« | Psalm 140 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men,
2 Who plan evil things in [their] hearts; They continually gather together [for] war.
3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps [is] under their lips. Selah
4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, Who have purposed to make my steps stumble.
5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set traps for me. Selah
6 I said to the LORD: "You [are] my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his [wicked] scheme, [Lest] they be exalted. Selah
9 "[As for] the head of those who surround me, Let the evil of their lips cover them;
10 Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, Into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
11 Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow [him."]
12 I know that the LORD will maintain The cause of the afflicted, [And] justice for the poor.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.
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.