« | Job 4 | » |
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:
2 "[If] one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking?
3 Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands.
4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees;
5 But now it comes upon you, and you are weary; It touches you, and you are troubled.
6 [Is] not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope?
7 "Remember now, who [ever] perished being innocent? Or where were the upright [ever] cut off?
8 Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity And sow trouble reap the same.
9 By the blast of God they perish, And by the breath of His anger they are consumed.
10 The roaring of the lion, The voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions are broken.
11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey, And the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
12 " Now a word was secretly brought to me, And my ear received a whisper of it.
13 In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falls on men,
14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones shake.
15 Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair on my body stood up.
16 It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form [was] before my eyes; [There was] silence; Then I heard a voice [saying:]
17 'Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?
18 If He puts no trust in His servants, [If] He charges His angels with error,
19 How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, Whose foundation is in the dust, [Who] are crushed before a moth?
20 They are broken in pieces from morning till evening; They perish forever, with no one regarding.
21 Does not their own excellence go away? They die, even without wisdom.'
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.