« | Psalm 51 | » |
1 For the end, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, when he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions, blot out my transgression.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I am conscious of my iniquity; and my sin is continually before me.
4 Against You alone have I sinned, and done evil before You; that You might be justified in Your words, and might overcome when You are judged.
5 For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother conceive me.
6 For behold, You love truth; You have manifested to me the secret and hidden things of Your wisdom.
7 You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be purified; You shall wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
8 You shall cause me to hear gladness and joy; my afflicted bones shall rejoice.
9 Turn away Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a steadfast spirit in my inward parts.
11 Cast me not away from Your presence; and remove not Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation; establish me with Your directing Spirit.
13 [Then] will I teach transgressors Your ways; and ungodly men shall turn to You.
14 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; [and] my tongue shall joyfully declare Your righteousness.
15 O Lord, You shall open my lips; and my mouth shall declare Your praise.
16 For if You desired sacrifice, I would have given [it]; You will not take pleasure in whole burnt offerings.
17 Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.
18 Do good, O Lord, to Zion in Your good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.
19 Then shall You be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, offering, and whole burnt sacrifices; then shall they offer calves upon Your altar.
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.