« | Psalm 139 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O Jehovah, You have searched me and have known me.
2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
3 You search my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Jehovah, You know it altogether.
5 You have closed me in behind and in front, and laid Your hand on me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot go up to it.
7 Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence?
8 If I go up into Heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the furthest parts of the sea;
10 even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light around me.
12 Yea, the darkness does not hide from You; but the night shines as the day; as is the darkness, so is the light to You.
13 For You have possessed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are marvelous and my soul knows it very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skillfully formed in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my embryo; and in Your book all my members were written, the days they were formed, and not one was among them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You.
19 Surely You will slay the wicked, O God; and bloody men, depart from me.
20 Who will speak against You maliciously? Your enemies are lifted up with vanity.
21 O Jehovah, do I not hate those who hate You? And am I not grieved with those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts,
24 and see if any wicked way is in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.
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.