« | Isaiah 56 | » |
1 Thus says the Lord: Keep justice, and do righteousness; for My salvation is about to come, and My mercy shall be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man that does these things, and the man that holds by them, and keeps the Sabbaths, from profaning them, and keeps his hands from doing unrighteousness.
3 Let not the stranger who attaches himself to the Lord, say, Surely the Lord will separate me from His people; and let not the eunuch say, I am a dry tree.
4 Thus says the Lord to the eunuchs: as many as shall keep My Sabbaths, and choose the things which I take pleasure in, and take hold of My covenant;
5 I will give to them in My house and within My walls an honorable place, better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, and it shall not fail.
6 And [I will give it] to the strangers that attach themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be to Him servants and handmaids; and [as for] all that keep My Sabbaths, from profaning [them], and that take hold of My covenant,
7 I will bring them to My holy mountain, and gladden them in My house of prayer; their whole burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations,
8 says the Lord that gathers the dispersed of Israel; for I will gather to him a congregation.
9 All you beasts of the field, come, devour, all you beasts of the forest.
10 See how they are all blinded; they have not known; [they are] dumb dogs [that] will not bark; dreaming of rest, loving to slumber.
11 Yea, they are insatiable dogs, that know not what it is to be filled, and they are wicked, having no understanding; all have followed their own ways, each according to his [will].
12 [This translation omits this verse.]
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.