« | Psalm 148 | » |
1 Praise Jehovah! Praise Jehovah from the heavens; praise Him in the heights.
2 Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts.
3 Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all stars of light.
4 Praise Him, heavens of heavens, and waters that are above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of Jehovah; for He commanded, and they were created.
6 He has also settled them forever and ever; He has made a decree which shall not pass away.
7 Let praise be to Jehovah from the earth, the sea-monsters, and all deeps;
8 fire and hail, snow and vapor, stormy wind fulfilling His Word,
9 mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars,
10 beasts and all cattle, creeping things and birds of the wing,
11 kings of the earth and all people, princes and all judges of the earth,
12 both young men and maidens, old men and children;
13 let them praise the name of Jehovah; for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heavens.
14 He also lifts up the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints, even of the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. 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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.