« | Psalm 56 | » |
1 (For the music leader. To the tune "A Silent Dove in the Distance." A special psalm by David when the Philistines captured him in Gath.) Have pity, God Most High! My enemies chase me all day.
2 Many of them are pursuing and attacking me,
3 but even when I am afraid, I keep on trusting you.
4 I praise your promises! I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me.
5 Enemies spend the whole day finding fault with me; all they think about is how to do me harm.
6 They attack from ambush, watching my every step and hoping to kill me.
7 They won't get away with these crimes, God, because when you get angry, you destroy people.
8 You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them.
9 When I pray, LORD God, my enemies will retreat, because I know for certain that you are with me.
10 I praise your promises!
11 I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me.
12 I will keep my promises to you, my God, and bring you gifts.
13 You protected me from death and kept me from stumbling, so that I would please you and follow the light that leads to life.
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.