« | Job 18 | » |
1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
2 "How long [till] you put an end to words? Gain understanding, and afterward we will speak.
3 Why are we counted as beasts, [And] regarded as stupid in your sight?
4 You who tear yourself in anger, Shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed from its place?
5 "The light of the wicked indeed goes out, And the flame of his fire does not shine.
6 The light is dark in his tent, And his lamp beside him is put out.
7 The steps of his strength are shortened, And his own counsel casts him down.
8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, And he walks into a snare.
9 The net takes [him] by the heel, [And] a snare lays hold of him.
10 A noose [is] hidden for him on the ground, And a trap for him in the road.
11 Terrors frighten him on every side, And drive him to his feet.
12 His strength is starved, And destruction [is] ready at his side.
13 It devours patches of his skin; The firstborn of death devours his limbs.
14 He is uprooted from the shelter of his tent, And they parade him before the king of terrors.
15 They dwell in his tent [who are] none of his; Brimstone is scattered on his dwelling.
16 His roots are dried out below, And his branch withers above.
17 The memory of him perishes from the earth, And he has no name among the renowned.
18 He is driven from light into darkness, And chased out of the world.
19 He has neither son nor posterity among his people, Nor any remaining in his dwellings.
20 Those in the west are astonished at his day, As those in the east are frightened.
21 Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked, And this [is] the place [of him] who does not know God."
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.