Most of the Bibles I discuss on this blog come as
review copies from Bible publishers, who have just released a new translation,
study edition, or children’s Bible. This time though, I bought the Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version (CEV)
from Amazon because I often choose this version from many, many choices on
Bible Gateway when I need the wording of an easy-to-read translation.
Unlike Bible paraphrases, which usually group verses
together, thus making them impossible to follow the readings in a Bible study
group, the CEV has verse-by-verse numbering typical of most translations. Chapter
and verse numbers, of course, were not in the original biblical texts in Hebrew,
Greek, and Aramaic, but they’re helpful additions that enable us to follow along,
even if someone reads from a translation we’re not using.
Besides that feature, the word choices in CEV are
familiar enough for non-CEV readers to follow. Take, for example, the Lord’s
Prayer (aka Our Father) in the favorite version recorded in Matthew 6:9-13:
“Our Father in
heaven,
help us to honor
your name.
Come and set up
your kingdom,
so that everyone
on earth
will obey you,
as you are
obeyed
in heaven.
Give us our food
for today.
Forgive us for
doing wrong,
as we forgive
others.
Keep us from
being tempted
and protect us
from evil.”
A footnote in my paperback copy of CEV (hotlink below)
goes on to say, “Some manuscripts add, ‘The
kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours forever. Amen’.”
Most contemporary translations omit that verse, too,
but some include it with a footnote to let you know it was not part of the
original Gospel text. It is, however, biblical and was an established part of the church liturgy in King James' day.
To give you another example of the CEV translation, look at Psalm 23. As you
read, notice now the word choices are true to the intent and meaning of this beloved
prayer-poem, while being so much clearer in meaning:
“You, Lord, are
my shepherd.
I will never be
in need.
You let me rest
in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to
streams
of peaceful
water,
and you refresh
my life.
You are true to
your name,
and you lead me
along the right
paths.
I may walk
through valleys
as dark as
death,
but I won’t be
afraid.
You are with me,
and your
shepherd’s rod
makes me feel
safe.
You treat me to
a feast,
while my enemies
watch.
You honor me as
your guest,
and you fill my
cup
until it
overflows.
Your kindness
and love
will always be
with me
each day of my
life,
and I will live
forever
in your house,
Lord.”
And, finally, I wanted a copy of CEV because it's the translation I chose for the one Bible verse I posted beside my desk. This beautiful reminder of God’s love for us is shown so clearly in Zephaniah 3:17,
CEV!
“The LORD your
God
wins victory
after victory
and is always
with you.
He celebrates
and sings
because of you,
and he will
refresh your life
with his love.”
Amen!
review by Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2019
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