Song of Solomon 1 | » |
1 The Song of songs, which is Solomon's.
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for your breasts are better than wine.
3 And the smell of your ointments is better than all spices: your name is ointment poured forth; therefore do the young maidens love you.
4 They have drawn you: we will run after you, for the smell of your ointments: the king has brought me into his closet: let us rejoice and be glad in you; we will love your breasts more than wine: righteousness loves you.
5 I am dark, but beautiful, you daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.
6 Look not upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has looked unfavorably upon me: my mother's sons strove with me; they made me keeper in the vineyards; I have not kept my own vineyard.
7 Tell me, [you] whom my soul loves, where you tend your flock, where you cause [them] to rest at noon, lest I become as one that is veiled by the flocks of your companions.
8 If you know not yourself, you fair one among women, go forth by the footsteps of the flocks, and feed your little goats by the shepherd's tents.
9 I have likened you, my companion, to my horses in the chariots of Pharaoh.
10 How beautiful are your cheeks, as those of a dove, your neck as chains!
11 We will make you figures of gold with studs of silver.
12 So long as the king was at table, my spikenard gave forth its smell.
13 My kinsman is to me a bundle of myrrh; he shall lie between my breasts.
14 My kinsman is to me a cluster of camphor in the vineyards of En Gedi.
15 Behold, you are fair, my companion; behold, you are fair; your eyes are doves.
16 Behold, you are fair, my kinsman, yea, beautiful, overshadowing our bed.
17 The beams of our house are cedars, our ceilings are of cypress.
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.