« | Job 14 | » |
1 For a mortal born of a woman is short-lived, and full of wrath.
2 Or he falls like a flower that has bloomed, and he departs like a shadow, and cannot continue.
3 Have You not taken account even of him, and caused him to enter into judgment before You?
4 For who shall be pure from uncleanness? Not even one;
5 if even his life should be [but] one day upon the earth, and his months are numbered by him: You have appointed [him] for a time, and he shall by no means exceed it.
6 Depart from him, that he may be quiet, and take pleasure in his life, [though] as a hireling.
7 For there is hope for a tree, even if it should be cut down, [that] it shall blossom again, and its branch shall not fail.
8 For though its root should grow old in the earth, and its stem die in the rock,
9 it will blossom from the scent of water, and will produce a crop, as one newly planted.
10 But a man that has died is utterly gone, and when a mortal has fallen, he is no more.
11 For the sea wastes in [length of] time, and a river fails, and is dried up.
12 And man that has lain down [in death] shall certainly not rise again till the heaven be dissolved, and they shall not awake from their sleep.
13 Oh that You had kept me in the grave, and had hidden me until Your wrath should cease, and You should set me a time in which You would remember me!
14 For if a man should die, shall he live again, having accomplished the days of his life? I will wait till I exist again.
15 Then shall You call, and I will answer You: but do not reject the work of Your hands.
16 But You have numbered my devices: and not one of my sins shall escape You.
17 And You have sealed up my transgressions in a bag, and marked if I have been guilty of any transgression unawares.
18 And truly a mountain falling will utterly be destroyed, and a rock shall be worn out of its place.
19 The waters wear the stones, and waters falling headlong [overflow] a heap of the earth; so You destroy the hope of man.
20 You drive him to an end, and he is gone: You set Your face against him, and send him away;
21 and though his children be multiplied, he knows it not; and if they be few, he is not aware.
22 But his flesh is in pain, and his soul mourns.
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.