« | Job 22 | » |
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:
2 "Can a man be profitable to God, Though he who is wise may be profitable to himself?
3 [Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or [is it] gain [to Him] that you make your ways blameless?
4 "Is it because of your fear of Him that He corrects you, And enters into judgment with you?
5 [Is] not your wickedness great, And your iniquity without end?
6 For you have taken pledges from your brother for no reason, And stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 You have not given the weary water to drink, And you have withheld bread from the hungry.
8 But the mighty man possessed the land, And the honorable man dwelt in it.
9 You have sent widows away empty, And the strength of the fatherless was crushed.
10 Therefore snares [are] all around you, And sudden fear troubles you,
11 Or darkness [so that] you cannot see; And an abundance of water covers you.
12 "Is not God in the height of heaven? And see the highest stars, how lofty they are!
13 And you say, 'What does God know? Can He judge through the deep darkness?
14 Thick clouds cover Him, so that He cannot see, And He walks above the circle of heaven.'
15 Will you keep to the old way Which wicked men have trod,
16 Who were cut down before their time, Whose foundations were swept away by a flood?
17 They said to God, 'Depart from us! What can the Almighty do to them?'
18 Yet He filled their houses with good [things;] But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19 "The righteous see [it] and are glad, And the innocent laugh at them:
20 'Surely our adversaries are cut down, And the fire consumes their remnant.'
21 " Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.
22 Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, And lay up His words in your heart.
23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up; You will remove iniquity far from your tents.
24 Then you will lay your gold in the dust, And the [gold] of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.
25 Yes, the Almighty will be your gold And your precious silver;
26 For then you will have your delight in the Almighty, And lift up your face to God.
27 You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you, And you will pay your vows.
28 You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways.
29 When they cast [you] down, and you say, 'Exaltation [will come!'] Then He will save the humble [person.]
30 He will [even] deliver one who is not innocent; Yes, he will be delivered by the purity of your hands."
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.