« | Psalm 81 | » |
1 For the end, A Psalm for Asaph, concerning the winepresses. Rejoice in God our helper; shout aloud to the God of Jacob.
2 Take a psalm, and produce the timbrel, the pleasant psaltery with the harp.
3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon, in the glorious day of your feast.
4 For [this] is an ordinance for Israel, and a statute of the God of Jacob.
5 He made it [to be] a testimony in Joseph, when he came forth out of the land of Egypt; he heard a language which he understood not.
6 He removed his back from burdens; his hands slaved in making the baskets.
7 You called upon Me in trouble, and I delivered you; I heard you in the secret place of the storm; I proved you at the Water of Strife. Pause.
8 Hear, My people, and I will speak to you, O Israel; and I will testify to you; if you will hearken to Me;
9 there shall be no new god in you; neither shall you worship a strange god.
10 For I am the Lord your God, that brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
11 But My people hearkened not to My voice; and Israel gave no heed to Me.
12 So I let them go after the ways of their own hearts; they will go on in their own ways.
13 If My people had hearkened to Me, if Israel had walked in My ways,
14 I would have put down their enemies very quickly, and would have laid My hand upon those that afflicted them.
15 The Lord's enemies [would have] lied to Him; but their time shall be forever.
16 And He fed them with the fat of wheat; and satisfied them with honey out of the rock.
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.