« | Job 29 | » |
1 And Job continued and said in his discourse,
2 Oh that I were as in months past, in the days when God preserved me!
3 As when His lamp shone over my head; when by His light I walked through darkness.
4 As when I steadfastly pursued my ways, when God took care of my house.
5 When I was very fruitful, and my children were about me;
6 when my ways were moistened with butter, and the mountains flowed for me with milk.
7 When I went forth early in the city, and the seat was placed for me in the streets.
8 The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and all the old men stood up.
9 And the great men ceased speaking, and laid their finger on their mouth.
10 And they that heard me blessed me, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.
11 For the ear heard, and blessed me; and the eye saw me, and turned aside.
12 For I saved the poor out of the hand of the oppressor, and helped the fatherless who had no helper.
13 Let the blessing of the perishing one come upon me; yea, the mouth of the widow has blessed me.
14 Also I put on righteousness, and clothed myself with judgment like a mantle.
15 I was the eye of the blind, and the foot of the lame.
16 I was the father of the helpless, and I searched out the cause which I knew not.
17 And I broke the fangs of the wicked; I plucked the spoil out of the midst of their teeth.
18 And I said, My age shall continue as the stem of a palm tree; I shall live a long while.
19 My root was spread out by the water, and the dew would lodge on my crop.
20 My glory was fresh in me, and my bow prospered in my hand.
21 Men heard me, and gave heed, and they were silent at my counsel.
22 At my word they spoke not again, and they were very glad whenever I spoke to them.
23 As the thirsty earth expecting the rain, so they [waited for] my speech.
24 Were I to laugh at them, they would not believe it; and the light of my face has not failed.
25 I chose out their way, and sat as chief, and dwelt as a king in the midst of warriors, as one comforting mourners.
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.