« | Psalm 139 | » |
1 For the end, A Psalm of David. O Lord, You have proved me, and known me.
2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts long before.
3 You have traced my path and my bed, and have foreseen all my ways.
4 For there is no unrighteous word on my tongue: behold, O Lord, You have known all things,
5 the last and the first: You have fashioned me, and laid Your hand upon me.
6 The knowledge of You is too wonderful for me; it is very difficult, I cannot [attain] to it.
7 Where shall I go from Your Spirit? And to where shall I flee from Your presence?
8 If I should go up to heaven, You are there: if I should go down to hell, You are present.
9 If I should spread my wings [to fly] straight forward, and sojourn at the extremity of the sea, [it would be vain],
10 for even there Your hand would guide me, and Your right hand would hold me.
11 When I said, Surely the darkness will cover me; even the night [was] light in my luxury.
12 For darkness will not be darkness with You; but night will be light as day. As its darkness, so shall its light [be to You].
13 For You, O Lord, have possessed my reins; You have helped me from my mother's womb.
14 I will give You thanks; for You are fearfully wondrous; wondrous are Your works; and my soul knows [it] well.
15 My bones, which You made in secret, were not hidden from You, nor my substance, in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unwrought [substance], and all [men] shall be written in Your book; they shall be formed by day, though [there should for a time] be no one among them.
17 But Your friends, O God, have been greatly honored by me; their rule has been greatly strengthened.
18 I will number them, and they shall be multiplied beyond the sand; I awake, and am still with You.
19 Oh that You would slay the wicked, O God. Depart from me, you men of blood!
20 For you will say concerning [their] thoughts, [that] they shall take your cities in vain.
21 Have I not hated them, O Lord, that hate You? And [have I not] wasted away because of Your enemies?
22 I have hated them with perfect hatred; they were counted as my enemies.
23 Prove me, O God, and know my heart; examine me, and know my paths;
24 and see if [there is any] way of iniquity in me, and lead me in an everlasting way.
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.