« | Psalm 45 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. Concerning the Lilies, for the sons of Korah, a contemplation; A Song of Loves. My heart is overflowing with a good matter; I speak of my works to the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2 You are the fairest of the sons of men; grace is poured into Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever.
3 Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O mighty one, with Your glory and Your majesty.
4 And ride prosperously in Your majesty, because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Your right hand shall teach You fearful things.
5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King's enemies; peoples fall under You.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the staff of Your kingdom is a staff of righteousness.
7 You love righteousness, and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows.
8 All Your garments smell of myrrh, and aloes and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad.
9 Kings' daughters are among Your precious ones; on Your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
10 Listen, O daughter, and look; and bow down your ear; and forget your own people and your father's house.
11 And cause the King greatly to desire your beauty, for He is your Lord, and you shall worship Him.
12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the peoples shall stroke your face.
13 The king's daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is trimmed with gold.
14 She shall be brought to the king in clothing of needlework; the virgins, her companions after her, shall be brought to You.
15 They shall be led with joy and gladness; they shall enter into the King's palace.
16 Your sons shall be in the place of your fathers; you will make them princes in all the land.
17 I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever.
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.