« | Psalm 140 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O Jehovah, from the evil man; keep me from the violent man,
2 who devised evil things in the heart; they are always gathered for war.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
4 O Jehovah, keep me from the hands of the wicked; keep me from the violent man who purposed to trip up my steps.
5 The proud have hidden cords and a trap for me; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set snares for me. Selah.
6 I said to Jehovah, You are my God; O Jehovah, hear the voice of my prayers.
7 O Lord Jehovah, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 O Jehovah, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not help his wicked plans, lest they praise themselves. Selah.
9 As for the head of those around me, let the evil of their own lips cover them.
10 Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, so that they do not rise up again.
11 Do not let an evil speaker be established in the earth; evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12 I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.