« | Psalm 48 | » |
1 (A song and a psalm for the people of Korah.) The LORD God is wonderful! He deserves all praise in the city where he lives. His holy mountain,
2 beautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth. Mount Zion, truly sacred, is home for the Great King.
3 God is there to defend it and has proved to be its protector.
4 Kings joined forces to attack the city,
5 but when they saw it, they were terrified and ran away.
6 They trembled all over like women giving birth
7 or like seagoing ships wrecked by eastern winds.
8 We had heard about it, and now we have seen it in the city of our God, the LORD All-Powerful. This is the city that God will let stand forever.
9 Our God, here in your temple we think about your love.
10 You are famous and praised everywhere on earth, as you win victories with your powerful arm.
11 Mount Zion will celebrate, and all Judah will be glad, because you bring justice.
12 Let's walk around Zion and count its towers.
13 We will see its strong walls and visit each fortress. Then you can say to future generations,
14 "Our God is like this forever and will always guide us."
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.