« | Psalm 55 | » |
1 For the end, among Hymns of instruction by David. Hearken, O God, to my prayer; and disregard not my supplication.
2 Attend to me, and hearken to me; I was grieved in my meditation, and troubled;
3 because of the voice of the enemy, and because of the oppression of the sinner; for they brought iniquity against me, and were wrathfully angry with me.
4 My heart was troubled within me; and the fear of death fell upon me.
5 Fear and trembling came upon me, and darkness covered me.
6 And I said, O, that I had wings as [those] of a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest.
7 Lo! I have fled afar off, and lodged in the wilderness. Pause.
8 I waited for Him that would deliver me from my distressed spirit, and from the tempest.
9 Destroy, O LORD, and divide their tongues, for I have seen iniquity and gainsaying in the city.
10 Day and night he shall go round about it upon its walls; iniquity and sorrow and unrighteousness [are] in the midst of it;
11 and usury and craft have not failed from its streets.
12 For if an enemy had reproached me, I would have endured it; and if one who hated [me] had spoken vauntingly against me, I would have hid myself from him.
13 But you, O like-minded man, my guide, and my acquaintance,
14 who in companionship with me sweetened [our] food; we walked in the house of God in concord.
15 Let death come upon them, and let them go down alive into Hades, for iniquity is in their dwellings, in the midst of them.
16 I cried to God, and the Lord hearkened to me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon I will declare and make known [my needs]; and He shall hear my voice.
18 He shall deliver my soul in peace from them that draw near to me; for they were with me in many [cases].
19 God shall hear, and bring them low, [even] He that has existed from eternity. Pause. For they suffer no recourse, and [therefore] they have not feared God.
20 He has reached forth his hand for retribution; they have profaned His covenant.
21 They were scattered at the anger of His countenance, and his heart drew near to them. His words were smoother than oil, yet they are darts.
22 Cast your cares upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloody and crafty men shall not live out half their days; but I will hope in You, O Lord.
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.