« | Job 8 | » |
1 And Bildad the Shuhite answered and said,
2 How long will you speak these things, since the words of your mouth are like a strong wind?
3 Does God pervert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice?
4 If your sons have sinned against Him, and if He has cast them away for their transgression,
5 if you would seek earnestly to God and make your prayer to the Almighty;
6 if you were pure and upright, surely now He would awake for you, and make the dwelling-place of your righteousness blessed.
7 And if your beginning was small, yet your end would greatly increase.
8 For please ask of the former age, and prepare yourself to the search of their fathers,
9 for we are but of yesterday and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.
10 Shall they not teach you, and tell you, and speak words out of their heart?
11 Can the rush grow up without mire? Can the reed-grass grow without water?
12 While it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it dries out before any other herb.
13 So are the paths of all who forget God; and the hope of the ungodly shall perish.
14 His hope shall be cut off, and his trust shall be in a spider's web.
15 He shall lean on his house, but it shall not stand; he shall hold fast to it, but it shall not endure.
16 He is moist before the sun, and his branches shoot forth in his garden.
17 His roots are wrapped around the heap, and he sees the place of stones.
18 If he is destroyed from his place, then it shall deny him: I have not seen you.
19 Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow.
20 Behold, God will not cast away the innocent, nor will He help the evildoers,
21 until He fills your mouth with laughter, and your lips with rejoicing.
22 Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame; and the tent of the wicked shall be no more.
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.