« | Psalm 116 | » |
1 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he has inclined his ear to me, therefore will I call on him as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell got hold on me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I on the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech you, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful.
6 The LORD preserves the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return to your rest, O my soul; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, and the son of your handmaid: you have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
19 In the courts of the LORD's house, in the middle of you, O Jerusalem. Praise you the LORD.
The American King James Version (AKJV)
The American King James Version (AKJV) is a modernized adaptation of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, which seeks to retain the majesty and accuracy of the original text while updating some of the archaic language to make it more accessible to contemporary readers. The AKJV was created by Michael Peter (Stone) Engelbrite in the late 20th century, aiming to preserve the classic beauty and literary excellence of the KJV while ensuring that the scripture remains comprehensible to modern audiences. Michael Peter (Stone) Engelbrite of True Grace Ministries, claims his version is a simple word for word update from the King James English.
This translation adheres closely to the text and structure of the KJV, making only minimal changes where necessary to update outdated terms and phrases. One of the significant features of the AKJV is its commitment to maintaining the same verse structure and traditional phrasing that has made the KJV so enduringly popular. By making modest updates to the language, such as replacing thee and thou with you and your, the AKJV provides a version of the Bible that feels familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV, while being more approachable for new readers. This careful balance allows the AKJV to honor the historical and literary legacy of the KJV while meeting the linguistic needs of readers of today.
The AKJV also seeks to remain faithful to the doctrinal and theological foundations of the KJV. By preserving the original text's meaning and intent, the AKJV provides a reliable translation for study, worship, and personal devotion. Its adherence to the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament ensures that the translation remains consistent with the sources that have historically underpinned the KJV. This fidelity to the original manuscripts and theological perspectives of the KJV helps maintain the trust and respect that many readers have for this venerable translation.
Despite its strengths, the AKJV has not been without its criticisms. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation does not go far enough in updating the language, leaving certain passages still challenging for modern audiences. Others feel that any alteration to the KJV diminishes its historical and literary significance. Nonetheless, the AKJV remains a valuable resource for those who seek a Bible translation that bridges the gap between the time-honored KJV and the needs of contemporary readers, offering a version that is both reverent and readable.