« | Psalm 77 | » |
1 (A psalm by Asaph for Jeduthun, the music leader.) I pray to you, Lord God, and I beg you to listen.
2 In days filled with trouble, I search for you. And at night I tirelessly lift my hands in prayer, refusing comfort.
3 When I think of you, I feel restless and weak.
4 Because of you, Lord God, I can't sleep. I am restless and can't even talk.
5 I think of times gone by, of those years long ago.
6 Each night my mind is flooded with questions:
7 "Have you rejected me forever? Won't you be kind again?
8 Is this the end of your love and your promises?
9 Have you forgotten how to have pity? Do you refuse to show mercy because of your anger?"
10 Then I said, "God Most High, what hurts me most is that you no longer help us with your mighty arm."
11 Our LORD, I will remember the things you have done, your miracles of long ago.
12 I will think about each one of your mighty deeds.
13 Everything you do is right, and no other god compares with you.
14 You alone work miracles, and you have let nations see your mighty power.
15 With your own arm you rescued your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
16 The ocean looked at you, God, and it trembled deep down with fear.
17 Water flowed from the clouds. Thunder was heard above as your arrows of lightning flashed about.
18 Your thunder roared like chariot wheels. The world was made bright by lightning, and all the earth trembled.
19 You walked through the water of the mighty sea, but your footprints were never seen.
20 You guided your people like a flock of sheep, and you chose Moses and Aaron to be their leaders.
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.