« | 2 Timothy 4 |
1 Therefore I solemnly witness before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is going to judge the living and the dead according to His appearance and His kingdom,
2 preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
3 For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear.
4 And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths.
5 But you watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out, and the time of my release is here.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.
8 Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing.
9 Make haste to come to me quickly.
10 For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and he has departed to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 And I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith showed many evil things to me. The Lord will give back to him according to his works.
15 You also should beware of him, for he has greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no one was beside me, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that through me the preaching might be fulfilled, and that all the nations might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me to His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.
21 Try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.
22 May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace 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.