« | Psalm 147 | » |
1 Praise Jehovah; for it is good to sing praises to our God; for praise is delightful and becoming.
2 Jehovah builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds.
4 He appoints the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.
5 Great is our LORD, and of great power; There is no limit to His understanding.
6 Jehovah lifts up the meek; He throws the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing to Jehovah with thanksgiving; sing praise on the harp to our God,
8 who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
9 He gives the beasts their food, and to the young ravens which cry.
10 He delights not in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 Jehovah takes pleasure in those who fear Him, who hope in His mercy.
12 Praise Jehovah, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion.
13 For He has made the bars of your gates strong; He has blessed your sons within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders and fills you with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sends forth His Commandment on earth; His Word runs very swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the hoarfrost like ashes.
17 He casts forth His ice like crumbs; who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His Word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.
19 He shows His Word to Jacob, His Precepts and His judgments to Israel.
20 He has not done so with any nation; and they have not known His judgments. Praise Jehovah!
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.