« | Psalm 86 | » |
1 (A prayer by David.) Please listen, LORD, and answer my prayer! I am poor and helpless.
2 Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you.
3 Be kind to me! I pray to you all day.
4 Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere.
5 You willingly forgive, and your love is always there for those who pray to you.
6 Please listen, LORD! Answer my prayer for help.
7 When I am in trouble, I pray, knowing you will listen.
8 No other gods are like you; only you work miracles.
9 You created each nation, and they will all bow down to worship and honor you.
10 You perform great wonders because you alone are God.
11 Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful.
12 With all my heart I thank you. I praise you, LORD God.
13 Your love for me is so great that you protected me from death and the grave.
14 Proud and violent enemies, who don't care about you, have ganged up to attack and kill me.
15 But you, the Lord God, are kind and merciful. You don't easily get angry, and your love can always be trusted.
16 I serve you, LORD, and I am the child of one of your servants. Look on me with kindness. Make me strong and save me.
17 Show that you approve of me! Then my hateful enemies will feel like fools, because you have helped and comforted 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.