« | Psalm 143 | » |
1 A Psalm of David, when his son pursued him. O Lord, attend to my prayer; hearken to my supplication in Your truth; hear me in Your righteousness.
2 And enter not into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight shall no [man] living be justified.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has brought my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in a dark [place], as those that have been long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.
5 I remembered the days of old; and I meditated on all Your doings: [yea], I meditated on the works of Your hands.
6 I spread forth my hands to You; my soul [thirsts] for You, as a dry land. Pause.
7 Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit has failed; do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like them that go down to the pit.
8 Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning; for I have hoped in You; make known to me, O Lord, the way in which I should walk; for I have lifted up my soul to You.
9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord; for I have fled to You for refuge.
10 Teach me to do Your will; for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the straight [way].
11 You shall revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake; in Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of affliction.
12 And in Your mercy You will destroy my enemies, and will destroy all those that afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.
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.