« | Psalm 77 | » |
1 For the end, for Idithun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried to the Lord with my voice, yea, my voice [was addressed] to God; and He gave heed to me.
2 In the day of my affliction I earnestly sought the Lord; [even] with my hands by night before Him, and I was not deceived; my soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remembered God, and rejoiced; I poured out my complaint, and my soul fainted. Pause.
4 All my enemies set a watch [against me;] I was troubled, and spoke not.
5 I considered the days of old, and remembered ancient ears.
6 And I meditated; I communed with my heart by night, and diligently searched my spirit, [saying],
7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be well pleased no more?
8 Will He cut off His mercy forever, even forever and ever?
9 Will God forget to pity? Or will He shut up His compassions in His wrath? Pause.
10 And I said, Now I have begun; this is the change of the right hand of the Most High.
11 I remembered the works of the Lord; for I will remember Your wonders from the beginning.
12 And I will meditate on all Your works, and will consider Your doings.
13 O God, Your way is in the sanctuary; who is a great God as our God?
14 You are the God that performs wonders; You have made known Your power among the nations.
15 You have redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph, with Your outstretched arm. Pause.
16 The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You, and feared; and the depths were troubled.
17 [There was] an abundant sound of waters; the clouds uttered a voice; for Your arrows went abroad.
18 The voice of Your thunder was abroad, and around Your lightnings appeared to the world; the earth trembled and quaked.
19 Your way is in the sea, and Your paths in many waters, and Your footsteps cannot be known.
20 You guided Your people like sheep by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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.