« | Psalm 49 | » |
1 For the end, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear these words, all you nations, give ear, all you that dwell upon the earth;
2 both the sons of mean men, and sons of [great] men; the rich and poor [man] together.
3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall bring [forth] understanding.
4 I will incline my ear to a parable; I will open my riddle on the harp.
5 Why should I fear in the evil day? The iniquity of my heel shall surround me.
6 They that trust in their strength, and boast themselves in the multitude of their wealth-
7 a brother does not redeem, shall a man redeem? He shall not give to God a ransom for himself,
8 or the price for the redemption of his soul, though he labor forever,
9 and live to the end, [so] that he should not see corruption.
10 When he shall see wise men dying, the fool and the senseless one shall perish together; and they shall leave their wealth to strangers.
11 And their tombs are their houses forever, [even] their tabernacles to all generations; they have called their lands after their own names.
12 And man being in honor, understands not; he is compared to the senseless cattle, and is likened unto them.
13 This their way is an offense to them; yet afterwards men will commend their sayings. Pause.
14 They have laid [them] as sheep in Hades; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning, and their help shall fail in Hades from their glory.
15 But God shall deliver my soul from the power of Hades, when He shall receive me. Pause.
16 Fear not when a man is enriched, and when the glory of his house is increased.
17 For he shall take nothing when he dies; neither shall his glory descend with him.
18 For his soul shall be blessed in his life; he shall give thanks to you when you do well to him.
19 [Yet] he shall go in to the generation of his fathers; he shall never see light.
20 Man that is in honor, understands not; he is compared to the senseless cattle, and is likened unto them.
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.