« | Psalm 62 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. Only to God is my soul in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my tower; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will you imagine mischief against a man? You will shatter him, all of you; you shall be like a bowing wall and a tottering fence.
4 Surely they have plotted to cast him down from his great height; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse in their heart. Selah.
5 My soul, be silent only to God; for my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my strong tower; I shall not be shaken.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength; my hiding-place is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times; you people, pour out your heart before Him; God is a hiding-place for us. Selah.
9 Surely the sons of men are vanity; the sons of men are a lie; they go up in the scales; they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 God has spoken once; twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God.
12 Also to You, O Jehovah, belongs mercy; for You give to every man according to his work.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.