« | Psalm 136 | » |
1 Alleluia. Give thanks to the Lord: for He is good: for His mercy [endures] forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods; for His mercy [endures] forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercy [endures] forever.
4 To Him who alone has wrought great wonders; for His mercy [endures] forever.
5 To Him who made the heavens by understanding; for His mercy [endures] forever.
6 To Him who established the earth on the waters; for His mercy [endures] forever.
7 To Him who alone made great lights; for His mercy [endures] forever.
8 The sun to rule by day; for His mercy [endures] forever.
9 The moon and the stars to rule the night; for His mercy [endures] forever.
10 To Him who struck Egypt with their firstborn; for His mercy [endures] forever.
11 And brought Israel out of the midst of them; for His mercy [endures] forever;
12 with a strong hand, and an outstretched arm; for His mercy [endures] forever.
13 To Him who divided the Red Sea into parts; for His mercy [endures] forever;
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it; for His mercy [endures] forever;
15 and overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea; for His mercy endures forever.
16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness; for His mercy [endures] forever.
17 To Him who struck down great kings; for His mercy [endures] forever;
18 and slew mighty kings; for His mercy [endures] forever:
19 Sihon king of the Amorites; for His mercy [endures] forever;
20 and Og king of Bashan; for His mercy [endures] forever;
21 and gave their land [for] an inheritance; for His mercy [endures] forever;
22 even an inheritance to Israel His servant; for His mercy [endures] forever.
23 For the Lord remembered us in our low estate; for His mercy [endures] forever;
24 and redeemed us from our enemies; for His mercy [endures] forever.
25 Who gives food to all flesh; for His mercy [endures] forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven; for His mercy [endures] 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.