« | Psalm 33 | » |
1 Rejoice in Jehovah, O righteous ones; praise is becoming for the upright.
2 Praise Jehovah with lyre; sing to Him with a harp of ten strings.
3 Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with shouts of joy.
4 For the Word of Jehovah is right; and all His works are in truth.
5 He loves righteousness and judgment; the earth is full of the mercy of Jehovah.
6 By the Word of Jehovah were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
7 He gathered the waters of the sea like a heap, setting the depths in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear Jehovah; let all the people of the world stand in awe of Him.
9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood.
10 Jehovah brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He breaks the plots of the people.
11 The counsel of Jehovah stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah; the people He has chosen for His inheritance.
13 Jehovah looks down from Heaven; He beholds all the sons of mankind.
14 From His dwelling place He looks on all the people of the earth.
15 Together He forms their hearts; His understanding is to all their works.
16 The king is not saved by a great army; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 A horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of Jehovah is to those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy;
19 to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for Jehovah; He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your mercy, O Jehovah, be on us, according as we hope in You.
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.