« | Psalm 55 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. For stringed instruments. A contemplation. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not Yourself from my cry.
2 Attend to me, and hear me; I wander and I moan in my complaint,
3 from the voice of the enemy, from the oppression of the wicked, for they shake trouble over me, and in wrath they hate me.
4 My heart is pained within me; and the terrors of death have fallen on me.
5 Fear and trembling have come on me, and horror has covered me.
6 And I said, Who will give to me wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Lo, I would wander far off; I would lodge in the desert. Selah.
8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
9 Swallow up, O Jehovah, and divide their tongues; for I have seen violence and fighting in the city.
10 They go around her on her walls by day and night; and evil and sorrow are in her midst.
11 Covetings are in her midst; oppression and guile will not depart from her streets.
12 For it is not an enemy who reviled me; then I could have borne it; it is not one who hates me who magnified himself against me; or I would hide myself from him;
13 but it is you, a man my rank, my guide and my friend.
14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in company.
15 Let desolation take hold on them, and let them go down alive into hell; for evils are among them in their dwellings.
16 I, even I, will call to God, and Jehovah will save me.
17 Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice.
18 He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; for there were many with me.
19 God shall hear and answer them, even He who is enthroned of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they do not fear God.
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; he has broken his covenant.
21 The butterings of his mouth were forked, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden on Jehovah, and He will keep you; He will never allow the righteous to waver.
23 But You, O God, will bring them down into the pit of ruin; bloody and deceitful men shall not live half their days; but I will trust in You.
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.