« | Psalm 66 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Song. A Psalm. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth.
2 Sing forth the honor of His name; make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God, How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies pretend obedience to You.
4 All the earth shall worship You, and shall sing to You; they praise Your name. Selah.
5 Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.
6 He turns the sea into dry land; they went through the flood on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.
7 He rules by His power forever; His eyes behold the nations; let not the rebels lift themselves up. Selah.
8 O bless our God, O peoples, and make the voice of His praise to be heard;
9 who holds our soul in life, and does not allow our feet to slide.
10 For You have proved us, O God; You have tested us, as silver is refined.
11 You have brought us into the net; You have laid affliction on our loins.
12 You have allowed men to ride at our head; we have gone through fire and through water, but You have brought us out to plenty.
13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,
14 those which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken in my trouble.
15 I will offer to You burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah.
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth, and exaltations were under my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, Jehovah will not hear;
19 Surely God has heard; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed is God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me.
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.