« | Psalm 50 | » |
1 A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, Jehovah, has spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its going down.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone.
3 Our God comes, and He is not silent; a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very stormy all around Him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, so that He may judge His people.
5 Gather My saints to Me; and those who cut My covenant by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare His righteousness; for God Himself is judge. Selah.
7 Hear, My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God.
8 I will not reprove you for your sacrifices; yea, your burnt offerings are continually before Me.
9 I will take no bull out of your house, nor he-goats out of your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness of it.
13 Will I eat the flesh of the mighty, or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God thanksgiving; and pay your vows to the Most High;
15 and call on Me in the day of trouble; and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
16 But to the wicked, God says, What is it to you, to declare My Precepts, and to take up My covenant in your mouth?
17 Yea, you hate to be taught, and you toss My Words behind you.
18 When you saw a thief, then you were pleased to be with him, and you have taken part with adulterers.
19 You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit.
20 You sit; you speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.
21 These things you have done, and I have kept silence; you thought that I was like yourself, but I will rebuke you, and set in order before your eyes.
22 Now think of this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and he who sets a way, I will show him the salvation of God.
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.