« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 A Psalm of David for remembrance concerning the Sabbath day. O Lord, rebuke me not in Your wrath, neither chasten me in Your anger.
2 For Your weapons are fixed in me, and You have pressed Your hand heavily upon me.
3 For there is no health in my flesh because of Your anger; there is no peace to my bones because of my sins.
4 For my transgressions have gone over my head; they have pressed heavily upon me like a weighty burden.
5 My wounds have become foul and corrupt, because of my foolishness.
6 I have been wretched and bowed down continually; I went with a mourning countenance all the day.
7 For my soul is filled with mockings; and there is no health in my flesh.
8 I have been afflicted and brought down exceedingly; I have roared for the groaning of my heart.
9 But all my desire is before You; and my groaning is not hidden from You.
10 My heart is troubled, my strength has failed me; and the light of my eyes is not with me.
11 My friends and my neighbors drew near before me, and stood sill; and my nearest of kin stood afar off.
12 While they pressed hard upon me that sought my soul; and they that sought my hurt spoke vanities, and devised deceits all the day.
13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and was as a dumb man not opening his mouth.
14 And I was as a man that hears not, and who has no reproofs in his mouth.
15 For I hoped in You, O Lord; You will hear, O Lord my God.
16 For I said, Lest my enemies rejoice against me; for when my feet were moved, they spoke boastfully against me.
17 For I am ready for plagues, and my grief is continually before me.
18 For I will declare my iniquity, and be distressed for my sin.
19 But my enemies live, and are mightier than I; and they that hate me unjustly are multiplied.
20 They that reward evil for good slandered me; because I followed righteousness.
21 Forsake me not, O Lord my God; depart not from me.
22 Draw near to my help, O Lord of my salvation.
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.