« | Psalm 59 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. Set to "Do Not Destroy." A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order 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 iniquity, And save me from bloodthirsty men.
3 For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, Not [for] my transgression nor [for] my sin, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves through no fault [of mine.] Awake to help me, and behold!
5 You therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah
6 At evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
7 Indeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords [are] in their lips; For [they say,] "Who hears?"
8 But You, O LORD, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision.
9 I will wait for You, [O You] his Strength; For God [is] my defense;
10 My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see [my desire] on my enemies.
11 Do not slay them, lest my people forget; Scatter them by Your power, And bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12 [For] the sin of their mouth [and] the words of their lips, Let them even be taken in their pride, And for the cursing and lying [which] they speak.
13 Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them,] 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 return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
15 They wander up and down for food, And howl 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 defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God [is] my defense, My God of mercy.
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.