« | Psalm 59 | » |
1 (For the music leader. To the tune "Don't Destroy." A special psalm by David when Saul had David's house watched so that he could kill him.) Save me, God! Protect me from enemy attacks!
2 Keep me safe from brutal people who want to kill me.
3 Merciless enemies, LORD, are hiding and plotting, hoping to kill me. I have not hurt them in any way at all.
4 But they are ready to attack. Do something! Help me! Look at what's happening.
5 LORD God All-Powerful, you are the God of Israel. Punish the other nations and don't pity those terrible and rebellious people.
6 My enemies return at evening, growling like dogs roaming the city.
7 They curse and their words cut like swords, as they say to themselves, "No one can hear us!"
8 You, LORD, laugh at them and sneer at the nations.
9 You are my mighty fortress, and I depend on you.
10 You love me and will let me see my enemies defeated.
11 Don't kill them, or everyone may forget! Just use your mighty power to make them tremble and fall. You are a shield for your people.
12 My enemies are liars! So let them be trapped by their boastful lies.
13 Get angry and destroy them. Leave them in ruin. Then all the nations will know that you rule in Israel.
14 Those liars return at evening, growling like dogs roaming the city.
15 They search for scraps of food, and they snarl until they are stuffed.
16 But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble.
17 I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.
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.