« | Psalm 103 | » |
1 A Psalm of David. Bless Jehovah, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless Jehovah, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits;
3 who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases;
4 who redeems your life from ruin; who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies;
5 who satisfies your mouth with good; your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 Jehovah works righteousness and judgment for all who are pressed down.
7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel.
8 Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and rich in mercy.
9 He will not always chasten, nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so is His mercy toward those who fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children, Jehovah pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our form; He remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone; and its place shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness is to sons of sons;
18 to those who keep His covenant, and to those who remember to do His Commandments.
19 Jehovah has prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless Jehovah, O angels of His, who excel in strength, who do His command, listening to the voice of His Word.
21 Bless Jehovah, all His hosts, ministers of His who do His pleasure.
22 Bless Jehovah, all His works in all places of His rule; bless Jehovah, O my soul.
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.