« | Job 7 | » |
1 Is not the life of man upon earth a state of trial? And his existence as that of a hireling by the day?
2 Or as a servant that fears his master, and one who has grasped a shadow? Or as a hireling waiting for his pay?
3 So have I also endured months of vanity, and nights of pain have been appointed me.
4 Whenever I lie down, I say, When [will it be] day? And whenever I rise up, again [I say] when [will it be] evening? And I am full of pains from evening to morning.
5 And my body is covered with loathsome worms; and I waste away, scraping off clods of dust from my eruption.
6 And my life is lighter than a word, and has perished in vain hope.
7 Remember then that my life is breath, and my eye shall not yet again see good.
8 The eye of him that sees me shall not see me again: your eyes are upon me, and I am no more.
9 I [am] as a cloud that is cleared away from the sky: for if a man should go down to the grave, he shall not come up again.
10 And he shall surely not return to his own house, neither shall his place know him any more.
11 Then neither will I refrain my mouth; I will speak being in distress; being in anguish I will disclose the bitterness of my soul.
12 Am I a sea, or a serpent, that you have set a watch over me?
13 I said that my bed should comfort me, and I would privately counsel with myself on my couch.
14 You scare me with dreams, and terrify me with visions.
15 You will separate life from my spirit; and yet [keep] my bones from death.
16 For I shall not live forever, that I should patiently endure: depart from me, for my life is vain.
17 For what is man, that You have magnified him? Or that You give heed to him?
18 Will You visit him till the morning, and judge him till [the time of] rest?
19 How long do You not let me alone, nor let me go, until I shall swallow down my spittle?
20 If I have sinned, what shall I be able to do, O You that understand the mind of men? why have You made me as Your accuser, and why am I a burden to You?
21 Why have You not forgotten my iniquity, and purged my sin? But now I shall depart to the earth, and in the morning I am no more.
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.