« | Psalm 116 | » |
1 Alleluia. I am well pleased, because the Lord will hearken to the voice of my supplication.
2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore will I call upon Him while I live.
3 The pangs of death compassed me; the dangers of hell found me; I found affliction and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord- O Lord, deliver my soul.
5 The Lord is merciful and righteous; yea, our God has pity.
6 The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He delivered me.
7 Return to your rest, O my soul; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For He has delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I shall be well-pleasing before the Lord in the land of the living. Alleluia.
10 I believed, therefore I have spoken; but I was greatly afflicted.
11 And I said in my amazement, Every man is a liar.
12 What shall I render to the Lord for all the things in which He has rewarded me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord, in the presence of all His people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
16 O Lord, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, and the son of Your handmaid; You have burst my bonds.
17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of praise, and will call upon the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the presence of all His people,
19 in the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
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.