« | Job 35 | » |
1 Moreover Elihu answered and said:
2 "Do you think this is right? Do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's'?
3 For you say, 'What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than [if] I had sinned?'
4 " I will answer you, And your companions 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 accomplish 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 affects a man such as you, And your righteousness a son of man.
9 "Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; They cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty.
10 But no one says, 'Where [is] God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night,
11 Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, And makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?'
12 There they cry out, but He does not answer, Because of the pride of evil men.
13 Surely God will not listen to empty [talk,] Nor will the Almighty regard it.
14 Although you say you do not see Him, [Yet] justice [is] before Him, and you must wait for Him.
15 And now, because He has not punished in His anger, Nor taken much notice of folly,
16 Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain; He multiplies words without knowledge."
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.