« | Ecclesiastes 3 | » |
1 To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what has been planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to pull down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to lament, and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9 What advantage [has] he that works in those things in which he labors?
10 I have seen all the trouble, which God has given to the sons of men to be burdened with.
11 All the things which He has made are beautiful in His time. He has also set the whole world in their heart, that man might not find out the work which God has done from the beginning, even to the end.
12 I know that there is no good in them, except [for a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13 Also, every man who shall eat and drink, and see good in all his labor, [this] is a gift of God.
14 I know that whatsoever things God has done, they shall be forever. It is impossible to add to it, and it is impossible to take away from it; and God has done [it], that [men] should fear before Him.
15 That which has been is now; and whatever things [are appointed] to be have already been; and God will seek out that which is past.
16 And moreover I saw under the sun: [In] the place of judgment, wickedness [was] there; and in the place of righteousness, there was godliness.
17 And I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the ungodly; for there is a time there for every action and for every work.
18 I said in my heart, concerning the speech of the sons of men, God will judge them, and that to show that they are beasts.
19 Also to them is the event of the sons of men, and the event of the brute; one event befalls them. As is the death of the one, so also the death of the other; and there is one breath to all; and what has the man more than the brute? Nothing; for all is vanity.
20 All [go] to one place; all were formed of the dust, and all will return to dust.
21 And who has seen the spirit of the sons of men, whether it goes upward? And the spirit of the beast, whether it goes downward to the earth?
22 And I saw that there was no good, but that wherein a man shall rejoice in his works, for it is his portion, for who shall bring him to see anything of that which shall be after him?
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.