« | Psalm 45 | » |
1 For the end, for alternate [strains] by the sons of Korah; for instruction, A song concerning the beloved. My heart has uttered a good matter; I declare my works to the king; my tongue is the pen of a quick writer.
2 You are more beautiful than the sons of men; grace has been shed forth on Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever.
3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, in Your comeliness, and in Your beauty;
4 and bend [Your bow], and prosper, and reign, because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Your right hand shall guide You wonderfully.
5 Your weapons are sharpened, O Mighty One, (the nations shall fall under You) [they are] in the heart of the king's enemies.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of Your kingdom is the scepter of righteousness.
7 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beyond Your companions.
8 Myrrh, aloes, and cassia [emanate] from Your garments, [and] out of the ivory palaces,
9 with which kings' daughters have gladdened You for Your honor; the queen stood by on Your right hand, clothed in vesture wrought with gold, and arrayed in many colors.
10 Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear; forget also your people, and your father's house.
11 Because the King has desired your beauty; for He is your Lord.
12 And the daughter of Tyre shall adorn Him with gifts; the rich of the people of the land shall supplicate your favor.
13 All her glory [is that] of the daughter of the king of Heshbon, robed in golden fringed garments,
14 in embroidered [clothing]; virgins shall be brought to the king after her; her fellows shall be brought to You.
15 They shall be brought with gladness and exaltation; they shall be led into the king's temple.
16 Instead of Your fathers children are born to You; You shall make them princes over all the earth.
17 They shall make mention of Your name from generation to generation; therefore shall the nations give thanks to You forever, even forever and ever.
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.