« | Psalm 140 | » |
1 For the end, A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O Lord, from the evil man; deliver me from the unjust man.
2 Who have devised injustice in their hearts; all the day they prepared war.
3 They have sharpened their tongue as [the tongue] of a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips. Pause.
4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner; rescue me from unjust men; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and have stretched out ropes [for] snares for my feet; they set a stumbling block for me near the path. Pause.
6 I said to the Lord, You are my God; hearken, O Lord, to the voice of my supplication.
7 O Lord God, the strength of my salvation; You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Deliver me not, O Lord, to the sinner, according to my desire; they have devised [mischief] against me; forsake me not, lest they should be exalted. Pause.
9 [As for] the head of them that surround me, the mischief of their lips shall cover them.
10 Coals of fire shall fall upon them on the earth; and You shall cast them down in afflictions; they shall not bear up [under them].
11 A talkative man shall not prosper on the earth: evils shall hunt the unrighteous man to destruction.
12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor, and the right of the needy ones.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name: the upright shall dwell in Your presence.
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.