« | Psalm 74 | » |
1 (A special psalm by Asaph.) Our God, why have you completely rejected us? Why are you so angry with the ones you care for?
2 Remember the people you rescued long ago, the tribe you chose to be your very own. Think of Mount Zion, your home;
3 walk over to the temple left in ruins forever by those who hate us.
4 Your enemies roared like lions in your holy temple, and they have placed their banners there.
5 It looks like a forest chopped to pieces.
6 They used axes and hatchets to smash the carvings.
7 They burned down your temple and badly disgraced it.
8 They said to themselves, "We'll crush them!" Then they burned every one of your meeting places all over the country.
9 There are no more miracles and no more prophets. Who knows how long it will be like this?
10 Our God, how much longer will our enemies sneer? Won't they ever stop insulting you?
11 Why don't you punish them? Why are you holding back?
12 Our God and King, you have ruled since ancient times; you have won victories everywhere on this earth.
13 By your power you made a path through the sea, and you smashed the heads of sea monsters.
14 You crushed the heads of the monster Leviathan, then fed him to wild creatures in the desert.
15 You opened the ground for streams and springs and dried up mighty rivers.
16 You rule the day and the night, and you put the moon and the sun in place.
17 You made summer and winter and gave them to the earth.
18 Remember your enemies, LORD! They foolishly sneer and won't respect you.
19 You treat us like pet doves, but they mistreat us. Don't keep forgetting us and letting us be fed to those wild animals.
20 Remember the agreement you made with us. Violent enemies are hiding in every dark corner of the earth.
21 Don't disappoint those in need or make them turn from you, but help the poor and homeless to shout your praises.
22 Do something, God! Defend yourself. Remember how those fools sneer at you all day long.
23 Don't forget the loud shouts of your enemies.
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.