« | Psalm 50 | » |
1 (A psalm by Asaph.) From east to west, the powerful LORD God has been calling together everyone on earth.
2 God shines brightly from Zion, the most beautiful city.
3 Our God approaches, but not silently; a flaming fire comes first, and a storm surrounds him.
4 God comes to judge his people. He shouts to the heavens and to the earth,
5 "Call my followers together! They offered me a sacrifice, and we made an agreement."
6 The heavens announce, "God is the judge, and he is always honest."
7 My people, I am God! Israel, I am your God. Listen to my charges against you.
8 Although you offer sacrifices and always bring gifts,
9 I won't accept your offerings of bulls and goats.
10 Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care.
12 If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you, because I own the world and everything in it.
13 I don't eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats.
14 I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word.
15 Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.
16 But to the wicked I say: "You don't have the right to mention my laws or claim to keep our agreement!
17 You refused correction and rejected my commands.
18 You made friends with every crook you met, and you liked people who break their wedding vows.
19 You talked only about violence and told nothing but lies;
20 you sat around gossiping, ruining the reputation of your own relatives."
21 When you did all of this, I didn't say a word, and you thought, "God is just like us!" But now I will accuse you.
22 You have ignored me! So pay close attention or I will tear you apart, and no one can help you.
23 The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart. Obey me, and I, your God, will show my power to save.
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.