« | Psalm 16 | » |
1 A Secret Treasure of David. Watch over me, O God; for in You do I put my trust.
2 Oh my soul, you have said to Jehovah, You are my Lord; I have no goodness apart from You.
3 As to the saints in the earth, they are the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who run after another god. I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood; and I will not take their names on my lips.
5 Jehovah is the portion of my inheritance, and of my cup; You shall uphold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I will bless Jehovah, who has given me wisdom; my heart also instructs me in the nights.
8 I have set Jehovah always before Me; because He is at My right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices; My flesh also shall rest in hope;
10 For You will not leave My soul in hell; You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will make Me know the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joys. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.