« | Job 6 | » |
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 "Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales!
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea -- Therefore my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty [are] within me; My spirit drinks in their poison; The terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass, Or does the ox low over its fodder?
6 Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there [any] taste in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch them; They [are] as loathsome food to me.
8 " Oh, that I might have my request, That God would grant [me] the thing that I long for!
9 That it would please God to crush me, That He would loose His hand and cut me off!
10 Then I would still have comfort; Though in anguish, I would exult, He will not spare; For I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
11 "What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what [is] my end, that I should prolong my life?
12 [Is] my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh bronze?
13 [Is] my help not within me? And is success driven from me?
14 " To him who is afflicted, kindness [should be shown] by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook, Like the streams of the brooks that pass away,
16 Which are dark because of the ice, [And] into which the snow vanishes.
17 When it is warm, they cease to flow; When it is hot, they vanish from their place.
18 The paths of their way turn aside, They go nowhere and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema look, The travelers of Sheba hope for them.
20 They are disappointed because they were confident; They come there and are confused.
21 For now you are nothing, You see terror and are afraid.
22 Did I ever say, 'Bring [something] to me'? Or, 'Offer a bribe for me from your wealth'?
23 Or, 'Deliver me from the enemy's hand'? Or, 'Redeem me from the hand of oppressors'?
24 " Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
25 How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove?
26 Do you intend to rebuke [my] words, And the speeches of a desperate one, [which are] as wind?
27 Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, And you undermine your friend.
28 Now therefore, be pleased to look at me; For I would never lie to your face.
29 Yield now, let there be no injustice! Yes, concede, my righteousness still stands!
30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern the unsavory?
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.