« | Song of Solomon 2 | » |
1 I am merely a rose from the land of Sharon, a lily from the valley.
2 My darling, when compared with other young women, you are a lily among thorns.
3 And you, my love, are an apple tree among trees of the forest. Your shade brought me pleasure; your fruit was sweet.
4 You led me to your banquet room and showered me with love.
5 Refresh and strengthen me with raisins and apples. I am hungry for love!
6 Put your left hand under my head and embrace me with your right arm.
7 Young women of Jerusalem, promise me by the power of deer and gazelles never to awaken love before it is ready.
8 I hear the voice of the one I love, as he comes leaping over mountains and hills
9 like a deer or a gazelle. Now he stands outside our wall, looking through the window
10 and speaking to me. My darling, I love you! Let's go away together.
11 Winter is past, the rain has stopped;
12 flowers cover the earth, it's time to sing. The cooing of doves is heard in our land.
13 Fig trees are bearing fruit, while blossoms on grapevines fill the air with perfume. My darling, I love you! Let's go away together.
14 You are my dove hiding among the rocks on the side of a cliff. Let me see how lovely you are! Let me hear the sound of your melodious voice.
15 Our vineyards are in blossom; we must catch the little foxes that destroy the vineyards.
16 My darling, I am yours, and you are mine, as you feed your sheep among the lilies.
17 Pretend to be a young deer dancing on mountain slopes until daylight comes and shadows fade away.
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.