Nehemiah 1 | » |
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month of Chislev, of the twentieth year, that I was in Shushan the palace.
2 And Hanani, one of my brothers, came, he and [some] men of Judah; and I asked them concerning those that had escaped, who had been left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
3 And they said to me, The remnant, [even] those that are left of the captivity, [are] there in the land, in great distress and reproach; and the walls of Jerusalem [are] thrown down, and its gates are burned with fire.
4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, [that] I sat down and wept, and mourned for [several] days, and continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
5 And I said, I pray, O Lord God of heaven, the mighty [One], the great and terrible, keeping Your covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to those that keep His commandments.
6 Let now Your ear be attentive, and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant, which I pray before You at this time, this day [both] day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and make confession for the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against You- both I and the house of my father have sinned.
7 We have altogether broken [our covenant] with You, and we have not kept the commandments, and the ordinances, and the judgments, which You commanded Your servant Moses.
8 Remember, I pray, the word in which You charged Your servant Moses, saying, If you break [your] covenant [with Me], I will disperse you among the nations.
9 But if you turn again to Me, and keep My commandments, and do them; if you should be scattered to the uttermost [parts] of heaven, yet will I gather them from there, and I will bring them into the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.
10 Now they [are] Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your mighty hand.
11 [Turn] not [away], I pray, O Lord, but let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants, who desire to fear Your name, and prosper Your servant this day, and cause him to find mercy in the sight of this man (For I was the king's cupbearer).
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.