« | Job 21 | » |
1 And Job answered and said,
2 Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your comfort.
3 Rise with me and I shall speak; and after I have spoken, mock on.
4 As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should my spirit not be troubled?
5 Turn to me and be amazed, and lay your hand on your mouth.
6 And if I remember, I am afraid, and trembling takes hold on my flesh.
7 Why do the wicked live? They grow old and become mighty in power.
8 Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
9 Their houses are in peace, without fear; nor is the rod of God on them.
10 Their bull mates and does not fail; their cow calves, and does not cast her calf.
11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.
12 They lift up voice at the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the flute.
13 They spend their days in good, and in a moment go down to the grave.
14 And they say to God, Depart from us; for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways;
15 what is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have if we pray to Him?
16 Behold, their good is not in their hand; the wisdom of the wicked is far from me.
17 How often is the lamp of the wicked put out, and their trouble comes on them! He shares out pains in His anger;
18 they are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm steals away.
19 God lays up his iniquity for his children. He repays him, and he knows.
20 His eyes shall see his ruin, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21 For what is his pleasure in his house after him, and the number of his months is cut off?
22 Shall any teach God knowledge, since He shall judge the exalted?
23 One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.
24 His sides are full of milk, his bones are wet with marrow.
25 And another dies with bitter soul, and never eats with pleasure.
26 They lie down together in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the plots which you wrongfully hatch against me.
28 For you say, Where is the house of the noble, and where the dwelling-places of the wicked?
29 Did you not ask those who go by the way? And do you not know their signs,
30 that the wicked is kept for the day of calamity? They shall be brought to the day of wrath.
31 Who shall declare his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he has done?
32 Yet he shall be brought to the grave, and watch shall be kept over his tomb.
33 And the clods of the valley shall be sweet to him and every man shall draw after him, as there is no numbering of those before him.
34 How then do you comfort me in vain? Yea, in your answers remains transgression.
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.