« | Ecclesiastes 4 | » |
1 So I returned, and saw all the oppressions that were done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of them that oppressed them was power; but they had no comforter.
2 And I praised all the dead that had already died more than the living, as many as are alive until now.
3 Better also than both these is he who has not yet been, who has not seen all the evil work that is done under the sun.
4 And I saw all labor, and all the diligent work, that this is a man's envy from his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
5 The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of trouble and grasping for the wind.
7 So I returned, and saw vanity under the sun.
8 There is one [alone], and there is not a second; yea, he has neither son nor brother: yet there is no end to all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with wealth. And for whom do I labor, and deprive my soul of good? This is also vanity, and an evil trouble.
9 Two [are] better than one, [seeing] they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him that is alone when he falls, and there is not a second to lift him up.
11 Also if two should lie together, they also get heat. But how shall one be warmed [alone]?
12 And if one should prevail against [him], the two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord shall not be quickly broken.
13 Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer.
14 For he shall come forth out of the house of the prisoners to reign, because [he] also that was in his kingdom has become poor.
15 I beheld all the living who were walking under the sun, with the second youth who shall stand up in each one's place.
16 There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them; and the last shall not rejoice in him; for this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
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.