« | Job 35 | » |
1 And Elihu answered and said,
2 Do you think this to be right, you that say, I am more just than God?
3 For you say, What will it benefit you? And, What good shall I have more than if I had sinned?
4 I will answer your words, and your friends with you.
5 Look to the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds; they are higher than you.
6 If you sin, what do you do against Him? Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness may hurt a man like yourself; and your righteousness may profit the son of man.
9 From the host of tyrannies they cry out; they cry out because of the arm of the multitude.
10 But none says, Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night;
11 who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?
12 There they cry, but He gives no answer, because of the pride of evildoers.
13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty look on it.
14 How much less when you say you do not see Him! Judgment is before Him; you are waiting for Him.
15 And now, because His anger has not visited, and He does not recognize stupidity,
16 even Job opens his mouth in vanity; he multiplies words without knowledge.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.