« | Psalm 88 | » |
1 A song of a Psalm for the sons of Korah for the end, upon Mahaleth for responsive [strains], of instruction for Heman the Israelite. O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried by day and in the night before You.
2 Let my prayer come in before You; incline Your ear to my supplication, O Lord.
3 For my soul is filled with troubles, and my life has drawn near to Hades.
4 I have been reckoned with them that go down to the pit; I became as a man without help;
5 free among the dead, as the slain ones cast out, who sleep in the tomb; whom You remember no more; and they are rejected from Your hand.
6 They laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, and in the shadow of death.
7 Your wrath has pressed heavily upon me, and You have brought upon me all Your billows. Pause.
8 You have removed my acquaintance far from me; they have made me an abomination to themselves; I have been delivered up, and have not gone forth.
9 My eyes are dimmed from poverty; but I cried out to You, O Lord, all the day; I spread forth my hands to You.
10 Will You work wonders for the dead? Or shall physicians raise [them] up, that they shall praise You?
11 Shall anyone declare Your mercy in the tomb? And Your truth in destruction?
12 Shall Your wonders be known in darkness? And Your righteousness in a forgotten land?
13 But I cried out to You, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer come before You.
14 Why, O Lord, do You reject my prayer, [and] turn Your face away from me?
15 I am poor and in troubles from my youth; and having been exalted, I was brought low and into despair.
16 Your wrath has passed over me; and Your terrors have greatly disquieted me.
17 They compassed me like water; all the day they beset me together.
18 You have put far from me [every] friend, and my acquaintances because of [my] wretchedness.
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.