3 John 1 |
1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, in regard to all things I pray that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than these things, to hear that my children walk in the truth.
5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you work for the brothers and for strangers,
6 who in love bore witness of you before the church, whom you will do well to send forward worthily of God;
7 because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the nations.
8 Therefore we ought to entertain such, so that we might be co-workers in the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, did not receive us.
10 Therefore if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, ranting against us with evil words. And not content with these, neither does he himself receive the brothers. And he forbids those who would, and casts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate the bad, but the good. He who does good is from God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has good report by all, and by the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not write to you with pen and ink,
14 but I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.