« | Psalm 103 | » |
1 [A Psalm] of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all [that is] within me, [bless] His holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His praises;
3 who forgives all your transgressions, who heals all your diseases;
4 who redeems your life from corruption; who crowns you with mercy and compassion;
5 who satisfies your desire with good things; [so that] your youth shall be renewed like [that] of the eagle.
6 The Lord executes mercy and judgment for all that are injured.
7 He made known His ways to Moses, [and] His will to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, longsuffering, and full of mercy.
9 He will not always be angry; neither will He be wrathful forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor recompensed us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, the Lord has [so] increased His mercy toward them that fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, [so far] has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities [his] children, the Lord pities them that fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame; [He] remembers that we are dust.
15 [As for] man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he flourish.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it shall not be; and it shall know its place no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from generation to generation upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children;
18 to them that keep His covenant, and remember His commandments, to do them.
19 The Lord has prepared His throne in the heaven; and His kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, all you His angels, mighty in strength, who do His bidding, [ready] to hearken to the voice of His words.
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts; [you] ministers of His that do His will.
22 Bless the Lord, all His works, in every place of His dominion; bless the Lord, O my soul.
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.