« | Psalm 116 | » |
1 I love Jehovah because He hears my voice and my prayers.
2 Because He has bowed down His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him in my days.
3 The sorrows of death hemmed me in, and the pains of hell took hold on me; I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of Jehovah; O Jehovah, I beseech You, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is Jehovah, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 Jehovah keeps the simple; I was brought low, and He helped me.
7 Return to your rest, O my soul; for Jehovah has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before Jehovah in the land of the living.
10 I believed, therefore I have spoken; I was greatly afflicted;
11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
12 What shall I give to Jehovah for all His benefits toward me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of Jehovah.
14 I will pay my vows to Jehovah now in the presence of all His people.
15 Precious in the sight of Jehovah is the death of His saints.
16 O Jehovah, 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 Jehovah.
18 I will pay my vows to Jehovah now in the presence of all His people,
19 in the courts of Jehovah's house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. 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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.