« | Job 6 | » |
1 But Job answered and said,
2 Oh that one would indeed weigh the wrath that is upon me, and take up my grief in a balance together!
3 And surely they would be heavier than the sand by the seashore: but, as it seems, my words are vain.
4 For the arrows of the Lord are in my body, whose violence drinks up my blood: whenever I am going to speak, they pierce me.
5 What then? Will the wild donkey bray for nothing, if he is not seeking food? Or again, will the ox low at the manger, when he has [his] fodder?
6 Shall bread be eaten without salt? Or again, is there taste in empty words?
7 For my wrath cannot cease, for I perceive my food as the smell of a lion [to be] loathsome.
8 Oh, that He would grant [my desire], and my petition might come, and the Lord would grant my hope!
9 Let the Lord begin to wound me, but let Him not utterly destroy me.
10 Let the grave be my city, upon the walls of which I have leaped: I will not shrink from it, for I have not denied the holy words of my God.
11 For what is my strength, that I continue? What is my time, that my soul endures?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?
13 Or have I not trusted in Him? But help is [far] from me.
14 Mercy has rejected me; and the visitation of the Lord has disregarded me.
15 My nearest relations have not regarded me, they have passed me by like a failing brook, or like a wave.
16 They who used to reverence me, now have come against me like snow or congealed ice.
17 When it has melted at the approach of heat, it is not known what it was.
18 Thus I also have been deserted of all, and I am ruined, and have become an outcast.
19 Behold the ways of the Temanites, you that mark the paths of the Sabaeans.
20 They too that trust in cities and riches shall come to shame.
21 But you also have come to me without pity; so that beholding my wounds you are afraid.
22 What? Have I made any demand of you? Or do I ask for strength from you,
23 to deliver me from enemies, or to rescue me from the hand of the mighty ones?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent: if in anything I have erred, tell me.
25 But as it seems, the words of a true man are vain, because I do not ask strength of you.
26 Neither will your reproof cause me to cease my words, for neither will I endure the sound of your speech.
27 Even because you attack the fatherless, and insult your friend.
28 But now, having looked upon your countenances, I will not lie.
29 Sit down now, and let there not be unrighteousness, and unite again with the just.
30 For there is no injustice in my tongue; and does not my throat meditate understanding?
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.