« | Song of Solomon 2 | » |
1 I am a flower of the plain, a lily of the valleys.
2 As a lily among thorns, so is my companion among the daughters.
3 As the apple among the trees of the wood, so is my kinsman among the sons. I desired his shadow, and sat down, and his fruit was sweet in my throat.
4 Bring me into the wine house; set love before me.
5 Strengthen me with perfumes, stay me with apples: for I am wounded with love.
6 His left [hand shall be] under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me.
7 I have charged you, you daughters of Jerusalem, by the powers and by the virtues of the field, that you do not rouse or wake my love, until he please.
8 The voice of my kinsman! Behold, he comes leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills.
9 My kinsman is like a gazelle or a young hart on the mountains of Bethel: behold, he is behind our wall, looking through the windows, peeping through the lattices.
10 My kinsman answers, and says to me, Rise up, come, my companion, my fair one, my dove.
11 For behold, the winter is past, the rain is gone, it has departed.
12 The flowers are seen in the land; the time of pruning has arrived; the voice of the turtle dove has been heard in our land.
13 The fig tree has put forth its young figs, the vines put forth the tender grape, they yield a smell: arise, come, my companion, my fair one, my dove; yea, come.
14 [You are] my dove, in the shelter of the rock, near the wall: show me your face, and cause me to hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is beautiful.
15 Take us the little foxes that spoil the vines: for our vines put forth tender grapes.
16 My kinsman is mine, and I am his: he feeds [his flock] among the lilies.
17 Until the day dawn, and the shadows depart, turn, my kinsman, be like to a gazelle or young hart on the mountains of the ravines.
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.