« | Psalm 17 | » |
1 A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O Jehovah; listen to my cry; Give ear to my prayer, for it is not in lips of deceit.
2 Let my judgment go out from Your presence; let Your eyes behold uprightly.
3 You have proved my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me, and You will find nothing; my thoughts do not pass beyond my mouth.
4 Concerning the works of men, by the Words of Your lips, I am kept from the paths of the destroyer.
5 My steps have been held in Your paths, so that my footsteps have not slipped.
6 I have called on You, for You will hear me, O God; bow down Your ear to me; hear my speech.
7 Set out Your wonderful loving-kindness, O Savior of those seeking refuge in You, by Your right hand, from those who rise up against me.
8 Keep me as the pupil, the daughter of the eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
9 from the face of the wicked who strip me. Those against my soul, My foes, encircle me.
10 They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak proudly,
11 they have now hemmed in our steps, they have set their eyes to bow me to the earth,
12 their likeness is like a lion that longs to tear, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, O Jehovah, disappoint him, bow him down; deliver my soul from the wicked by Your sword,
14 from men by Your hand, O Jehovah, from men of the world whose portion is in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your treasure. They are satisfied with sons, and will leave their riches to their babes.
15 As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with Your image.
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.