« | Psalm 25 | » |
1 A Psalm of David. To You, O Jehovah, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in You; do not let me be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me.
3 Yea, let none who wait on You be ashamed; let them be ashamed who sin without cause.
4 Make me know Your ways, O Jehovah; teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth, and teach me; for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day long.
6 Remember, O Jehovah, Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindnesses; for they are from eternity.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, or my rebellings; according to Your mercy remember me for Your goodness' sake, O Jehovah.
8 Good and upright is Jehovah; therefore He will teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek He will guide in judgment; and the meek He will teach His way.
10 All the paths of Jehovah are mercy and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For Your name's sake, O Jehovah, pardon my iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he who fears Jehovah? He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of Jehovah is with those who fear Him; and He will show them His covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward Jehovah; for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am wasted and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.
19 Look on my enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
21 Let purity and uprightness keep me; for I wait on You.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
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.