« | Psalm 71 | » |
1 I run to you, LORD, for protection. Don't disappoint me.
2 You do what is right, so come to my rescue. Listen to my prayer and keep me safe.
3 Be my mighty rock, the place where I can always run for protection. Save me by your command! You are my mighty rock and my fortress.
4 Come and save me, LORD God, from vicious and cruel and brutal enemies!
5 I depend on you, and I have trusted you since I was young.
6 I have relied on you from the day I was born. You brought me safely through birth, and I always praise you.
7 Many people think of me as something evil. But you are my mighty protector,
8 and I praise and honor you all day long.
9 Don't throw me aside when I am old; don't desert me when my strength is gone.
10 My enemies are plotting because they want me dead.
11 They say, "Now we'll catch you! God has deserted you, and no one can save you."
12 Come closer, God! Please hurry and help.
13 Embarrass and destroy all who want me dead; disgrace and confuse all who want to hurt me.
14 I will never give up hope or stop praising you.
15 All day long I will tell the wonderful things you do to save your people. But you have done much more than I could possibly know.
16 I will praise you, LORD God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save.
17 You have taught me since I was a child, and I never stop telling about your marvelous deeds.
18 Don't leave me when I am old and my hair turns gray. Let me tell future generations about your mighty power.
19 Your deeds of kindness are known in the heavens. No one is like you!
20 You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life.
21 You will make me truly great and take my sorrow away.
22 I will praise you, God, the Holy One of Israel. You are faithful. I will play the harp and sing your praises.
23 You have rescued me! I will celebrate and shout, singing praises to you with all my heart.
24 All day long I will announce your power to save. I will tell how you disgraced and disappointed those who wanted to hurt 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.