« | Psalm 115 | » |
1 Not to us, O Jehovah, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for Your mercy and for Your truth's sake.
2 Why should the nations say, Where now is their God?
3 But our God is in Heaven; He has done whatever He has pleased.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; they have eyes, but they do not see;
6 they have ears, but they do not hear; they have noses, but they do not smell;
7 they have hands, but they do not handle; they have feet, but they do not walk; they do not mutter through their throat.
8 The ones who make them are like them, and everyone who trusts in them.
9 O Israel, trust in Jehovah; He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in Jehovah; He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah; He is their help and their shield.
12 Jehovah has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless those who fear Jehovah, both small and great.
14 Jehovah shall add on to you, even on you and on your sons.
15 You are blessed of Jehovah who made the heavens and the earth.
16 The heavens, even the heavens, are Jehovah's; but the earth He has given to the sons of men.
17 The dead do not praise Jehovah, nor do any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless Jehovah from this time forth and forevermore. Praise Jehovah!
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.