« | Psalm 58 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. Set to "Do Not Destroy." A Michtam of David. Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men?
2 No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.
3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
4 Their poison [is] like the poison of a serpent; [They are] like the deaf cobra [that] stops its ear,
5 Which will not heed the voice of charmers, Charming ever so skillfully.
6 Break their teeth in their mouth, O God! Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!
7 Let them flow away as waters [which] run continually; [When] he bends [his bow,] Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces.
8 [Let them be] like a snail which melts away as it goes, [Like] a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun.
9 Before your pots can feel [the burning] thorns, He shall take them away as with a whirlwind, As in His living and burning wrath.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,
11 So that men will say, "Surely [there is] a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth."
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.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.