« | Psalm 136 | » |
1 O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.
2 O give thanks to the God of gods: for his mercy endures for ever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endures for ever.
4 To him who alone does great wonders: for his mercy endures for ever.
5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endures for ever.
6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endures for ever.
7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endures for ever:
8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endures for ever:
9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endures for ever.
10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endures for ever:
11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endures for ever:
12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endures for ever.
13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endures for ever:
14 And made Israel to pass through the middle of it: for his mercy endures for ever:
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endures for ever.
16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endures for ever.
17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endures for ever:
18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endures for ever:
19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endures for ever:
20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endures for ever:
21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endures for ever:
22 Even an heritage to Israel his servant: for his mercy endures for ever.
23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endures for ever:
24 And has redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endures for ever.
25 Who gives food to all flesh: for his mercy endures for ever.
26 O give thanks to the God of heaven: for his mercy endures for ever.
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.