« | Galatians 4 | » |
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Why you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 However, then, when you knew not God, you did service to them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?
10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain.
12 Brothers, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as you are: you have not injured me at all.
13 You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you at the first.
14 And my temptation which was in my flesh you despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yes, they would exclude you, that you might affect them.
18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a female slave, the other by a free woman.
23 But he who was of the female slave was born after the flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise.
24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which engenders to bondage, which is Agar.
25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written, Rejoice, you barren that bore not; break forth and cry, you that travail not: for the desolate has many more children than she which has an husband.
28 Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what said the scripture? Cast out the female slave and her son: for the son of the female slave shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.
31 So then, brothers, we are not children of the female slave, but of the free.
The American King James Version (AKJV)
The American King James Version (AKJV) is a modernized adaptation of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, which seeks to retain the majesty and accuracy of the original text while updating some of the archaic language to make it more accessible to contemporary readers. The AKJV was created by Michael Peter (Stone) Engelbrite in the late 20th century, aiming to preserve the classic beauty and literary excellence of the KJV while ensuring that the scripture remains comprehensible to modern audiences. Michael Peter (Stone) Engelbrite of True Grace Ministries, claims his version is a simple word for word update from the King James English.
This translation adheres closely to the text and structure of the KJV, making only minimal changes where necessary to update outdated terms and phrases. One of the significant features of the AKJV is its commitment to maintaining the same verse structure and traditional phrasing that has made the KJV so enduringly popular. By making modest updates to the language, such as replacing thee and thou with you and your, the AKJV provides a version of the Bible that feels familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV, while being more approachable for new readers. This careful balance allows the AKJV to honor the historical and literary legacy of the KJV while meeting the linguistic needs of readers of today.
The AKJV also seeks to remain faithful to the doctrinal and theological foundations of the KJV. By preserving the original text's meaning and intent, the AKJV provides a reliable translation for study, worship, and personal devotion. Its adherence to the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament ensures that the translation remains consistent with the sources that have historically underpinned the KJV. This fidelity to the original manuscripts and theological perspectives of the KJV helps maintain the trust and respect that many readers have for this venerable translation.
Despite its strengths, the AKJV has not been without its criticisms. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation does not go far enough in updating the language, leaving certain passages still challenging for modern audiences. Others feel that any alteration to the KJV diminishes its historical and literary significance. Nonetheless, the AKJV remains a valuable resource for those who seek a Bible translation that bridges the gap between the time-honored KJV and the needs of contemporary readers, offering a version that is both reverent and readable.