« | Psalm 35 | » |
1 A Psalm of David. Plead [my cause,] O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler, And stand up for my help.
3 Also draw out the spear, And stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I [am] your salvation."
4 Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor Who seek after my life; Let those be turned back and brought to confusion Who plot my hurt.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, And let the angel of the LORD chase [them.]
6 Let their way be dark and slippery, And let the angel of the LORD pursue them.
7 For without cause they have hidden their net for me [in] a pit, [Which] they have dug without cause for my life.
8 Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, And let his net that he has hidden catch himself; Into that very destruction let him fall.
9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in His salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, "LORD, who [is] like You, Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?"
11 Fierce witnesses rise up; They ask me [things] that I do not know.
12 They reward me evil for good, [To] the sorrow of my soul.
13 But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing [was] sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart.
14 I paced about as though [he were] my friend [or] brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns [for his] mother.
15 But in my adversity they rejoiced And gathered together; Attackers gathered against me, And I did not know [it;] They tore [at me] and did not cease;
16 With ungodly mockers at feasts They gnashed at me with their teeth.
17 Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions, My precious [life] from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.
19 Let them not rejoice over me who are wrongfully my enemies; Nor let them wink with the eye who hate me without a cause.
20 For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful matters Against [the] quiet ones in the land.
21 They also opened their mouth wide against me, [And] said, "Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen [it."]
22 [This] You have seen, O LORD; Do not keep silence. O Lord, do not be far from me.
23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication, To my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Vindicate me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness; And let them not rejoice over me.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, "Ah, so we would have it!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him up."
26 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion Who rejoice at my hurt; Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor Who exalt themselves against me.
27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."
28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness [And] of Your praise all the day long.
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.