« | Job 36 | » |
1 And Elihu further continued, and said,
2 Bear with me yet a little while, that I may teach you: for there is yet speech in me.
3 Having fetched my knowledge from afar, and according to my works,
4 I will speak just things truly, and you shall not unjustly receive unjust words.
5 But know that the Lord will not cast off an innocent man: being mighty in strength of wisdom,
6 He will not by any means preserve the life of the ungodly, and He will grant the judgment of the poor.
7 He will not turn away His eyes from the righteous, but [they shall be] with kings on the throne, and He will establish them in triumph, and they shall be exalted.
8 But they that are bound in fetters shall be held in cords of poverty.
9 And He shall recount to them their works, and their transgressions, for such will act with violence.
10 But He will listen to the righteous, and He has said that they shall turn from unrighteousness.
11 If they should hear and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in honor.
12 But He preserves not the ungodly; because they are not willing to know the Lord, and because, when reproved, they were disobedient.
13 And the hypocrites in heart will array wrath [against themselves]; they will not cry, because He has bound them.
14 Therefore let their soul die in youth, and their life be wounded by messengers [of death].
15 Because they afflicted the weak and helpless, and He will vindicate the judgment of the meek.
16 And He has also enticed you out of the mouth of the enemy:
17 [there is] a deep gulf and a rushing stream beneath it, and your table came down full of fatness. Judgment shall not fail from the righteous,
18 but there shall be wrath upon the ungodly, by reason of the ungodliness of the bribes which they received for iniquities.
19 Let not your mind willingly turn you aside from the petition of the feeble that are in distress.
20 And draw not forth all the mighty men by night, so that the people should go up instead of them.
21 But take heed, lest you do that which is wrong: for of this you have chosen rather than poverty.
22 Behold, the Mighty One shall prevail by His strength, for who is as powerful as He is?
23 And who is he that examines His works? Or who can say, He has done injustice?
24 Remember that His works are great [beyond] those which men have attempted.
25 Every man has seen in himself, how many mortals are wounded.
26 Behold, the Mighty One is great, and we shall not know [Him]: the number of His years is infinite.
27 And the drops of rain are numbered by Him, and shall be poured out in rain to form a cloud.
28 The ancient heavens shall flow, and the clouds overshadow innumerable mortals: [ 36:28A] He has fixed a time to cattle, and they know the order of rest. [ 36:28B] Yet by all these things your understanding is not astonished, neither is your mind disturbed in your body.
29 And though one should understand the outspreadings of the clouds, or the measure of His tabernacle;
30 behold, He will stretch His bow against him, and He covers the bottom of the sea.
31 For by them He will judge the nations: He will give food to him that has strength.
32 He has hidden the light in His hands, and given charge concerning it to the interposing cloud.
33 The Lord will declare concerning this to His friend: [but there is] a portion also for unrighteousness.
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.