« | Job 19 | » |
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 How long will you torment my soul, and destroy me with words? Only know that the Lord has dealt with me thus.
3 You speak against me; you do not feel for me, but bear hard upon me.
4 Surely I have erred in truth, (but the error abides with myself) [ 19:4A] in having spoken words which it was not right [to speak]; and my words err, and are unreasonable.
5 But alas! For you magnify yourselves against me, and insult me with reproach.
6 Know then that it is the Lord that has troubled [me], and has raised His bulwark against me.
7 Behold, I laugh at reproach; I will not speak: or I will cry out, but judgment is nowhere.
8 I am fenced round about, and can by no means escape: He has set darkness before my face.
9 And He has stripped me of my glory, and has taken the crown from my head.
10 He has torn me round about, and I am gone, and He has cut off my hope like a tree.
11 And He has dreadfully handled me in anger, and has counted me for an enemy.
12 His troops also came upon me with one accord, liars in wait compassed my ways.
13 My brothers have stood far from me; they have recognized strangers [rather] than me: and my friends have become pitiless.
14 My relatives have not acknowledged me, and they that knew my name have forgotten me.
15 [As for] my household, and my maidservants, I was a stranger before them.
16 I called my servant, but he gives no answer; and my mouth begged [him].
17 And I besought my wife, and earnestly begged the sons of my concubines.
18 But they rejected me forever; whenever I rise up, they speak against me.
19 They that saw me abhorred me: the very persons whom I had loved, rose up against me.
20 My flesh is corrupt under my skin, and my bones are held in my teeth.
21 Pity me, pity me, O my friends; for it is the hand of the Lord that has touched me.
22 Why do you persecute me as also the Lord [does], and are not satisfied with my flesh?
23 For oh that my words were written, and that they were recorded in a book forever,
24 with an iron pen and lead, or engraved in the rocks!
25 For I know that He is eternal who is about to deliver me,
26 [and] to raise up upon the earth my skin that endures these [sufferings]: for these things have been accomplished to me of the Lord;
27 which I am conscious of in myself, which my eye has seen, and not another, but all have been fulfilled to me in my bosom.
28 But if you shall also say, What shall we say before him, and so find the root of the matter in him?
29 Beware of deceit for yourselves; for wrath will come upon transgressors; and then shall they know where their substance is.
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.