« | Psalm 143 | » |
1 A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer O Jehovah; give ear to my supplications; in Your faithfulness and in Your righteousness answer me.
2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is just.
3 For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has beaten my life down to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, as those long dead.
4 And my spirit has fainted within me; my heart has become weary within me.
5 I remember the days of old; I think on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I stretch forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land. Selah.
7 Hear me quickly, O Jehovah; my spirit fails; do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the Pit.
8 Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I do trust in You; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.
9 Deliver me, O Jehovah, from my enemies; I flee to You to hide me.
10 Teach me to do Your will; for You are my God; Your Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
11 O Jehovah, for Your name's sake enliven me; for Your righteousness' sake, bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And out of Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.