Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Contemporary English Version

The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is an English-language of the published by the American Bible Society, designed for accessibility through the use of simple, everyday words and phrases that reflect contemporary speech while remaining faithful to the original Hebrew, , and manuscripts. First released as a edition in 1991 to mark the Society's 175th anniversary, the complete followed in 1995, with the added in 1999. The involved over 100 scholars, translators, and editors working collaboratively for more than a decade to produce a readable at a fourth-grade level, targeting children, second-language learners, and those unfamiliar with traditional biblical language. Unlike paraphrases, the CEV prioritizes accuracy and dynamic equivalence, aiming for "uncompromising simplicity" without sacrificing theological depth. It has become one of the more popular Bibles and is available in various formats, including editions with measurements for audiences.

Background and Development

Origins

The Contemporary English Version (CEV) Bible project was initiated in 1985 by biblical scholar Dr. Barclay M. Newman at the (), stemming from his earlier studies on contemporary English usage patterns among diverse audiences. Newman's research, beginning in 1984, examined speech patterns in books, magazines, newspapers, television, and other media to identify barriers in biblical comprehension, particularly for those unaccustomed to traditional scriptural language. This work highlighted the need for a that would resonate with everyday speakers, including families, children, and non-native English users, by prioritizing clarity and natural flow over archaic phrasing. The project's core motivation was to produce a accessible at a lower reading level, specifically targeting 5th- to 6th-grade , to overcome challenges for underserved readers such as young learners and adults with limited literacy. Unlike revisions of existing translations, the CEV was conceived as an entirely new endeavor, distinct from the Good News Translation (also published by ), with a deliberate emphasis on simplicity and idiomatic English rather than building directly on prior dynamic equivalence efforts. Early research phases from 1985 to 1987 involved linguistic surveys of common English idioms and pilot testing of conceptual drafts to refine the approach, ensuring the translation would be understandable without causing readers to stumble over vocabulary or sentence structures. These initial efforts laid the groundwork for broader testing in the late 1980s, including feedback from diverse groups to validate the CEV's effectiveness in conveying scriptural meaning to non-traditional audiences.

Key Contributors

Dr. Barclay M. Newman served as the chief initiator and primary translator of the Contemporary English Version (CEV), drawing on his extensive expertise in , including Hebrew and , as well as his prior role on the Old Testament Committee for the (also known as Today's English Version). A distinguished biblical scholar with a Ph.D., Newman had decades of experience as a translations consultant for the United Bible Societies in the region before leading the CEV project. The () acted as the primary publisher and funder of the CEV, aligning the initiative with its 175th anniversary in 1991, when the was first released. staff, under Newman's direction, formed the core translation team, which included over 100 individuals such as translators, consultant experts, and reviewers from diverse church traditions, bringing specialized knowledge in and studies, Hebrew, , English , and . Newman's oversight ensured the collaborative process emphasized accuracy and accessibility throughout the drafting and revision stages. The project also involved collaboration with the (BFBS) for international distribution, particularly through the production of an anglicized edition in 1997 that incorporated metric measurements for markets. Newman's research in the , including 1984 studies on English speech patterns in books, magazines, newspapers, and television—especially how they are read and heard by children—influenced the CEV's structure to achieve high while maintaining fidelity to the original texts.

Translation Methodology

Core Principles

The Contemporary English Version (CEV) adopts dynamic equivalence as its primary translation approach, focusing on a thought-for-thought rendering rather than formal, word-for-word equivalence, to convey the meaning of the original Hebrew, , and texts in natural, contemporary English while maintaining fidelity to the source materials. The translation is based on the (4th ed.) for the and , and the United Bible Societies' New (3rd/4th eds.) for the . This method prioritizes readability and comprehension for modern audiences, ensuring the text flows smoothly without sacrificing accuracy. A key principle is the avoidance of archaic "Bible English," such as "thee" and "thou," in favor of everyday idioms and phrasing that enhance clarity for speakers and readers unfamiliar with traditional biblical language. The translation employs gender-inclusive language when referring to humanity—using terms like "people" instead of "men" to reflect generic references in the originals—but retains gender-specific pronouns and titles for God and Jesus to preserve theological precision. The CEV upholds theological neutrality by adhering to mainstream scholarly interpretations and avoiding interpretive biases or novel renderings, drawing on input from diverse international scholars to promote inclusivity across Christian traditions. These principles stem directly from the American Bible Society's mission to render Scripture understandable to individuals of , literacy levels, and backgrounds, facilitating broad access to the 's message.

Linguistic Features

The Contemporary English Version (CEV) employs short sentences and paragraphs to enhance accessibility, typically averaging fewer words per sentence than more formal translations, which facilitates quick comprehension for younger readers or those new to the text. This structure is paired with vocabulary restricted to common, everyday words, avoiding complex or archaic terms; for instance, it opts for "help" rather than "succor" and "happy" instead of "joyful" to mirror natural . Such choices contribute to the CEV's targeted reading level of a , as measured by standard metrics, which is notably lower than the seventh- to eighth-grade level of translations like the (NIV). Paraphrastic elements are a key linguistic strategy in the CEV, rephrasing idiomatic or poetic expressions from the original languages into clear, contemporary English for better understanding. For example, Psalm 127:1 is rendered as "Without the help of the LORD it is useless to build a home or to guard a city," transforming the Hebrew idiom of laboring "in vain" into a straightforward statement that conveys the intended meaning without losing theological nuance. This approach, grounded in dynamic equivalence, prioritizes the natural flow of ideas over literal word-for-word correspondence. The CEV consistently favors and a conversational tone, emulating everyday to make the text suitable for oral reading or group settings. Sentences like those in the Gospels often use direct address and simple imperatives, such as "Come follow me" in Matthew 4:19, which echoes how people speak rather than elevated literary prose. This style reduces barriers to engagement, allowing the narrative to feel immediate and relatable when heard aloud. Footnotes in the CEV are minimal and primarily address significant textual variants from ancient manuscripts, without extensive commentary or study aids in its core editions. For instance, occasional notes clarify alternative readings in passages like Mark 16:9-20, but they avoid overwhelming the reader with scholarly detail, keeping the focus on the main text. This restrained use of annotations aligns with the translation's emphasis on unencumbered readability.

Publication and Editions

Initial Releases

The development of the Contemporary English Version (CEV) involved several test volumes published in the late 1980s and early 1990s to assess readability and reception among diverse audiences. The initial test volume, Luke Tells the Good News About Jesus, appeared in 1987, presenting the Gospel of Luke in simplified, contemporary language. This was followed by The Good News Travels Fast: The Acts of the Apostles in 1988, offering an accessible rendering of the Acts narrative. Subsequent test publications included A Few Who Dared to Trust God in 1990, which combined the books of and Proverbs to highlight themes of and . In 1991, A Book About Jesus provided a focused translation of the four Gospels, emphasizing ' life and teachings. That same year, marking the 175th anniversary of the (ABS), the complete CEV [New Testament](/page/New Testament) was released, building on feedback from these earlier volumes. The full CEV Bible, incorporating the Old Testament, was published in 1995, completing the initial translation project. These early releases were produced exclusively in print editions by the ABS, with a strong emphasis on affordable paperback formats to facilitate broad accessibility and distribution in educational, outreach, and personal settings.

Subsequent Versions and Revisions

In 1999, the American Bible Society published the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books in the Contemporary English Version, expanding the translation to include these texts for broader ecumenical accessibility across Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. This addition followed the full Bible's release and aimed to support interdenominational study and worship without altering the core Protestant canon. The CEV underwent a minor revision in , resulting in the Second Edition. Unlike a comprehensive retranslation, this update focused on refining existing text without major structural changes or shifts in interpretive approach. Special editions of the CEV have since emerged to address diverse user needs. The CEV Global Bible for Children, released in 2005, adapts the translation with illustrations and simplified formatting tailored for young readers, emphasizing global perspectives in its presentation. editions have been produced for , featuring the full text in enlarged fonts suitable for visually impaired users. Audio formats, including narrated versions of the complete , became available to facilitate listening for auditory learners and those with reading challenges. Digital dissemination of the CEV expanded in the early with free online access through platforms like Bible Gateway and Bible.com, enabling global users to read or search the text without cost. By the 2010s, integrations into mobile applications, such as the Bible App, allowed offline downloads, audio playback, and daily reading plans based on the CEV. The dedicated site CEV.bible, launched by the , provides an official hub for the translation, including resources and purchase options for print editions. As of 2025, the CEV has seen no full textual revisions since the 2006 Second Edition, maintaining its stability as a fixed while the continues digital enhancements, such as updated app features and expanded online accessibility.

Usage and Impact

Outreach and Distribution

The () has spearheaded targeted distribution efforts for the Contemporary English Version (CEV), emphasizing in educational and mission contexts. In 2009, collaborated with the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) on the FREE Gospel Project, distributing 400,000 copies of the in the CEV to students at over 150 universities across the to facilitate accessible exploration of ' teachings. has also focused global missions on low-literacy regions, where the CEV's straightforward supports Bible engagement among underserved populations worldwide. The CEV's adoption in educational settings stems from its emphasis on simplicity, making it a preferred resource for Sunday schools and family devotions. Churches frequently partner with Bible societies to integrate the CEV into youth programs, providing materials like youth editions that encourage interactive study and spiritual growth among children and teens. Internationally, the core English CEV has reached audiences via and United Bible Societies networks, with its principles—influencing clear, idiomatic phrasing—guiding adaptations and translations in other languages to broaden accessibility. A pioneering effort was the 2005 SMSBible project by the in , which disseminated CEV verses through more than 30,000 text messages to foster daily Scripture reading among mobile users.

Digital and Media Adaptations

The full text of the Contemporary English Version (CEV) became widely available on online platforms in the early , enhancing accessibility for readers seeking a straightforward . BibleGateway.com has hosted the complete CEV since at least the mid-, enabling users to search, read, and verses with other in a user-friendly interface. Similarly, the CEV was integrated into the Bible App starting in 2008, with offline reading capabilities added in 2010 to support users without constant internet access. In the 2010s, the launched a dedicated website, cev.bible, offering the full CEV text alongside study aids and resources tailored for everyday language comprehension. Audio adaptations of the CEV emerged in the mid-2000s to reach non-readers and auditory learners. On , , a in initiated the PodBible project, producing free and recordings of the entire CEV using volunteer readers, which were distributed openly to promote global Scripture engagement. These audio files, based on the CEV's simple phrasing, allowed listeners to follow along with the text during commutes or daily routines, marking an early innovation in digital dissemination. Mobile applications have further expanded the CEV's reach since the smartphone era. The , available on and the iOS , includes the CEV with features like verse highlighting, audio playback, and social sharing, receiving updates in the 2020s to incorporate advanced search functions and integration with study tools such as devotionals and reading plans. Dedicated CEV apps, such as those by independent developers, also appeared on these platforms, offering offline access and customizable interfaces focused on the translation's readability for beginners and English learners. These adaptations underscore the version's role in making Scripture approachable for non-traditional readers via portable, interactive formats. Multimedia extensions have leveraged video and social platforms to dramatize and share CEV content. YouTube hosts several channels with full audio dramatizations of the CEV, produced with voice acting and sound effects to bring biblical narratives to life, appealing to visual and immersive audiences since the 2010s. The American Bible Society actively promotes the CEV on social media, posting daily verse shares from the translation on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to inspire reflection and community discussion, often highlighting its contemporary wording for modern relatability. These adaptations collectively emphasize the CEV's design for broad, technology-enabled outreach beyond print.

Reception and Criticism

Scholarly Reviews

Scholarly evaluations of the Contemporary English Version (CEV) have generally commended its commitment to accessibility while debating its balance between fidelity to the original texts and interpretive simplification. In his survey of English Bible translations, Bruce M. Metzger highlights the CEV's faithfulness to the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek originals despite its emphasis on simplicity, noting that it avoids being a mere paraphrase by drawing directly from primary sources with input from over 100 translators, linguists, and scholars. Metzger praises its style as more understandable than predecessors like the Good News Bible, particularly for oral reading, which enhances its suitability for new readers and youth at a primary school level. This approach aligns with mission-driven translations by prioritizing clarity in dynamic equivalence, making complex theological concepts approachable without theological jargon, such as rephrasing "justification" in context-specific terms. Critics from conservative theological perspectives have raised concerns about the CEV's paraphrastic tendencies, arguing that they introduce interpretive liberties, particularly in prophetic and doctrinal passages. For instance, biblical scholar Michael P. Marlowe points to alterations in Hebrews 1:1–2, where "through the prophets" becomes "God’s prophets spoke his message," potentially diluting nuanced theological implications. Similar issues appear in Revelation 22:10–11, where imperative commands are softened to declaratives, and in Psalm 137:9, where the retention of vivid imagery has raised concerns about its suitability for young readers, risking a loss of the text's raw emotional and ethical force if altered to avoid offense. These changes, Marlowe contends, reflect modern sensitivities, including gender-neutral language that sometimes favors egalitarian interpretations over literal renderings, as seen in Genesis 2:18's use of "partner" instead of "helper." In terms of readability, the CEV scores at a fourth-grade level, positioning it as more accessible than the (ESV) at tenth grade but slightly simpler than the (NLT) at sixth grade. This places it firmly in the dynamic equivalence category, effective for evangelism and outreach as promoted by the through dedicated editions like the Evangelism Bible-CEV. Early testing and reviews, including those tied to its development, emphasized its role in facilitating oral comprehension alongside written study, bridging traditional divides in biblical engagement.

Popularity Metrics

The Contemporary English Version (CEV) has achieved notable distribution through the since its 1995 debut, contributing to its role in broadening accessibility. While exact sales figures are not publicly detailed by the publisher, the translation's emphasis on simple, everyday language has driven steady adoption, particularly in outreach efforts. Peaks in printing and distribution occurred during the and , aligning with heightened demand for reader-friendly English Bibles amid the society's to reach diverse audiences. In terms of , the CEV accounts for approximately 2% of English sold in the United States, ranking it among the top 10 overall and especially prominent in and children's categories due to its fourth-grade reading level. This positioning reflects its strength in , where it appeals to beginners and non-native speakers, as well as in developing regions through affordable editions distributed by Bible societies. The translation's focus on clarity has sustained its relevance, even as overall print sales fluctuate. The CEV has received recognitions for its accessibility, including the 1996 Crystal Award from the Plain English Campaign, honoring its use of straightforward language to make Scripture approachable for all readers. These accolades align with the American Bible Society's mission awards for promoting inclusive Bible engagement. As of 2025, broader Bible publishing has seen digital distribution surpass print for the first time, with 25.9 million distributed compared to 22.5 million print copies worldwide. The CEV, available on platforms like Bible Gateway and , supports this trend through its digital formats, aiding missionary work in multilingual contexts. Brief references to its adaptations in apps and audio enhance this reach without overshadowing print editions. Surveys from the highlight its adoption in U.S. church youth programs for its engaging style suited to younger audiences.

References

  1. [1]
    About the Contemporary English Version - | CEV.Bible
    The Contemporary English Version (CEV) was first published in 1995. (The CEV New Testament was released in 1991, the 175th anniversary of ABS.
  2. [2]
    Contemporary English Version (CEV) - Bible Gateway
    The CEV is not a paraphrase. It is an accurate and faithful translation of the original manuscripts.
  3. [3]
    What is the Contemporary English Version (CEV)? | GotQuestions.org
    Jan 4, 2022 · Published by the American Bible Society, the Contemporary English Version has the goal of uncompromising simplicity. Also known as the Bible for ...
  4. [4]
    Contemporary English Version - Bible Research
    The Contemporary English Version is a simplified version of the Bible designed for children and uneducated adults (at a fourth grade reading level).
  5. [5]
    Contemporary English Version - Cranfordville.com
    Oct 22, 2006 · The Contemporary English Version, the second English translation sponsored by the American Bible Society. The work began in 1985 and was ...
  6. [6]
    Which Version of the Bible is Best for Kids and Teens?
    Oct 21, 2021 · Contemporary English Version. 5th-6th grade reading level. Another thought for thought version, this was an attempt to make the language of the ...
  7. [7]
    Which Bible Is Right For Me? | Salt + Light Media
    Nov 18, 2018 · Check out the Contemporary English Version (CEV) (5th grade reading level) or the Good News Translation (GNB or GNT) (6th grade reading level).
  8. [8]
    https://www.christianbook.com/page/bibles/about-bibles/about-translations/about-the-cev
  9. [9]
    Barclay M. Newman, Jr. (1931–2020) - Bible Gateway Blog
    Dec 8, 2020 · Bible translator Dr. Barclay Moon Newman, Jr., 89, died ... He was also a member of the Old Testament Committee for the Good News Bible ...
  10. [10]
    Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Bible Legend -
    Dec 21, 2020 · Newman was Chair and Chief Translator of the Contemporary English Version (CEV) of the Bible, first published in 1995. He was also a member ...Missing: initiation | Show results with:initiation
  11. [11]
    more about the Contemporary English Version - | CEV.Bible
    The Contemporary English Version invites you to read, to hear, to understand and to share the Word of God now as never before!! THE CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION.
  12. [12]
    American Bible Society
    Grow in your knowledge of God's Word and engage deeper with the Scriptures. Our Bible resources can help you understand and apply the Bible to your own life.Daily Bible Reading · Contact Us · About Advent · The MissionMissing: statement levels
  13. [13]
    The Contemporary English Version (CEV): A Detailed Analysis
    1. Simplicity and Readability. Objective: The primary goal of the CEV is to make the Bible easy to understand by using simple and direct language. · 2. Avoidance ...Missing: linguistic vocabulary
  14. [14]
    | CEV.Bible
    Official website for the Contemporary English Version of the Bible. The CEV is an easy-to-understand Bible that uses everyday words and phrases, ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] BIBLE VERSIONS BY GRADE LEVEL | Prison Fellowship
    Note: Grade levels were determined by a specialist in language, arts and reading. The Dale-Chall Formula, the Fry Formula, the Raygor Formula, and the ...
  16. [16]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+127%3A1&version=CEV
  17. [17]
    A Brief Description of Popular Bible Translations
    Aug 26, 2010 · It reads at a seventh-grade level. Contemporary English Version (CEV). The CEV is a meaning-based (or functional equivalent) translation done in ...
  18. [18]
    Contemporary English Version (CEV) - The Internet Bible Catalog
    Mar 5, 2020 · Title: A Few Who Dared To Trust God Date: 1990. Publisher: American ... Title: Bible for Today's Family - New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs
  19. [19]
    Contemporary English Version Resources - | CEV.Bible
    Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Bible text from the Contemporary English Version ...
  20. [20]
    https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/cev-global-bible-for-children-9781884543999
  21. [21]
    https://bibles.com/products/cev-contemporary-english-version-giant-print-bible
  22. [22]
    Contemporary English Version (CEV) - Download the Free Bible App
    Rating 4.9 (5,616,398) · Free · ReferenceCEV Audio Bible: Listen online for free or download the YouVersion Bible App and listen to audio Bibles on your phone with the #1 rated Bible App.
  23. [23]
    Download Contemporary English Version | CEV Bible | 100% Free
    Rating 4.9 (5,616,398) · Free · ReferenceThe CEV is a simple, accurate translation, easily read by grade schoolers and second language readers, and is not a paraphrase.Missing: initiation Newman
  24. [24]
    About - Free
    Free-online.org.uk is a web resource that accompanies the distribution of 400,000 copies of 'FREE' (a student-friendly version of Mark's Gospel, a book of the ...Missing: 2009 | Show results with:2009
  25. [25]
    Children's Bible (Contemporary English Version) Z-6020
    60-day returnsThis complete Old and New Testament Bible comes with 32 full-color illustrations. The Contemporary English Version is perfect for younger readers.
  26. [26]
    https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/products/bibles/english-bibles/cev/
  27. [27]
    Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version - Amazon.com
    30-day returns830 pages. Language: English. Publisher: American Bible Society. Publication date: March 1, 2006. Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches.
  28. [28]
    Bible cre8td for a nu wrl: testaments by SMS
    Oct 7, 2005 · Some examples of Bible verses from the Contemporary English Version (CEV) translated to SMS or text by the Bible Society in Australia. In da ...
  29. [29]
    YouVersion Update
    Sep 23, 2008 · In addition to the bug fixes, we are excited to announce these new translations: Contemporary English Version (CEV); New English Translation ...
  30. [30]
    Contemporary English Version [CEV] Now Available Offline
    Oct 23, 2010 · Today we're adding to the growing list of offline Bible versions with the Contemporary English Version of the Bible. ... Download the YouVersion ...Missing: digital 2005 BibleGateway
  31. [31]
    podbible.com — The Bible Podcast
    The text of the CEV is used by permission of the Bible Society in NZ. As ... Copyright © 2005, podbible project. Site and Engine built by Matt Wilson ...Missing: Zealand | Show results with:Zealand
  32. [32]
    YouVersion Bible App + Audio - Apps on Google Play
    Rating 4.9 (8,490,646) · Free · AndroidCustomize your Bible with Highlights, Bookmarks, and public/private Notes. Access everything online, or download select versions to read offline. Read, study, ...Missing: platforms | Show results with:platforms
  33. [33]
    Bible - App Store - Apple
    Rating 4.9 (12,475,409) · Free · iOSTake God's Word with you wherever you go with the free YouVersion Bible App. Listen to Audio Bibles, create Prayers, study with Friends, watch engaging ...Missing: Contemporary | Show results with:Contemporary
  34. [34]
    CEV Audio Bible - YouTube
    Dramatized CEV (Contemporary English Version) Audio Bible ...more. Dramatized CEV (Contemporary English Version) Audio Bible ...more ...more. Play all.Missing: American Society
  35. [35]
    American Bible Society on X
    Apr 17, 2025 · If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach.—Romans 12:7 CEV #Scripture #DailyBibleReading #GodsWord ...
  36. [36]
    None
    Below is a merged summary of Bruce Metzger's comments on the Contemporary English Version (CEV), consolidating all available information from the provided segments into a single, detailed response. To maximize clarity and density, I will use a table in CSV format to organize the key details, followed by a narrative summary that integrates additional context and notes where information is missing or inconsistent across the segments.
  37. [37]
    Bible Translation Reading Levels - Christianbook.com
    ### Readability Levels and Style Comments
  38. [38]
    Evangelism Bible-Cev 9781585161607 - eBay
    ISBN. 1585161608 ; EAN. 9781585161607 ; Title: Evangelism Bible-Cev The Fast Free Shipping ; Publisher: American Bible Society ; Number of Pages: 1567.
  39. [39]
    32 Bible Sales Statistics [2023] - WordsRated
    Feb 2, 2022 · 20 million bibles sold each year; 1.66 million bibles sold each month ... Contemporary English Version, 2%. New American Bible, 2%. All ...
  40. [40]
    Contemporary English Version (Anglicised) 2012 - Bibles.org
    As a result of this it won the coveted Crystal Award in 1996 from the Plain English Campaign, which is awarded to publications that are considered to be as ...
  41. [41]
    Best-sellers | CBA - The Association for Christian Retail Since 1950
    All current CBA best-seller lists are now exclusively online, in printable PDF formats. Each list is based on sales data collected during each respective month.Missing: CEV 2000s
  42. [42]
    Digital Bible distribution outstrips print worldwide for the first time
    Sep 3, 2025 · In its Scripture Distribution Statistics report for 2024, UBS said that the number of printed Bibles distributed across the world fell from 24.2 ...<|separator|>