« | Job 13 | » |
1 Behold, my eye has seen these things, and my ear has heard [them].
2 And I know all that you know, too; and I have no less understanding than you.
3 Nevertheless I will speak to the Lord, and I will reason before Him, if He will.
4 But you are all bad physicians, and healers of diseases.
5 Oh that you would be silent, and it would be wisdom to you in the end.
6 But hear now the reasoning of my mouth, and attend to the judgment of my lips.
7 Do you not speak before the Lord, and utter deceit before Him?
8 Or will you draw back? Nay do, you yourselves be judges.
9 For [it were] well if He would thoroughly search you: for though doing all things [in your power] you should attach yourselves to Him,
10 He will surely not reprove you, but if you should secretly show partiality,
11 shall not His whirlpool sweep around you, and terror from Him fall upon you?
12 And your glorying shall prove in the end to you like ashes, and your body [like a body] of clay.
13 Be silent, that I may speak, and cease from my anger,
14 while I may take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.
15 Though the Mighty One should lay [His] hand upon me, forasmuch as He has begun, verily I will speak, and plead before Him.
16 And this shall turn to me for salvation, for fraud shall have no entrance before Him.
17 Hear, hear my words, for I will declare in your hearing.
18 Behold, I am near my judgment: I know that I shall appear evidently just.
19 For who is he that shall plead with me, that I should now be silent, and expire?
20 But grant me two things: then I will not hide myself from Your face.
21 Withhold [Your] hand from me, and let not Your fear terrify me.
22 Then shall You call, and I will listen to You: or You shall speak, and I will give You an answer.
23 How many are my sins and my transgressions? Teach me what they are.
24 Why do You hide Yourself from me, and regard me [as] Your enemy?
25 Will You be startled [at me], as [at] a leaf shaken by the wind? Or will You set Yourself against me as against grass borne upon the breeze?
26 For You have written evil things against me, and You have compassed me with the sins of my youth.
27 And You have placed my foot in the stocks, and You have watched all my works, and have penetrated my heels.
28 [I am as] that which grows old like a bottle, or like a moth-eaten garment.
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.