« | Psalm 45 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lillies." A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love. My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue [is] the pen of a ready writer.
2 You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever.
3 Gird Your sword upon [Your] thigh, O Mighty One, With Your glory and Your majesty.
4 And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, [and] righteousness; And Your right hand shall teach You awesome things.
5 Your arrows [are] sharp in the heart of the King's enemies; The peoples fall under You.
6 Your throne, O God, [is] forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness [is] the scepter of Your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.
8 All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes [and] cassia, Out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad.
9 Kings' daughters [are] among Your honorable women; At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.
10 Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget your own people also, and your father's house;
11 So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He [is] your Lord, worship Him.
12 And the daughter of Tyre [will come] with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor.
13 The royal daughter [is] all glorious within [the palace;] Her clothing [is] woven with gold.
14 She shall be brought to the King in robes of many colors; The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to You.
15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be brought; They shall enter the King's palace.
16 Instead of Your fathers shall be Your sons, Whom You shall make princes in all the earth.
17 I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever.
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.