« | Job 13 | » |
1 "Behold, my eye has seen all [this,] My ear has heard and understood it.
2 What you know, I also know; I [am] not inferior to you.
3 But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to reason with God.
4 But you forgers of lies, You [are] all worthless physicians.
5 Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!
6 Now hear my reasoning, And heed the pleadings of my lips.
7 Will you speak wickedly for God, And talk deceitfully for Him?
8 Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?
9 Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?
10 He will surely rebuke you If you secretly show partiality.
11 Will not His excellence make you afraid, And the dread of Him fall upon you?
12 Your platitudes [are] proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 " Hold your peace with me, and let me speak, Then let come on me what [may!]
14 Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hands?
15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
16 He also [shall] be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.
17 Listen carefully to my speech, And to my declaration with your ears.
18 See now, I have prepared [my] case, I know that I shall be vindicated.
19 Who [is] he [who] will contend with me? If now I hold my tongue, I perish.
20 " Only two [things] do not do to me, Then I will not hide myself from You:
21 Withdraw Your hand far from me, And let not the dread of You make me afraid.
22 Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then You respond to me.
23 How many [are] my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin.
24 Why do You hide Your face, And regard me as Your enemy?
25 Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble?
26 For You write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks, And watch closely all my paths. You set a limit for the soles of my feet.
28 " Man decays like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.