« | Psalm 79 | » |
1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen have come into Your inheritance; they have polluted Your holy temple; they have made Jerusalem a storehouse of fruits.
2 They have given the dead bodies of Your servants [to be] food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of Your holy ones for the wild beasts of the earth.
3 They have shed their blood as water, round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury [them].
4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to them [that are] round about us.
5 How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever? Shall Your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out Your wrath upon the heathen that have not known You, and upon the kingdoms which have not called upon Your name.
7 For they have devoured Jacob, and laid his place waste.
8 Remember not our old transgressions; let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us; for we are greatly impoverished.
9 Help us, O God our Savior; for the glory of Your name, O Lord, deliver us; and be merciful to our sins, for Your name's sake.
10 Why should the heathen say, Where is their God? And let the avenging of Your servant's blood that has been shed be known among the heathen before our eyes.
11 Let the groaning of the prisoners come in before You; according to the greatness of Your power, preserve the sons of the slain.
12 Repay to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, with which they have reproached You, O Lord.
13 For we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture; we will give You thanks forever; we will declare Your praise throughout all generations.
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.