« | Psalm 7 | » |
1 (Written by David. He sang this to the LORD because of Cush from the tribe of Benjamin.) You, LORD God, are my protector. Rescue me and keep me safe from all who chase me.
2 Or else they will rip me apart like lions attacking a victim, and no one will save me.
3 I am innocent, LORD God!
4 I have not betrayed a friend or had pity on an enemy who attacks for no reason.
5 If I have done any of this, then let my enemies chase and capture me. Let them stomp me to death and leave me in the dirt.
6 Get angry, LORD God! Do something! Attack my furious enemies. See that justice is done.
7 Make the nations come to you, as you sit on your throne above them all.
8 Our LORD, judge the nations! Judge me and show that I am honest and innocent.
9 You know every heart and mind, and you always do right. Now make violent people stop, but protect all of us who obey you.
10 You, God, are my shield, the protector of everyone whose heart is right.
11 You see that justice is done, and each day you take revenge.
12 Whenever your enemies refuse to change their ways, you sharpen your sword and string your bow.
13 Your deadly arrows are ready with flaming tips.
14 An evil person is like a woman about to give birth to a hateful, deceitful, and rebellious child.
15 Such people dig a deep hole, then fall in it themselves.
16 The trouble they cause comes back on them, and their heads are crushed by their own evil deeds.
17 I will praise you, LORD! You always do right. I will sing about you, the LORD Most High.
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.