« | Psalm 60 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. On the Lily of Testimony. A secret treasure of David, to teach; when he struggled with Aram-naharaim and with Aram of Zobah, when Joab returned and struck twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. O God, You have cast us off, You have scattered us, You were angry; take us back.
2 You made the earth tremble; You tore it; heal the breaks of it, for it is shaking.
3 You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us to drink the wine of trembling.
4 You have given a banner to those who fear You, to lift it up because of the truth. Selah.
5 Save with Your right hand and answer me, that Your beloved may be delivered.
6 God has spoken in His holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth.
7 Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; and Ephraim is the strength of My head, Judah is My lawgiver;
8 Moab is My washpot; over Edom I will cast out My shoe; over Philistia I cry in triumph.
9 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom?
10 Have not You, O God, cast us off? And will You, O God, not go out with our armies?
11 Give us help against our foe; for vain is the help of man.
12 Through God we shall do great things; for it is He who shall trample our enemies.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.