« | Psalm 34 | » |
1 A Psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless Jehovah at all times; His praise always shall be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in Jehovah; the humble shall hear and be glad.
3 O magnify Jehovah with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought Jehovah, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him, and were filled with light; and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and Jehovah heard, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The Angel of Jehovah camps round about those who fear Him, and delivers them.
8 Taste and see that Jehovah is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.
9 O fear Jehovah, His holy ones; for there is nothing lacking to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack, and suffer hunger; but those who seek Jehovah shall not lack any good thing.
11 Come, listen to me, my sons; I will teach you the fear of Jehovah.
12 Who is the man that desires life, and loves days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of Jehovah is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and Jehovah hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 Jehovah is near to the broken-hearted; and saves those who are of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Jehovah delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous shall be held guilty.
22 Jehovah redeems the soul of His servants; and none of them who trust in Him shall be guilty.
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.