« | Job 4 | » |
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
2 Have you been often spoken to in distress? But who shall endure the force of your words?
3 For seeing you have instructed many, and have strengthened the hands of the weak one,
4 and have supported the failing with words, and have imparted courage to feeble knees.
5 Yet now that pain has come upon you, and touched you, you are troubled.
6 Is not your fear [founded] in folly, your hope also, and the mischief of your way?
7 Remember then who has perished, being pure? Or when were the true-hearted utterly destroyed?
8 Accordingly, as I have seen men plowing barren places, and they that sow them will reap sorrows for themselves.
9 They shall perish by the command of the Lord, and shall be utterly consumed by the breath of His wrath.
10 The strength of the lion, and the voice of the lioness, and the exulting cry of serpents are quenched.
11 The old lion has perished for want of food, and the lions' whelps have forsaken one another.
12 But if there had been any truth in your words, none of these evils would have befallen you. Shall not my ear receive excellent [revelations] from Him?
13 But as [when] terror falls upon men, with dread and a sound in the night,
14 horror and trembling seized me, and caused all my bones greatly to shake.
15 And a spirit came before my face; and my hair and flesh quivered.
16 I arose and perceived it not. I looked, and there was no form before my eyes: but I only heard a breath and a voice, saying,
17 What, shall a mortal be pure before the Lord? Or a man be blameless in regard to his works?
18 Since he trusts not in his servants, and perceives perverseness in his angels.
19 But as [for] them that dwell in houses of clay, of whom we also are formed of the same clay, He smites them like a moth.
20 And from the morning to evening they no longer exist- they have perished, because they cannot help themselves.
21 For He blows upon them, and they are withered: they have perished for lack of wisdom.
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.