Philemon 1 |
1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon the beloved and fellow laborer,
2 and to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house.
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
6 that the fellowship of your faith may operate in a full knowledge of every good thing in you in Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and consolation over your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
8 Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to enjoin you to do the fitting thing;
9 rather through love I entreat, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10 I entreat you for my child Onesimus, whom I have fathered in my bonds,
11 he who was once worthless to you, but now useful to you and to me; whom I sent back to you.
12 Even receive him, that is, my own heart,
13 whom I resolved to retain with myself, so that for you he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel.
14 But without your consent I was willing to do nothing, that your good should not be of necessity, but willingly.
15 For perhaps because of this he was separated from you for an hour, that you should receive him eternally,
16 not now as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you have me as a partner, receive him as me.
18 If he has wronged you or owes you in anything, put that on my account.
19 I, Paul, wrote it with my own hand; I will repay, that I do not say to you that you owe even yourself to me also.
20 Yes, brother, that I may have your help in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Trusting to your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
22 But at once prepare lodging for me, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 and also Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-laborers.
25 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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.