« | Jeremiah 15 | » |
1 And the Lord said to me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before My face, My soul could not be toward them: dismiss this people, and let them go forth.
2 And it shall be, if they say to you, Where shall we go forth? Then you shall say to them, Thus says the Lord: As many as are for death, to death; and as many as are for famine, to famine; and as many as are for the sword, to the sword; and as many as are for captivity, to captivity.
3 And I will punish them with four kinds [of death], says the Lord, the sword to slay, the dogs to tear, the wild beasts of the earth, and the birds of the sky to devour and destroy.
4 And I will deliver them up for distress to all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for all that he did in Jerusalem.
5 Who will spare you, O Jerusalem? And who will fear for you? Or who will turn back [to ask] about your welfare?
6 You have turned away from Me, says the Lord, you will go back. Therefore I will stretch out My hand, and I will destroy you, and will spare them no more.
7 And I will completely scatter them; in the gates of My people they are bereaved of children. They have destroyed My people because of their iniquities.
8 Their widows have been multiplied more than the sand of the sea. I have brought young men against the mother, [and] distress at noonday. I have suddenly cast trembling and anxiety upon her.
9 She that bore seven is spent; her soul has fainted under trouble; her sun is gone down while it is yet noon; she is ashamed and disgraced. I will give the remnant of them to the sword before their enemies.
10 Woe is me, [my] mother! You have born me as some man of strife, and at variance with the whole earth. I have not helped [others], nor has anyone helped me; my strength has failed among them that curse me.
11 Be it so, Lord, in their prosperity; surely I stood before You in the time of their calamities, and in the time of their affliction, for [their] good against the enemy.
12 Will iron be known? Whereas your strength is a bronze covering.
13 Yes, I will give your treasures for a spoil as a recompense, because of all your sins, and [that] in all your borders.
14 And I will enslave you to your enemies round about, in a land which you have not known; for a fire has been kindled out of My wrath; it shall burn upon you.
15 O Lord, remember me, and visit me, and vindicate me before them that persecute me. Do not bear long with them; know how I have met with reproach for Your sake, from those who nullify Your words.
16 Consume them, and Your word shall be to me for the joy and gladness of my heart. For Your name has been called upon me, O Lord Almighty.
17 I have not sat in the assembly of them as they mocked, but I feared because of Your power. I sat alone, for I was filled with bitterness.
18 Why do they that grieve me prevail against me? My wound is severe; when shall I be healed? It has indeed become to me as deceitful water that has no faithfulness.
19 Therefore thus says the Lord: If you will return, then will I restore you, and you shall stand before My face. And if you will bring forth the precious from the worthless, you shall be as My mouth; and they shall return to you; but you shall not return to them.
20 And I will make you to this people as a strong bronze wall; and they shall fight against you, but they shall by no means prevail against you.
21 For I am with you, to save you, and to deliver you out of the hand of wicked [men]; and I will ransom you out of the hand of pestilent [men].
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.