« | Jeremiah 14 | » |
1 And the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah concerning the drought.
2 Judah has mourned, and her gates are emptied, and are darkened upon the earth; and the cry of Jerusalem has gone up.
3 And her nobles have sent their little ones to the water: they came to the wells, and found no water: and brought back their vessels empty.
4 And the labors of the land failed, because there was no rain: the plowmen were ashamed; they covered their heads.
5 And the deer gave birth in the field, and forsook [it], because there was no grass.
6 The wild donkeys stood by the forests, and snuffed up the wind; their eyes failed, because there was no grass.
7 Our sins have risen up against us. O Lord, do for us for Your name's sake; for our sins are many before You; for we have sinned against You.
8 O Lord, [You are] the hope of Israel, and deliver [us] in times of trouble; why have You become as a sojourner upon the land, or as one born in the land, yet turning aside for a resting place?
9 Will You be as a man asleep, or as a [strong] man that cannot save? Yet You are among us, O Lord, and we are called by Your name; forget us not.
10 Thus says the Lord to this people: They have loved to wander, and they have not spared, therefore God has not prospered them; now will He remember their iniquity.
11 And the Lord said to me, Pray not for this people, for [their] good:
12 for though they fast, I will not hear their supplication; and though they offer whole burnt offerings and sacrifices, I will take no pleasure in them: for I will consume them with the sword, and with famine, and with pestilence.
13 And I said, Ah, Lord [God]! Behold, their prophets prophesy, and say, You shall not see a sword, nor shall famine be among you; for I will give truth and peace on the land, and in this place.
14 Then the Lord said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I sent them not, and I commanded them not, and I spoke not to them: for they prophesy to you false visions, divinations, and worthless things, and devices of their own heart.
15 Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy lies in My name, and I sent them not, who say, Sword and famine shall not be upon this land; they shall die by a grievous death, and the prophets shall be consumed by famine.
16 And the people to whom they prophesy, they also shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem, because of the sword and famine; and there shall be none to bury them. Their wives also, and their sons, and their daughters [shall die thus]; and I will pour out their wickedness upon them.
17 And you shall speak this word to them: Let your eyes shed tears day and night, and let them not cease; for the daughter of My people has been sorely bruised, and her plague is very grievous.
18 If I go forth into the plain, then behold the slain by the sword! And if I enter into the city, then behold the distress of famine! For priest and prophet have gone to a land which they knew not.
19 Have You utterly rejected Judah? And has Your soul departed from Zion? Why have You stricken us, and there is no healing for us? We waited for peace, but there was no prosperity; for a time of healing, and behold trouble!
20 We know our sins, O Lord, [and] the iniquities of our fathers, for we have sinned before You.
21 Refrain for Your name's sake, destroy not the throne of Your glory. Remember, break not Your covenant with us.
22 Is there anyone among the idols of the Gentiles that can give rain? And will the sky yield His fullness [at their bidding]? Are not You He? We will even wait on You, O Lord, for You have made all these things.
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.