« | Job 33 | » |
1 However, Job, please hear my speeches, and listen to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue has spoken in my mouth,
3 my words shall be from my upright heart, and my lips will clearly speak knowledge.
4 The Spirit of God made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5 If you can, answer me; set yourself in order before me, stand up.
6 Behold, I am toward God even as you are; I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, and my burden shall not be heavy on you.
8 Surely you have spoken in my ears, and I have heard the sound of your words.
9 You said, I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and no iniquity is in me;
10 behold, He finds reasons to be against me, He counts me for His enemy;
11 He puts my feet in the stocks; He marks all my paths.
12 Behold, in this you are not right; I will answer you, for God is greater than man.
13 Why do you fight against Him? For He does not give account for any of His matters.
14 For God speaks once, yea, twice, but not one takes notice.
15 In a dream, a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men; while they slumber on the bed;
16 then He opens the ear of men and seals their teaching,
17 so that He may turn man from his act, that He might hide pride from man.
18 He keeps back his soul from the Pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
19 He is also chastened with pain on his bed, and enduring strife in his bones;
20 so that his life is sick of bread, and his soul desirable food.
21 His flesh wastes away, not seen; and his bones laid bare; they were not seen.
22 Yea, his soul draws near to the Pit, and his life to the dealers of death.
23 If there is a messenger for him, a mediator, one among a thousand, to declare for man his uprightness,
24 then He is gracious to him and says, Deliver him from going down to the Pit; for I have found a ransom.
25 His flesh shall be fresher than in vigor; he shall return to the days of his youth;
26 he shall pray to God, and He will be gracious to him; and he shall see His face with joy, for He will restore to man his righteousness.
27 He will observe to men, and say, I have sinned and perverted righteousness; and it was not equally repaid to me,
28 He has redeemed my soul from passing over into the Pit, and my life shall see the light.
29 Lo, all these things God does two or three times with a man,
30 to bring back his soul from the Pit, to be lighted with the light of the living.
31 Hear this, Job, listen to me; be silent and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.
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.