« | Jeremiah 12 | » |
1 Righteous are You, O Lord, that I may make my defense to You: yet I will speak to You [of] judgments. Why [is it] that the way of the ungodly prospers? [And] all that deal very treacherously are flourishing?
2 You have planted them, and they have taken root; they have begotten children, and become fruitful; You are near to their mouth, but far from their mind.
3 But You, O Lord, know me; You have tested my heart before You; purify them for the day of their slaughter.
4 How long shall the land mourn, and the grass of the field wither, because the wickedness of them that dwell in it? The beasts and birds are utterly destroyed, because [the people] said, God shall not see our ways.
5 Your feet run, and they cause you to faint; how will you prepare [to ride] upon horses? And you have been confident in the land of your peace? How will you do in the roaring of the Jordan?
6 For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; and they have cried out, they are gathered together in pursuit of you. Do not trust in them, though they shall speak fair [words] to you.
7 I have forsaken My house, I have left My heritage; I have given My beloved one into the hands of her enemies.
8 My inheritance has become to Me as a lion in a forest; she has uttered her voice against Me; therefore have I hated her.
9 Is not My inheritance to Me [like] a hyena's cave, or a cave round about her? Go, gather together all the wild beasts of the field, and let them come to devour her.
10 Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard, they have defiled My portion, they have made My desirable portion a trackless wilderness.
11 It is made a complete ruin: for My sake the whole land has been utterly ruined, because there is none that takes [the matter] to heart.
12 The ravagers have come to every passage in the wilderness: for the sword of the Lord will devour from one end of the land to the other- 8no flesh has any peace.
13 Sow wheat, and reap thorns; their portions shall not profit them. Be ashamed of your boasting, because of [your] reproach before the Lord.
14 For thus says the Lord concerning all the evil neighbors that touch My inheritance, which I have divided to My people Israel: Behold, I [will] draw them away from their land, and I will cast out Judah from the midst of them.
15 And it shall come to pass, after I have cast them out, [that] I will return and have mercy upon them, and will cause them to dwell everyone in his inheritance, and everyone in his land.
16 And it shall be, if they will indeed learn the way of My people, to swear by My name, [saying], The Lord lives; as they taught My people to swear by Baal; then shall [that nation] be built in the midst of My people.
17 But if they will not return, then will I cut off that nation with utter ruin and destruction.
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.