« | Psalm 39 | » |
1 For the end, A Song of David, to Jeduthun. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue; I set a guard on my mouth, while the sinner stood in my presence.
2 I was dumb, and humbled myself, and kept silence from good [words]; and my grief was renewed.
3 My heart grew hot within me, and a fire would kindle in my meditation; I spoke with my tongue,
4 O Lord, make me to know my end, and the number of my days, what it is; that I may know what I lack.
5 Behold, You have made my days old; and my existence [is] as nothing before You; indeed, every man living [is] altogether vanity. Pause.
6 Surely man walks in a shadow; nay, he is disquieted in vain; he lays up treasures, and knows not for whom he shall gather them.
7 And now what [is] my expectation? [Is it] not the Lord? And my ground [of hope] is with You. Pause.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions; You have made me a reproach to the foolish.
9 I was dumb, and opened not my mouth; for You are He that made me.
10 Remove Your scourge from me; I have fainted by reason of the strength of Your hand.
11 You chasten man with rebukes for iniquity, and You make his life to consume away like a spider's web; nay, every man is disquieted in vain. Pause.
12 O Lord, hearken to my prayer and my supplication; attend to my tears; be not silent, for I am a sojourner in the land, and a stranger, as all my fathers [were].
13 Spare me, that I may be refreshed, before I depart, and be no more.
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.