« | Psalm 144 | » |
1 A Psalm of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, [And] my fingers for battle --
2 My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and [the One] in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.
3 LORD, what [is] man, that You take knowledge of him? [Or] the son of man, that You are mindful of him?
4 Man is like a breath; His days [are] like a passing shadow.
5 Bow down Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6 Flash forth lightning and scatter them; Shoot out Your arrows and destroy them.
7 Stretch out Your hand from above; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters, From the hand of foreigners,
8 Whose mouth speaks vain words, And whose right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood.
9 I will sing a new song to You, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,
10 [The One] who gives salvation to kings, Who delivers David His servant From the deadly sword.
11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, Whose mouth speaks lying words, And whose right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood --
12 That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [That] our daughters [may be] as pillars, Sculptured in palace style;
13 [That] our barns [may be] full, Supplying all kinds of produce; [That] our sheep may bring forth thousands And ten thousands in our fields;
14 [That] our oxen [may be] well-laden; [That there be] no breaking in or going out; [That there be] no outcry in our streets.
15 Happy [are] the people who are in such a state; Happy [are] the people whose God [is] the LORD!
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.