and you scattered us among the nations.
12 You sold your people for little or nothing, and you earned no profit.
13 You made us look foolish to our neighbors, and people who live nearby insult us and sneer.
14 Foreigners joke about us and shake their heads.
15 I am embarrassed every day, and I blush with shame.
16 But others mock and sneer, as they watch my enemies take revenge on me.
17 All of this has happened to us, though we didn't forget you or break our agreement.
18 We always kept you in mind and followed your teaching.
19 But you crushed us, and you covered us with deepest darkness where wild animals live.
20 We did not forget you or lift our hands in prayer to foreign gods.
21 You would have known it because you discover every secret thought.
22 We face death all day for you. We are like sheep on their way to be slaughtered.
23 Wake up! Do something, Lord! Why are you sleeping? Don't desert us forever.
24 Why do you keep looking away? Don't forget our sufferings and all of our troubles.
25 We are flat on the ground, holding on to the dust.
26 Do something! Help us! Show how kind you are and come to our rescue.
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.