« | Job 23 | » |
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 "Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning.
3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, [That] I might come to His seat!
4 I would present [my] case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words [which] He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me.
6 Would He contend with me in His great power? No! But He would take [note] of me.
7 There the upright could reason with Him, And I would be delivered forever from my Judge.
8 "Look, I go forward, but He is not [there,] And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold [Him;] When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see [Him.]
10 But He knows the way that I take; [When] He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.
12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary [food.]
13 "But He [is] unique, and who can make Him change? And [whatever] His soul desires, [that] He does.
14 For He performs [what is] appointed for me, And many such [things are] with Him.
15 Therefore I am terrified at His presence; When I consider [this,] I am afraid of Him.
16 For God made my heart weak, And the Almighty terrifies me;
17 Because I was not cut off from the presence of darkness, And He did [not] hide deep darkness from my face.
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.