« | Psalm 56 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. Concerning the silent dove, those far off. Of David, a secret treasure, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; fighting daily, he presses me down.
2 My watchers panted for me daily; for many are they who proudly fight against me.
3 When I am afraid I will trust in You.
4 In God I will praise His Word; in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.
5 All day long they pervert my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.
6 They stir up strife; they hide themselves; they watch my steps as they wait for my soul.
7 Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God.
8 You number my wandering; O put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your Book?
9 When I cry, then my enemies will be turned back. This I know, for God is with me.
10 In God I will praise His Word; in Jehovah will I praise His Word.
11 In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid of what man can do to me.
12 Your vows are on me, O God; I will give praises to You.
13 For You have delivered my soul from death; have You not kept my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.