« | Hosea 8 | » |
1 [He shall come] into their midst as the land, as an eagle against the house of the Lord, because they have transgressed My covenant, and have sinned against My law.
2 They shall soon cry out to Me, [saying], O God, we know You.
3 For Israel has turned away from good things; they have pursued an enemy.
4 They have made kings for themselves, but not by Me: they have ruled, but they did not make it known to Me: [of] their silver and their gold they have made images to themselves, that they might be destroyed.
5 Cast off your calf, O Samaria; My anger is kindled against them: how long will they be unable to purge themselves in Israel?
6 Seeing the workman made it, and it is not God; for your calf, O Samaria, was a deceiver.
7 For they sowed blighted [seed], and their destruction shall await them, a sheaf of corn that avails not to make meal; and even if it should produce it, strangers shall devour it.
8 Israel is swallowed up: now he has become among the nations as a worthless vessel.
9 For they have gone up to the Assyrians; Ephraim has been strengthened against himself; they loved gifts.
10 Therefore shall they be delivered to the nations. Now I will receive them, and they shall cease a little to anoint a king and princes.
11 Because Ephraim has multiplied altars, [his] beloved altars have become sins to him.
12 I will write down a multitude [of commands] for him; but his statutes are accounted strange things, [even] the beloved altars.
13 For if they should offer a sacrifice, and eat flesh, the Lord will not accept them. Now will He remember their iniquities, and will take vengeance on their sins; they have returned to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things among the Assyrians.
14 And Israel has forgotten Him that made him, and they have built palaces, and Judah has multiplied walled cities: but I will send fire on his cities, and it shall devour their foundations.
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.