« | Psalm 86 | » |
1 A Prayer of David. O Lord, incline Your ear, and hearken to me; for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my soul, for I am holy; save Your servant, O God, who trusts in You.
3 Pity me, O Lord; for to You will I cry all the day.
4 Make glad the soul of Your servant; for to You, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul.
5 For You, O Lord, are kind and gentle, and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon You.
6 Give ear to my prayer, O Lord; and attend to the voice of my supplication.
7 In the day of my trouble I cried to You; and You heard me.
8 There is none like You, O Lord, among the gods; and there are no [works] like Your works.
9 All nations whom You have made shall come and shall worship before You, O Lord; and shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are the great God.
11 Guide me, O Lord, in Your way, and I will walk in Your truth; let my heart rejoice, that I may fear Your name.
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart; and I will glorify Your name forever.
13 For Your mercy is great toward me; and You have delivered my soul from the depths of hell.
14 O God, transgressors have risen up against me, and an assembly of violent [men] have sought my life; and have not set You before them.
15 But You, O Lord God, are compassionate and merciful, longsuffering, and abundant in mercy and true.
16 Look upon me, and have mercy upon me; give Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your handmaid.
17 Establish with me a token for good; and let them that hate me see [it] and be ashamed; because You, O Lord, have helped me, and comforted me.
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.