« | Job 16 | » |
1 But Job answered and said,
2 I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are you all!
3 What! Is there any reason in vain words? Or what will hinder you from answering?
4 I also will speak as you do- if indeed your soul were in my [soul's] place, [ 16:5] then would I insult you with words, and I would shake my head at you!
5 [ 16:6] And would there were strength in my mouth, and I would not spare the movement of my lips.
6 [ 16:7] For if I should speak, I shall not feel the pain of my wound, and if I should be silent, how shall I be wounded any less?
7 [ 16:8] But now He has made me weary, and a worn out fool, and He has laid hold of me.
8 [ 16:9] My falsehood has become a testimony, and has risen up against me: it has confronted me to my face.
9 [ 16:10] In His anger He has cast me down; He has gnashed His teeth upon me: the weapons of His robbers have fallen upon me.
10 [ 16:11] He has attacked me with the keen glances of His eyes; with His sharp [spear] He has struck me [down] upon my knees, and they have run upon me with one accord.
11 [ 16:12] For the Lord has delivered me into the hands of unrighteous men, and thrown me upon the ungodly.
12 [ 16:13] When I was at peace He distracted me: He took me by the hair of the head, and plucked it out: He set me up as a mark.
13 [ 16:14] They surrounded me with spears, aiming at my reins: without sparing me they poured out my gall upon the ground.
14 [ 16:15] They overthrew me with fall upon fall: they ran upon me in [their] might.
15 [ 16:16] They sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and my strength has been spent on the ground.
16 [ 16:17] My belly has been parched with wailing, and darkness is on my eyelids.
17 [ 16:18] Yet there was no injustice on my hands, and my prayer is pure.
18 [ 16:19] Earth, cover not over the blood of my flesh, and let my cry have no place.
19 [ 16:20] And now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my Advocate is on high.
20 [ 16:21] Let my supplication come to the Lord, and let my eye weep before Him.
21 [ 16:22] Oh that a man might plead before the Lord, even as the son of man with his neighbor!
22 [ 16:23] But my years are numbered and [their end] has come, and I shall go by the way by which I shall not return.
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.