« | Job 20 | » |
1 And Zophar the Naamathite answered and said,
2 Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, even because of my haste in me.
3 I have heard the rebuke meant to shame me, and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.
4 Do you know this from days of old, from the setting of man on earth,
5 that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the ungodly is for a moment?
6 Though his honor mounts up to the heavens, and his head reaches to the clouds,
7 he shall perish forever like his dung; they who see him shall say, Where is he?
8 He flies away like a dream, and shall not be found, and shall be chased away like a vision of the night.
9 An eye glimpsed him, but will not again; yea, his place shall not see him again.
10 His sons shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore his wealth.
11 His bones are full of his youthful vigor, but it lies down with him in the dust.
12 Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hides it under his tongue;
13 though he spares it and will not leave it; yea, keeps it still in his mouth;
14 yet his food in his belly shall be turned; the gall of asps is within him.
15 He swallows riches, but vomits it; God shall cast them out of his belly.
16 He shall suck the poison of asps; the viper's tongue shall slay him.
17 He shall not see the rivers, the flowings of the brooks of honey and butter,
18 giving back his gain, and he will not eat. As to the wealth of his trading, even he shall not enjoy it.
19 For he pressed down and forsook the poor; he stole a house, but he had not built it.
20 Surely he shall not know quietness in his belly; he will not escape with the things of desire.
21 None of his food shall be left; therefore his good will not last.
22 In the fullness of his plenty he shall be in trouble; every wretched one shall come on him.
23 It shall happen at the filling of his belly, God shall cast the fury of His wrath on him, and He shall rain on him while he is eating.
24 He shall flee from the iron weapon, a bow of bronze shall pierce him.
25 One draws it, and treads it from behind, even lightning from his gall; terror is on him.
26 All darkness shall be hidden in his secret places; a fire not blown shall consume him; those left in his tent shall be broken.
27 The heavens shall reveal his iniquity, and the earth rise up against him.
28 The increase of his house shall depart, and shall flow away in the day of his wrath.
29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the inheritance of his word from God.
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.