« | Psalm 64 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
3 Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows -- bitter words,
4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.
5 They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, "Who will see them?"
6 They devise iniquities: "We have perfected a shrewd scheme." Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.
7 But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded.
8 So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away.
9 All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing.
10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.
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.