« | Job 8 | » |
1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
2 "How long will you speak these [things,] And the words of your mouth [be like] a strong wind?
3 Does God subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice?
4 If your sons have sinned against Him, He has cast them away for their transgression.
5 If you would earnestly seek God And make your supplication to the Almighty,
6 If you [were] pure and upright, Surely now He would awake for you, And prosper your rightful dwelling place.
7 Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would increase abundantly.
8 "For inquire, please, of the former age, And consider the things discovered by their fathers;
9 For we [were born] yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days on earth [are] a shadow.
10 Will they not teach you and tell you, And utter words from their heart?
11 " Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the reeds flourish without water?
12 While it [is] yet green [and] not cut down, It withers before any [other] plant.
13 So [are] the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the hypocrite shall perish,
14 Whose confidence shall be cut off, And whose trust [is] a spider's web.
15 He leans on his house, but it does not stand. He holds it fast, but it does not endure.
16 He grows green in the sun, And his branches spread out in his garden.
17 His roots wrap around the rock heap, [And] look for a place in the stones.
18 If he is destroyed from his place, Then [it] will deny him, [saying,] 'I have not seen you.'
19 " Behold, this is the joy of His way, And out of the earth others will grow.
20 Behold, God will not cast away the blameless, Nor will He uphold the evildoers.
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, And your lips with rejoicing.
22 Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, And the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nothing."
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.