« | Job 20 | » |
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 "Therefore my anxious thoughts make me answer, Because of the turmoil within me.
3 I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.
4 "Do you [not] know this of old, Since man was placed on earth,
5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is [but] for a moment?
6 Though his haughtiness mounts up to the heavens, And his head reaches to the clouds,
7 [Yet] he will perish forever like his own refuse; Those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?'
8 He will fly away like a dream, and not be found; Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night.
9 The eye [that] saw him will [see him] no more, Nor will his place behold him anymore.
10 His children will seek the favor of the poor, And his hands will restore his wealth.
11 His bones are full of his youthful vigor, But it will lie down with him in the dust.
12 "Though evil is sweet in his mouth, [And] he hides it under his tongue,
13 [Though] he spares it and does not forsake it, But still keeps it in his mouth,
14 [Yet] his food in his stomach turns sour; It becomes cobra venom within him.
15 He swallows down riches And vomits them up again; God casts them out of his belly.
16 He will suck the poison of cobras; The viper's tongue will slay him.
17 He will not see the streams, The rivers flowing with honey and cream.
18 He will restore that for which he labored, And will not swallow [it] down; From the proceeds of business He will get no enjoyment.
19 For he has oppressed [and] forsaken the poor, He has violently seized a house which he did not build.
20 "Because he knows no quietness in his heart, He will not save anything he desires.
21 Nothing is left for him to eat; Therefore his well-being will not last.
22 In his self-sufficiency he will be in distress; Every hand of misery will come against him.
23 [When] he is about to fill his stomach, [God] will cast on him the fury of His wrath, And will rain [it] on him while he is eating.
24 He will flee from the iron weapon; A bronze bow will pierce him through.
25 It is drawn, and comes out of the body; Yes, the glittering [point comes] out of his gall. Terrors [come] upon him;
26 Total darkness [is] reserved for his treasures. An unfanned fire will consume him; It shall go ill with him who is left in his tent.
27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity, And the earth will rise up against him.
28 The increase of his house will depart, [And his goods] will flow away in the day of His wrath.
29 This [is] the portion from God for a wicked man, The heritage appointed to him by 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.