« | Colossians 4 |
1 Masters, give to your slaves what is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in Heaven.
2 Continue in prayer and watch in it with thanksgiving,
3 praying together about us also, that God may open to us a door of the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I also have been bound,
4 that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those on the outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7 Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things about me.
8 I sent him to you for this very purpose, that he might know the things about you, and that he might comfort your hearts,
9 along with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (regarding whom you received commandments; if he comes to you, receive him),
11 and greetings from Jesus, who is called Justus, those being of the circumcision. These alone are my fellow-workers for the kingdom of God, who became a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras greets you, he being of you, a servant of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record that he has a great zeal for you and for those who are in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house.
16 And when this letter is read before you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter of Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.
18 The salutation of Paul, by my own hand. Remember my bonds. 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.