Is CEV an accurate translation?

tonychanyt · Feb 4, 2025

Contemporary English Version, Mt 6:

9You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. 10Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. 11Give us our food for today. 12Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. 13Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil.

Is this an accurate translation?

What does CEV say about itself?

Version Information:

Uncompromising simplicity marked the American Bible Society's (ABS) translation of the Contemporary English Version (CEV) that was first published in 1995. The text is easily read by grade schoolers, second language readers, and those who prefer the more contemporized form. The CEV is not a paraphrase. It is an accurate and faithful translation of the original manuscripts.

It is an accurate translation for grade schoolers. That's their target readers. If you want more accuracy, you need to consult multiple translations. If you want even more, then you need to learn Greek and Hebrew.

David Lamb · Feb 5, 2025

tonychanyt said:
Contemporary English Version, Mt 6:

Is this an accurate translation?

What does CEV say about itself?

Version Information:

It is an accurate translation for grade schoolers. That's their target readers. If you want more accuracy, you need to consult multiple translations. If you want even more, then you need to learn Greek and Hebrew.

It doesn't seem to be accurate. For example, "help us to honor your name" - there seems to be no word in the Greek for "help". Also, "set up your kingdom" - there's no Greek word for "set up," and "so that everyone on earth will obey you" - the Greek talks of God's will being done. I should admit that I don't know NT Greek, but rely on lexicons and concordances. It seems that this version is more of a paraphrase than a translation.

RamiC · Feb 5, 2025

In a word I would say "no".

It may have it's uses, since it was apparently made for USA children, maybe they do need it.

This might be useful for those with a keen interest in translations. Strengths and Weaknesses of the CEV.

More on translations here.

Is CEV an accurate translation?

tonychanyt

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David Lamb

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RamiC

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Is CEV an accurate translation?

tonychanyt

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