« | Psalm 135 | » |
1 Praise Jehovah! Praise the name of Jehovah; praise Him, servants of Jehovah.
2 Those who stand in the house of Jehovah, in the courts of the house of our God,
3 praise Jehovah; for Jehovah is good; sing praises to His name, for it is full of delight.
4 For Jehovah has chosen Jacob to Himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure.
5 For I know that Jehovah is great, and our LORD is above all gods.
6 Every thing Jehovah pleased, He did in the heavens and in earth, and in the seas and all deep places.
7 He causes the vapors to rise from the end of the earth; He makes lightnings for the rain; He brings wind out of His storehouses.
8 He who struck the first-born of Egypt, both of man and animal;
9 who sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, on Pharaoh and on all his servants;
10 who struck great nations and killed mighty kings,
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12 and gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to Israel His people.
13 Your name, O Jehovah, endures forever, and Your memorial, O Jehovah, throughout all generations.
14 For Jehovah will judge His people, and He will have pity on His servants.
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
16 They have mouths, but they do not speak; they have eyes, but they do not see;
17 they have ears, but they do not hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them are like them, everyone who trusts in them.
19 Bless Jehovah, O house of Israel; bless Jehovah, O house of Aaron;
20 bless Jehovah, O house of Levi; you who fear Jehovah, bless Jehovah.
21 Blessed is Jehovah out of Zion, who dwells at 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.