« | Psalm 35 | » |
1 A Psalm of David. Strive, O Jehovah, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take hold of a shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.
3 Also draw out the spear and the lance against those who pursue me; say to my soul, I am your salvation.
4 Let them be humbled and put to shame, those who seek after my soul; let them be turned back and be brought to blushing, those who plot evil to me.
5 Let them be as chaff before the wind; and let the Angel of Jehovah drive them away.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery; and let the Angel of Jehovah pursue them.
7 For without cause they have spread their net for me in a pit-net; without cause they have dug for my soul.
8 Let destruction come upon him, he will not know; and let his net which he has concealed catch him, let him fall in it, into destruction.
9 And my soul shall be joyful in Jehovah; it shall rejoice in His salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, O Jehovah, who is like You, who delivers the poor from those stronger than he; yea, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?
11 Cruel witnesses rose up; they asked of me that which I never knew.
12 They rewarded me evil for good; bereaving my soul.
13 But when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fastings; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.
14 As a friend, as to my brother, I walked; as one who mourns for a mother, I was bowed down, mourning.
15 But in my stumbling they rejoiced, and gathered themselves; the defamers gathered themselves against me, and I knew not; they tore and were not silent,
16 with the hypocrites, mockers, for a cake, they gnashed on me with their teeth.
17 O Jehovah, how long will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my only one from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great congregation; I will praise You among a mighty people.
19 Let not those who are my lying enemies rejoice over me, those who hate me without cause wink with the eye.
20 For they do not speak peace; but they think deceitful things against the quiet ones of the earth.
21 And they widen their mouths against me; they say, Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen.
22 You have seen, O Jehovah; do not keep silence; O Jehovah, do not be far from me.
23 Stir up Yourself and awaken to my judgment, to my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Judge me, O Jehovah my God, according to Your righteousness; and do not let them rejoice over me.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, Aha! Our Soul! Let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
26 Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor together, those who magnify themselves over me.
27 Let those who delight in my justification shout and rejoice; and they shall say without ceasing, The Lord be magnified, delighting in the peace of His servant.
28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness, of Your praise all the day long.
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.