« | Psalm 135 | » |
1 Alleluia. Praise the name of the Lord; praise the Lord, [you His] servants,
2 who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
3 Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises to His name; for [it is] good.
4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, [and] Israel for His peculiar treasure.
5 For I know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods;
6 all that the Lord willed, He did in heaven, and on the earth, in the sea, and in all the deep.
7 Who brings up clouds from the extremity of the earth; He has made lightnings for the rain; He brings [the] winds out of His treasures.
8 Who struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
9 He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his servants.
10 Who struck many nations, and slew mighty kings;
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land [for] an inheritance, an inheritance to Israel His people.
13 O Lord, Your name [endures] forever, and Your memorial to all generations.
14 For the Lord shall judge His people, and comfort Himself concerning His servants.
15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the works of men's hands.
16 They have a mouth, but they cannot speak; they have eyes, but they cannot see;
17 they have ears, but they cannot hear; for there is no breath in their mouth.
18 Let those who make them be made like them; and all those who trust in them.
19 O house of Israel, bless the Lord: O house of Aaron, bless the Lord:
20 O house of Levi, bless the Lord: you that fear the Lord, bless the Lord.
21 Blessed in Zion is the Lord, who dwells in 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.