« | Psalm 7 | » |
1 A Psalm of David, which he sang to the Lord because of the words of Cush the Benjamite. O Lord my God, in You have I trusted: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me,
2 lest at any time [the enemy] seize my soul as a lion, while there is none to ransom, nor to save.
3 O Lord my God, if I have done this; (if there is unrighteousness in my hands)
4 if I have requited with evil those who requited me [with good]; may I then perish empty by means of my enemies.
5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; and let him trample my life on the ground, and lay my glory in the dust. Pause.
6 Arise, O Lord, in Your wrath; be exalted in the utmost boundaries of my enemies: awake, O Lord my God, according to the decree which You did command.
7 And the congregation of the nations shall compass You: and for this cause do You return on high.
8 The Lord shall judge the nations: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to my innocence that is in me.
9 Oh let the wickedness of sinners come to an end; and [then] You shall direct the righteous, O God that searches the hearts and minds.
10 My help is righteous, [coming] from God, who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous Judge, and strong, and patient, not inflicting vengeance every day.
12 If you will not repent, He will furbish His sword; He has bent His bow, and made it ready.
13 And on it He has fitted the instruments of death; He has completed His arrows for the raging ones.
14 Behold, [the wicked] has travailed with unrighteousness; he has conceived trouble, and has brought forth iniquity.
15 He has opened a pit, and dug it up, and he shall fall into the ditch which he has made.
16 His trouble shall return on his own head, and his unrighteousness shall come down on his own crown.
17 I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness; I will sing to the name of the Lord Most High.
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.