« | Psalm 80 | » |
1 (A psalm by Asaph for the music leader. To the tune "Lilies of the Agreement.") Shepherd of Israel, you lead the descendants of Joseph, and you sit on your throne above the winged creatures. Listen to our prayer and let your light shine
2 for the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Save us by your power.
3 Our God, make us strong again! Smile on us and save us.
4 LORD God All-Powerful, how much longer will the prayers of your people make you angry?
5 You gave us tears for food, and you made us drink them by the bowlful.
6 Because of you, our enemies who live nearby laugh and joke about us.
7 But if you smile on us, we will be saved.
8 We were like a grapevine you brought out of Egypt. You chased other nations away and planted us here.
9 Then you cleared the ground, and we put our roots deep, spreading over the land.
10 Shade from this vine covered the mountains. Its branches climbed the mighty cedars
11 and stretched to the sea; its new growth reached to the river.
12 Our Lord, why have you torn down the wall from around the vineyard? You let everyone who walks by pick the grapes.
13 Now the vine is gobbled down by pigs from the forest and other wild animals.
14 God All-Powerful, please do something! Look down from heaven and see what's happening to this vine.
15 With your own hands you planted its roots, and you raised it as your very own.
16 Enemies chopped the vine down and set it on fire. Now show your anger and destroy them.
17 But help the one who sits at your right side, the one you raised to be your own.
18 Then we will never turn away. Put new life into us, and we will worship you.
19 LORD God All-Powerful, make us strong again! Smile on us and save us.
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.