« | Ecclesiastes 12 |
1 And remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of evil come, and the years overtake [you] in which you shall say, I have no pleasure in them.
2 While the sun and light are not darkened, nor the moon and the stars; nor the clouds return after the rain;
3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the mighty men shall become bent, and the grinding [women] cease because they have become few, and those looking out at the windows grow dim;
4 and they shall shut the doors in the marketplace, because of the weakness of the voice of her that grinds [at the mill]; and he shall rise up at the voice of the sparrow, and all the daughters of song shall be brought low;
5 and they shall look up, and fears [shall be] in the way, and the almond tree shall blossom, and the locust shall increase, and the caper shall be scattered, because man has gone to his eternal home, and the mourners have gone about the market.
6 [Remember Him] before the silver cord is [let go], or the choice gold is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel is run down to the cistern;
7 [before] the dust also return to the earth as it was, and the spirit return to God who gave it.
8 Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher; all is vanity.
9 And because the Preacher was wise above [others, so it was] that he taught men excellent knowledge, and the ear will trace out the parables.
10 The Preacher sought diligently to find out acceptable words, and a correct writing, [even] words of truth.
11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails firmly fastened, which have been given from one shepherd by agreement.
12 And moreover, my son, guard yourself by means of them; of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
13 Hear the end of the matter, the sum: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is man's all.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with everything that has been overlooked, whether or evil.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.