« | Romans 2 | » |
1 Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things.
2 We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way.
3 Do you really think God won't punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse?
4 You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don't you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
5 But you are stubborn and refuse to turn to God. So you are making things even worse for yourselves on that day when he will show how angry he is and will judge the world with fairness.
6 God will reward each of us for what we have done.
7 He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever.
8 But he will show how angry and furious he can be with every selfish person who rejects the truth and wants to do evil.
9 All who are wicked will be punished with trouble and suffering. It doesn't matter if they are Jews or Gentiles.
10 But all who do right will be rewarded with glory, honor, and peace, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.
11 God doesn't have any favorites!
12 Those people who don't know about God's Law will still be punished for what they do wrong. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says.
13 God accepts those who obey his Law, but not those who simply hear it.
14 Some people naturally obey the Law's commands, even though they don't have the Law.
15 This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned,
16 when God appoints Jesus Christ to judge everyone's secret thoughts, just as my message says.
17 Some of you call yourselves Jews. You trust in the Law and take pride in God.
18 By reading the Scriptures you learn how God wants you to behave, and you discover what is right.
19 You are sure that you are a guide for the blind and a light for all who are in the dark.
20 And since there is knowledge and truth in God's Law, you think you can instruct fools and teach young people.
21 But how can you teach others when you refuse to learn? You preach that it is wrong to steal. But do you steal?
22 You say people should be faithful in marriage. But are you faithful? You hate idols, yet you rob their temples.
23 You take pride in the Law, but you disobey the Law and bring shame to God.
24 It is just as the Scriptures tell us, "You have made foreigners say insulting things about God."
25 Being circumcised is worthwhile, if you obey the Law. But if you don't obey the Law, you are no better off than people who are not circumcised.
26 In fact, if they obey the Law, they are as good as anyone who is circumcised.
27 So everyone who obeys the Law, but has never been circumcised, will condemn you. Even though you are circumcised and have the Law, you still don't obey its teachings.
28 Just because you live like a Jew and are circumcised doesn't make you a real Jew.
29 To be a real Jew you must obey the Law. True circumcision is something that happens deep in your heart, not something done to your body. And besides, you should want praise from God and not from humans.
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.