« | Job 27 | » |
1 Moreover Job continued his discourse, and said:
2 "[As] God lives, [who] has taken away my justice, And the Almighty, [who] has made my soul bitter,
3 As long as my breath [is] in me, And the breath of God in my nostrils,
4 My lips will not speak wickedness, Nor my tongue utter deceit.
5 Far be it from me That I should say you are right; Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.
6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; My heart shall not reproach [me] as long as I live.
7 "May my enemy be like the wicked, And he who rises up against me like the unrighteous.
8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, Though he may gain [much,] If God takes away his life?
9 Will God hear his cry When trouble comes upon him?
10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call on God?
11 "I will teach you about the hand of God; What [is] with the Almighty I will not conceal.
12 Surely all of you have seen [it;] Why then do you behave with complete nonsense?
13 " This is the portion of a wicked man with God, And the heritage of oppressors, received from the Almighty:
14 If his children are multiplied, [it is] for the sword; And his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.
15 Those who survive him shall be buried in death, And their widows shall not weep,
16 Though he heaps up silver like dust, And piles up clothing like clay --
17 He may pile [it] up, but the just will wear [it,] And the innocent will divide the silver.
18 He builds his house like a moth, Like a booth [which] a watchman makes.
19 The rich man will lie down, But not be gathered [up;] He opens his eyes, And he [is] no more.
20 Terrors overtake him like a flood; A tempest steals him away in the night.
21 The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; It sweeps him out of his place.
22 It hurls against him and does not spare; He flees desperately from its power.
23 [Men] shall clap their hands at him, And shall hiss him out of his place.
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.