« | Song of Solomon 5 | » |
1 My bride, my very own, I come to my garden and enjoy its spices. I eat my honeycomb and honey; I drink my wine and milk. Eat and drink until you are drunk with love.
2 I was asleep, but dreaming: The one I love was at the door, knocking and saying, "My darling, my very own, my flawless dove, open the door for me! My head is drenched with evening dew."
3 But I had already undressed and bathed my feet. Should I dress again and get my feet dirty?
4 Then my darling's hand reached to open the latch, and my heart stood still.
5 When I rose to open the door, my hands and my fingers dripped with perfume.
6 My heart stood still while he spoke to me, but when I opened the door, my darling had disappeared. I searched and shouted, but I could not find him-- there was no answer.
7 Then I was found by the guards patrolling the town and guarding the wall. They beat me up and stripped off my robe.
8 Young women of Jerusalem, if you find the one I love, please say to him, "She is weak with desire."
9 Most beautiful of women, why is the one you love more special than others? Why do you ask us to tell him how you feel?
10 He is handsome and healthy, the most outstanding among ten thousand.
11 His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy, black as a raven.
12 His eyes are a pair of doves bathing in a stream flowing with milk.
13 His face is a garden of sweet-smelling spices; his lips are lilies dripping with perfume.
14 His arms are branches of gold covered with jewels; his body is ivory decorated with sapphires.
15 His legs are columns of marble on feet of gold. He stands there majestic like Mount Lebanon and its choice cedar trees.
16 His kisses are sweet. I desire him so much! Young women of Jerusalem, he is my lover and friend.
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.