« | Psalm 49 | » |
1 (A psalm for the people of Korah and for the music leader.) Everyone on this earth, now listen to what I say!
2 Listen, no matter who you are, rich or poor.
3 I speak words of wisdom, and my thoughts make sense.
4 I have in mind a mystery that I will explain while playing my harp.
5 Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when I am surrounded by vicious enemies?
6 They trust in their riches and brag about all of their wealth.
7 You cannot buy back your life or pay off God!
8 It costs far too much to buy back your life. You can never pay God enough
9 to stay alive forever and safe from death.
10 We see that wise people die, and so do stupid fools. Then their money is left for someone else.
11 The grave will be their home forever and ever, although they once had land of their own.
12 Our human glory disappears, and, like animals, we die.
13 Here is what happens to fools and to those who trust the words of fools:
14 They are like sheep with death as their shepherd, leading them to the grave. In the morning God's people will walk all over them, as their bodies lie rotting in their home, the grave.
15 But God will rescue me from the power of death.
16 Don't let it bother you when others get rich and live in luxury.
17 Soon they will die and all of their wealth will be left behind.
18 We humans are praised when we do well, and all of us are glad to be alive.
19 But we each will go down to our ancestors, never again to see the light of day.
20 Our human glory disappears, and, like animals, we die.
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.