« | Psalm 7 | » |
1 A song of David, which he sang to Jehovah, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O Jehovah my God, in You I put my trust; save me from all who pursue me, and deliver me,
2 lest he tear my soul like a lion, tearing it in pieces, and there is no one to deliver.
3 O Jehovah my God, if I have done this; if there is iniquity in my hands;
4 if I have rewarded evil to my friend, or if I have delivered one oppressing me without cause;
5 let the enemy persecute my soul and take it; yea, let him trample down my life on the earth and lay my honor in the dust. Selah.
6 Arise, O Jehovah, in Your anger; lift up Yourself because of the rage of my enemies, and awake for me to the judgment which You have commanded.
7 And the congregation of the peoples shall surround You; and over it You will return on high.
8 Jehovah shall judge the people; judge me, O Jehovah, according to my righteousness, and according to my integrity on me.
9 O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just. For the righteous God tries the minds and hearts.
10 My defense is from God, who saves the upright in heart.
11 God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he does not turn, He will whet His sword; He has bent His bow and made it ready.
13 Yea, He has fitted him for instruments of death; He has made His arrows hotly pursue.
14 Behold, he labors in pain with iniquity, and he has conceived mischief, and has brought forth falsehood.
15 He dug a pit and bored it, and has fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His mischief shall return on his own head, and his violence shall come on his own crown.
17 I will praise Jehovah according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of Jehovah most high.
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.