« | Job 33 | » |
1 But please, Job, hear my words, and listen to my speech.
2 For behold, I have opened my mouth, and my tongue has spoken.
3 My heart [shall be found] pure by my words; and the understanding of my lips shall meditate purity.
4 The Divine Spirit is that which formed me, and the breath of the Almighty [is] that which teaches me.
5 If you can, give me an answer: wait therefore; stand against me, and I will stand against you.
6 You are formed out of the clay as I also: we have been formed out of the same substance.
7 My fear shall not terrify you, neither shall my hand be heavy upon you.
8 But you have said in my ears, (I have heard the voice of your words) because you say, I am pure, not having sinned;
9 I am blameless, for I have not transgressed.
10 Yet He has discovered a charge against me, and He has reckoned me as an adversary.
11 And He has put my foot in the stocks, and has watched all my ways.
12 For how do you say, I am righteous, yet He has not listened to me? For He that is above mortals is eternal.
13 But you say, Why has He not heard every word of my cause?
14 For when the Lord speaks once, or a second time,
15 [sending] a dream, or in the meditation of the night (as when a dreadful alarm happens to fall upon men, while sleeping on the bed),
16 then He opens the understanding of men: He scares them with such fearful visions;
17 to turn a man from unrighteousness, and He delivers his body from a fall.
18 He spares also his soul from death, and does not allow him to fall in war.
19 And again, He chastens him with sickness on his bed, and the multitude of his bones are pained.
20 And he shall not be able to take any food, though his soul shall desire meat;
21 until his flesh shall be consumed, and he shall show his bones bare.
22 His soul also draws near to death, and his life is in Hades.
23 Though there should be a thousand messengers of death, not one of them shall wound him: if he should purpose in his heart to turn to the Lord, and declare to man his fault, and show his folly;
24 He will support him, that he should not perish, and will restore his body as [fresh] plaster upon a wall; and He will fill his bones with marrow.
25 And He will make his flesh tender as that of a babe, and He will restore him among men in his full strength.
26 And he shall pray to the Lord, and his prayer shall be accepted by Him; he shall enter with a cheerful countenance, with a full expression [of] [praise]: for He will render to men their due.
27 Even then a man shall blame himself, saying, What kind of things have I done? And He has not punished me according to the full amount of my sins.
28 Deliver my soul, that it may not go to destruction, and my life shall see the light.
29 Behold, all these things, the Mighty One works in a threefold manner with a man.
30 And He has delivered my soul from death, that my life may praise Him in the light.
31 Give ear, Job, and hear me: be silent, and I will speak.
32 If you have words, answer me: speak, for I desire you to be justified.
33 If not, listen to me: be silent, and I will teach you.
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.