« | Psalm 69 | » |
1 (By David for the music leader. To the tune "Lilies.") Save me, God! I am about to drown.
2 I am sinking deep in the mud, and my feet are slipping. I am about to be swept under by a mighty flood.
3 I am worn out from crying, and my throat is dry. I have waited for you till my eyes are blurred.
4 There are more people who hate me for no reason than there are hairs on my head. Many terrible enemies want to destroy me, God. Am I supposed to give back something I didn't steal?
5 You know my foolish sins. Not one is hidden from you.
6 LORD God All-Powerful, ruler of Israel, don't let me embarrass anyone who trusts and worships you.
7 It is for your sake alone that I am insulted and blush with shame.
8 I am like a stranger to my relatives and like a foreigner to my own family.
9 My love for your house burns in me like a fire, and when others insulted you, they insulted me as well.
10 I cried and went without food, but they still insulted me.
11 They sneered at me for wearing sackcloth to show my sorrow.
12 Rulers and judges gossip about me, and drunkards make up songs to mock me.
13 But I pray to you, LORD. So when the time is right, answer me and help me with your wonderful love.
14 Don't let me sink in the mud, but save me from my enemies and from the deep water.
15 Don't let me be swept away by a flood or drowned in the ocean or swallowed by death.
16 Answer me, LORD! You are kind and good. Pay attention to me! You are truly merciful.
17 Don't turn away from me. I am your servant, and I am in trouble. Please hurry and help!
18 Come and save me from my enemies.
19 You know how I am insulted, mocked, and disgraced; you know every one of my enemies.
20 I am crushed by insults, and I feel sick. I had hoped for mercy and pity, but there was none.
21 Enemies poisoned my food, and when I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar.
22 Make their table a trap for them and their friends.
23 Blind them with darkness and make them tremble.
24 Show them how angry you are! Be furious and catch them.
25 Destroy their camp and don't let anyone live in their tents.
26 They cause trouble for people you have already punished; their gossip hurts those you have wounded.
27 Make them guiltier than ever and don't forgive them.
28 Wipe their names from the book of the living; remove them from the list of the innocent.
29 I am mistreated and in pain. Protect me, God, and keep me safe!
30 I will praise the LORD God with a song and a thankful heart.
31 This will please the LORD better than offering an ox or a full-grown bull.
32 When those in need see this, they will be happy, and the LORD's worshipers will be encouraged.
33 The LORD will listen when the homeless cry out, and he will never forget his people in prison.
34 Heaven and earth will praise our God, and so will the oceans and everything in them.
35 God will rescue Jerusalem, and he will rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there on their own land,
36 and when the time comes, their children will inherit the land. Then everyone who loves God will also settle there.
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.