« | Psalm 135 | » |
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD; Praise [Him,] O you servants of the LORD!
2 You who stand in the house of the LORD, In the courts of the house of our God,
3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD [is] good; Sing praises to His name, for [it is] pleasant.
4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure.
5 For I know that the LORD [is] great, And our Lord [is] above all gods.
6 Whatever the LORD pleases He does, In heaven and in earth, In the seas and in all deep places.
7 He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries.
8 He destroyed the firstborn of Egypt, Both of man and beast.
9 He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
10 He defeated many nations And slew mighty kings --
11 Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, And all the kingdoms of Canaan --
12 And gave their land [as] a heritage, A heritage to Israel His people.
13 Your name, O LORD, [endures] forever, Your fame, O LORD, throughout all generations.
14 For the LORD will judge His people, And He will have compassion 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; Eyes they have, but they do not see;
17 They have ears, but they do not hear; Nor is there [any] breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them are like them; [So is] everyone who trusts in them.
19 Bless the LORD, O house of Israel! Bless the LORD, O house of Aaron!
20 Bless the LORD, O house of Levi! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.