« | Psalm 52 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of David when Doeg the Edomite went and told Saul, and said to him, "David has gone to the house of Ahimelech." Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God [endures] continually.
2 Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
3 You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah
4 You love all devouring words, [You] deceitful tongue.
5 God shall likewise destroy you forever; He shall take you away, and pluck you out of [your] dwelling place, And uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
6 The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, [saying,]
7 "Here is the man [who] did not make God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, [And] strengthened himself in his wickedness."
8 But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.
9 I will praise You forever, Because You have done [it;] And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for [it is] good.
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.