« | Psalm 97 | » |
1 For David, when his land was established. The Lord reigns, let the earth exalt, let many islands rejoice.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about Him; righteousness and judgment are the establishment of His throne.
3 Fire shall go before Him, and burn up His enemies round about.
4 His lightnings light the world; the earth saw, and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens have declared His righteousness, and all the people have seen His glory.
7 Let all that worship graven images be ashamed, who boast of their idols; worship Him, all you His angels.
8 Zion heard and rejoiced; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced, because of Your judgments, O Lord.
9 For You are Lord Most High over all the earth; You are greatly exalted above all gods.
10 You that love the Lord, hate evil; the Lord preserves the souls of His saints; He shall deliver them from the hand of sinners.
11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; and give thanks for a remembrance of His holiness.
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.