« | Lamentations 5 |
1 Remember, O Lord, what has happened to us: behold, and look on our reproach.
2 Our inheritance has been turned away to aliens, our houses to strangers.
3 We have become orphans, we have no father, our mothers are as widows.
4 We have drunk our water for money; our wood is sold to us [for a burden] on our neck.
5 We have been persecuted, we have labored, we have had no rest.
6 Egypt gave the hand to us, Assyria to their own satisfaction.
7 Our fathers sinned, and are not: we have borne their iniquities.
8 Servants have ruled over us: there is none to ransom us out of their hand.
9 We shall bring in our bread with [danger of] our lives, because of the sword of the wilderness.
10 Our skin is blackened like an oven; they are convulsed, because of the storms of famine.
11 They humbled the women in Zion, the virgins in the cities of Judah.
12 Princes were hanged up by their hands; the elders were not honored.
13 The chosen men lifted up the voice in weeping, and the youths fainted under the wood.
14 And the elders ceased from the gate, the chosen men ceased from their music.
15 The joy of our heart has ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.
16 The crown has fallen from our head: yea, woe to us! For we have sinned.
17 For this has grief come; our heart is sorrowful: for this our eyes are darkened.
18 Over the mountain of Zion, because it is made desolate, foxes have walked therein.
19 But You, O Lord, shall dwell forever; Your throne [shall endure] from generation to generation.
20 Why will You utterly forget us, and abandon us a long time?
21 Turn us to You, O Lord, and we shall be turned; and renew our days as before.
22 For You have indeed rejected us; You have been very angry with us.
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.