"Translation opens the window to let in the light;
breaks the shell that we may eat the kernel;
puts aside the curtain, that we may look into the most holy place;
removes the cover of the well that we may come by the water."
"The Translators to the Reader," King James Version, 1611
The Bible was written to be read! This means that a faithful translation of the Bible must be both reliable and readable. The Contemporary English Version was translated with these goals in mind.
Like all reliable translations, the CEV is made directly from the original texts and is not an adaptation of any existing translation or translations.
Every word, phrase, and clause of the original was carefully studied by the translators. Then, with equal care, they tried to find the best way to translate the verse so it could be easily read and understood. As a result, the form is very different, but the meaning is both accurate and clear.
In order to assure the accuracy of the CEV, the Old Testament was translated directly from the Hebrew and Aramaic texts published by the United Bible Societies (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, fourth edition corrected). And the New Testament was translated directly from the Greek text published by the United Bible Societies (third edition corrected and compared with the fourth revised edition).
The drafts in their earliest stages were sent for review and comment to a number of Biblical scholars, theologians, and educators representing a wide variety of church traditions. In addition, drafts were sent for review and comment to all English-speaking Bible Societies and to more than forty United Bible Societies translation consultants around the world. Final approval of the text was given by the American Bible Society Board of Trustees on the recommendation of its Translations Subcommittee.
We desire that the Scripture... may be understood.
• CEV Bibles can be purchased from the American Bible Society at bibles.com.