« | Psalm 55 | » |
1 (A special psalm by David for the music leader. Use with stringed instruments.) Listen, God, to my prayer! Don't reject my request.
2 Please listen and help me. My thoughts are troubled, and I keep groaning
3 because my loud enemies shout and attack. They treat me terribly and hold angry grudges.
4 My heart is racing fast, and I am afraid of dying.
5 I am trembling with fear, completely terrified.
6 I wish I had wings like a dove, so I could fly far away and be at peace.
7 I would go and live in some distant desert.
8 I would quickly find shelter from howling winds and raging storms.
9 Confuse my enemies, Lord! Upset their plans. Cruelty and violence are all I see in the city,
10 and they are like guards on patrol day and night. The city is full of trouble, evil,
11 and corruption. Troublemakers and liars freely roam the streets.
12 My enemies are not the ones who sneer and make fun. I could put up with that or even hide from them.
13 But it was my closest friend, the one I trusted most.
14 We enjoyed being together, and we went with others to your house, our God.
15 All who hate me are controlled by the power of evil. Sentence them to death and send them down alive to the world of the dead.
16 I ask for your help, LORD God, and you will keep me safe.
17 Morning, noon, and night you hear my concerns and my complaints.
18 I am attacked from all sides, but you will rescue me unharmed by the battle.
19 You have always ruled, and you will hear me. You will defeat my enemies because they won't turn and worship you.
20 My friend turned against me and broke his promise.
21 His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword.
22 Our LORD, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won't let us fall.
23 But what about those people who are cruel and brutal? You will throw them down into the deepest pit long before their time. I trust you, LORD!
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.