« | Hosea 5 | » |
1 Hear these things, you priests; and attend, O house of Israel; and hearken, O house of the king; for the controversy is with you, because you have been a snare in Mizpah, and as a net spread on Tabor,
2 which they that hunt the prey have fixed: but I will correct you.
3 I know Ephraim, and Israel is not far from Me: for now Ephraim has gone grievously a-whoring, Israel is defiled.
4 They have not framed their counsels to return to their God, for the spirit of fornication is in them, and they have not known the Lord.
5 And the pride of Israel shall be brought low before his face; and Israel and Ephraim shall fall in their iniquities; and Judah also shall fall with them.
6 They shall go with sheep and calves diligently to seek the Lord; but they shall not find Him, for He has withdrawn Himself from them.
7 For they have forsaken the Lord; for strange children have been born to them: now shall the cankerworm devour them and their heritage.
8 Blow the trumpet on the hills, sound aloud on the heights: proclaim in the house of On, Benjamin is amazed.
9 Ephraim has come to nought in the days of reproof: in the tribes of Israel I have shown faithful [dealings].
10 The princes of Judah have become as those that removed the landmarks: I will pour out upon them My fury as water.
11 Ephraim altogether prevailed against his adversary, he trod judgment under foot, for he began to go after vanities.
12 Therefore I [will be] as consternation to Ephraim, and as a goad to the house of Judah.
13 And Ephraim saw his disease, and Judah his pain; then Ephraim went to the Assyrians, and sent ambassadors to King Jareb: but he could not heal you, and your pain shall by no means cease from you.
14 For I am as a panther to Ephraim, and as a lion to the house of Judah. And I will tear, and go away; and I will take, and there shall be none to deliver.
15 I will go and return to My place, until they are brought to nought, and [then] shall they seek My face.
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.