« | 1 Thessalonians 5 |
1 But of the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you.
2 For you yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety! Then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail upon a woman with child. And they shall not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the Day should overtake you like a thief.
5 You are all the sons of light and the sons of the day. We are not of the night, or of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us watch and be calm.
7 For those sleeping sleep in the night, and those being drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be calm, having put on the breastplate of faith and love and the hope of salvation for a helmet.
9 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, so that whether we watch or sleep we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore comfort one another, and edify one another, even as you also do.
12 And, brothers, we beseech you to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and who admonish you,
13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.
15 See that none gives evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophesying.
21 Prove all things, hold fast to the good.
22 Abstain from every appearance of evil.
23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelessly at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who called you, who also will do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.