« | Psalm 115 | » |
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy and Your truth;
2 lest at any time the nations should say, Where is their God?
3 But our God has done in heaven and on earth, whatsoever He has pleased.
4 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the works of men's hands.
5 They have a mouth, but they cannot speak; they have eyes, but they cannot see;
6 they have ears, but they cannot hear; they have noses, but they cannot smell;
7 they have hands, but they cannot handle; they have feet, but they cannot walk; they cannot speak through their throat.
8 Let those that make them become like them, and all who trust in them.
9 The house of Israel trusts in the Lord; He is their helper and defender.
10 The house of Aaron trusts in the Lord; He is their helper and defender.
11 They that fear the Lord trust in the Lord; He is their helper and defender.
12 The Lord has remembered us, and blessed us; He has blessed the house of Israel, He has blessed the house of Aaron.
13 He has blessed them that fear the Lord, both small and great.
14 [May] the Lord add [blessings] to you and to your children.
15 Blessed are you of the Lord, who made the heaven and the earth.
16 The heaven of heavens [belongs] to the Lord; but He has given the earth to the sons of men.
17 The dead shall not praise You, O Lord, nor any that go down to Hades.
18 But we, the living, will bless the Lord, now and forever.
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.