« | Psalm 59 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. Do not destroy. A secret treasure of David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of evil and save me from bloody men.
3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul; the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Jehovah.
4 Without my fault they run and prepare themselves; awaken to help me, and look on me.
5 And You, O Jehovah, the God of Hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the nations; do not be merciful to any plotting evil. Selah.
6 They return at evening; they make a noise like a dog, and go around the city.
7 Behold, they bellow out with their mouth; swords are in their lips; for they say, Who hears?
8 But You, O Jehovah, shall laugh at them; You will mock at all the nations.
9 O my Strength, let me look to You, for God is my strong tower.
10 The God of my mercy shall go before me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.
11 Do not kill them, lest my people forget; scatter them by Your power and bring them down, O Jehovah our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth is the word of their lips, even let them be taken in their pride; and for cursing and the lying which they speak.
13 Consume them in wrath; consume, so that they may not be; and let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah.
14 And at evening they shall return; let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.
15 Let them wander up and down for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my strong tower and hiding-place in the day of my trouble.
17 To You, O my strength, I will sing; for God is my strong tower and the God of my mercy.
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.