« | Psalm 49 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world;
2 both sons of mankind, and sons of man, rich and poor together;
3 my mouth shall speak of wise things; and the thoughts of my heart shall be of understanding.
4 I will bow down my ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying on the harp.
5 Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the perversity of my ambushers will surround me?
6 Those who trust in their wealth, and their many riches, boast themselves.
7 A man cannot at all redeem a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him,
8 for the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceases forever,
9 yea, he shall yet live forever; he shall never see corruption.
10 For he sees wise men die; likewise the fool and the animal-like ones perish, and leave their wealth to others.
11 Their inward thought is that their houses shall go on forever, and their dwelling-places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
12 But man, though high in honor, does not remain; he is like the animals that perish.
13 This way of theirs is their foolishness; yet their followers delight in their sayings. Selah.
14 Like sheep they are appointed to the grave; death shall reign for them; and the upright shall have the rule over them in the morning; and their form is for rotting; the grave is their home.
15 But God will redeem my soul from the hand of the grave; for He will take me. Selah.
16 Be not afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases;
17 for when he dies he shall take nothing away; his glory shall not go down after him.
18 For in his life he blessed his soul; yea, they praise you when you do well to yourself.
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
20 Man in honor, but without understanding, is like the animals; they shall perish.
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.