« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O Jehovah, do not rebuke me in Your wrath; neither chasten me in Your fury.
2 For Your arrows stick fast in me, and Your hand presses heavily on me.
3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger; nor rest in my bones because of my sin.
4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
5 My wounds have putrefied and rotted, because of my foolishness.
6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
7 For my loins are filled with a burning; and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8 I am feeble and painfully broken; I have roared because of the groanings of my heart.
9 My Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You.
10 My heart pants; my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me.
11 My lovers and my friends stand apart from my plague; and my neighbors stand far off.
12 And those who seek my life lay snares for me; and those who seek my hurt speak sly things, and utter deceits all the day long.
13 But like a deaf one, I do not hear; and I am like a dumb one who opens not his mouth.
14 And I am as a man who hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15 For in You, O Jehovah, do I hope; You will hear, O Jehovah my God.
16 For I said, Hear me, lest they rejoice over me; when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me.
17 For I am ready to fall, and my pain is always before me.
18 For I will declare my iniquity; I am anxious from my sin.
19 And my enemies are lively; they are strong; and my haters increase by deception.
20 And those who give evil for good oppose me, because I follow good.
21 Forsake me not, O Jehovah; O my God, be not far from me.
22 Make haste to help me, O my LORD, my salvation.
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.