« | Psalm 147 | » |
1 Alleluia, [A Psalm] of Aggaeus and Zacharias. Praise the Lord! For singing psalms is a good thing; let praise be sweetly sung to our God.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; and He will gather together the dispersed of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
4 He numbers the multitudes of stars; and calls them all by name.
5 Great is our Lord, and great is His strength; and His understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifts up the meek; but brings sinners down to the ground.
7 Begin [the song] with thanksgiving to the Lord; sing praises on the harp to our God;
8 who covers the heaven with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who causes grass to spring up on the mountains, [and green herb for the service of men];
9 and gives cattle their food, and to the young ravens that call upon Him.
10 He will not take pleasure in the strength of a horse; neither is He well-pleased with the legs of a man.
11 The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear Him, and in all that hope in His mercy.
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion.
13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.
14 He makes your borders peaceful, and fills you with the flour of wheat.
15 He sends His oracle to the earth; His word will run swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the mist like ashes.
17 Casting [forth] His ice like morsels; who shall stand before His cold?
18 He shall send out His word, and melt them; He shall blow [with] His wind, and the waters shall flow.
19 He sends His word to Jacob, His ordinances and judgments to Israel.
20 He has not done so to any [other] nation; and He has not shown them His judgments.
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.