« | Job 26 | » |
1 But Job answered and said,
2 How have you helped the powerless, or saved the arm that has no strength?
3 How have you advised those not wise, or fully declared wise plans?
4 To whom have you spoken words? And whose spirit came from you?
5 The departed spirits tremble under the waters, and those who dwell in them.
6 Hell is naked before Him, and the Pit has no covering.
7 He stretches out the north over the empty place, and He hung the earth on nothing.
8 He binds up the waters in His thick clouds; and the cloud is not torn under them.
9 He covers the face of His throne, spreading His cloud on it.
10 He has described a circle on the surface of the waters to the boundary of light with darkness.
11 The pillars of the heavens tremble and are astonished at His rebuke.
12 He quiets the sea with His power, and by His understanding He shatters the proud.
13 By His Spirit the heavens were beautiful; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
14 Lo, these are the edges of His ways; but what a whisper of a word we hear of Him! And the thunder of His power who can understand?
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.