« | Psalm 21 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The king shall rejoice in Your strength, O Jehovah; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
2 You have given him his heart's desire, and have not withheld the prayer of his lips. Selah.
3 For You go before him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold on his head.
4 He asked life from You; You give to him length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great in Your salvation; honor and majesty You have laid on him.
6 For You have made him most blessed forever; You have rejoiced him in the gladness in Your holy face.
7 For the king trusts in Jehovah, and in the mercy of the Most High; he shall not be moved.
8 Your hand shall find out all Your enemies; Your right hand shall find out those who hate You.
9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your presence; Jehovah will swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
10 Their fruit shall You destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the sons of men.
11 For they intended evil against You; they imagined a wicked thing; they are not able to prevail.
12 For You shall make them turn the back; You shall make ready Your arrows on Your strings against their faces.
13 Be exalted, O Jehovah, in Your strength; we will sing, and praise Your power.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.