« | Psalm 65 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song. Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; And to You the vow shall be performed.
2 O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me; [As for] our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.
4 Blessed [is the man] You choose, And cause to approach [You,] [That] he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.
5 [By] awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, [You who are] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of the far-off seas;
6 Who established the mountains by His strength, [Being] clothed with power;
7 You who still the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.
8 They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.
9 You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, For so You have prepared it.
10 You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth.
11 You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip [with] abundance.
12 They drop [on] the pastures of the wilderness, And the little hills rejoice on every side.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.
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.