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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quite possibly the best Bible version available, 1 Jan 2003
The text is simplified (but not patronisingly so) and tricky passages are written in such a way that the message is plain for all to see, without being so paraphrased you’re not sure where the original verse ends and the scholars opinion begins. Certainly this version has the best compromise between accuracy and readability. Being a modern translation (1992 to be precise) it does update the gender language somewhat, so that not everything is referred to from a male perspective, but where the Bible is very distinct on gender it is too. From my own conservative evangelical perspective I’ve noticed nothing dubious yet. Unusually the CEV has been designed with the public speaker in mind. The verses flow well together, and its quite common that 2 or more verses are condensed into 1, simply so it sounds more straightforward without the constant stopping and starting. This means you’re less likely to make a gaff should you be speaking in church, and also it reads more comfortably. I’ve received favourable reactions from those who have heard it read, and all seem to agree that confusing verses seem a lot less confusing in the CEV. The layout is nice. Chapters are spread out well and it certainly looks ‘contemporary’. Its not exactly loaded with extras, but you get a short intro to each book and the usual mini-dictionary and maps at the back. Obscure verses are often given a handy little footnote clearing up any ambiguity. Ideally it would suit an older child, public reading, or any adult tired of decrypting the biblical text before they can enjoy it. Only the person interested in a more poetical, or strictly accurate translation could be disappointed.
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