« | Hosea 7 | » |
1 When I have healed Israel, then shall the iniquity of Ephraim be revealed, and the wickedness of Samaria; for they have wrought falsehood. And a thief shall come in to him, [even] a robber spoiling in his way;
2 that they may concert together as [men] singing in their heart. I remember all their wickedness; now have their own counsels compassed them about; they came before My face.
3 They gladdened kings with their wickedness, and princes with their lies.
4 They are all adulterers, as an oven glowing with flame for hot baking, on account of the kneading of the dough, until it is leavened.
5 [In] the days of our kings, the princes began to be inflamed with wine: he stretched out his hand with pestilent fellows.
6 Wherefore their hearts are inflamed as an oven, while they rage all the night. Ephraim is satisfied with sleep; the morning has come; he is burnt up as a flame of fire.
7 They are all heated like an oven, and have devoured their judges. All their kings are fallen; there was not one among them that called on Me.
8 Ephraim is mixed among his people; Ephraim became a cake not turned.
9 Strangers devoured his strength, and he knew [it] not; and gray hairs came upon him, and he knew [it] not.
10 And the pride of Israel shall be brought down before his face: yet they have not returned to the Lord their God, neither have they diligently sought Him for all this.
11 And Ephraim was as a silly dove, not having a heart: he called to Egypt, and they went to the Assyrians.
12 Whenever they shall go, I will cast My net upon them; I will bring them down as the birds of the sky, I will chasten them with the rumor of their [coming] affliction.
13 Woe to them! For they have started aside from Me: they are cowards; for they have sinned against Me: yet I redeemed them, but they spoke falsehoods against Me.
14 And their hearts did not cry to Me, but they howled on their beds: they pined for oil and wine.
15 They were instructed by Me, and I strengthened their arms; and they devised evils against Me.
16 They turned aside to that which is not, they became as a bent bow. Their princes shall fall by the sword, by reason of the unbridled state of their tongue. This is their setting at nought in the land of Egypt.
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.