« | Psalm 21 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
2 You have given him his heart's desire, And have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah
3 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
4 He asked life from You, [and] You gave [it] to him -- Length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory [is] great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
6 For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD, And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.
8 Your hand will find all Your enemies; Your right hand will find those who hate You.
9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; The LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath, And the fire shall devour them.
10 Their offspring You shall destroy from the earth, And their descendants from among the sons of men.
11 For they intended evil against You; They devised a plot [which] they are not able [to perform.]
12 Therefore You will make them turn their back; You will make ready [Your arrows] on Your string toward their faces.
13 Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.