« | Psalm 88 | » |
1 (A song and a psalm by the people of Korah for the music leader. To the tune "Mahalath Leannoth." A special psalm by Heman the Ezrahite.) You keep me safe, LORD God. So when I pray at night,
2 please listen carefully to each of my concerns.
3 I am deeply troubled and close to death;
4 I am as good as dead and completely helpless.
5 I am no better off than those in the grave, those you have forgotten and no longer help.
6 You have put me in the deepest and darkest grave;
7 your anger rolls over me like ocean waves.
8 You have made my friends turn in horror from me. I am a prisoner who cannot escape,
9 and I am almost blind because of my sorrow. Each day I lift my hands in prayer to you, LORD.
10 Do you work miracles for the dead? Do they stand up and praise you?
11 Are your love and loyalty announced in the world of the dead?
12 Do they know of your miracles or your saving power in the dark world below where all is forgotten?
13 Each morning I pray to you, LORD.
14 Why do you reject me? Why do you turn from me?
15 Ever since I was a child, I have been sick and close to death. You have terrified me and made me helpless.
16 Your anger is like a flood! And I am shattered by your furious attacks
17 that strike each day and from every side.
18 My friends and neighbors have turned against me because of you, and now darkness is my only companion.
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.