« | Psalm 73 | » |
1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, to the pure of heart.
2 And I, my foot had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was jealous of the proud, when I saw the peace of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death; but their strength is fat.
5 They are not in trouble like other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride enchains them; violence covers them like a robe.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than the heart could imagine.
8 They scoff and speak in malice of cruelty; from on high they speak.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.
10 Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who are at ease in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Surely I have made my heart pure in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I would deceive a generation of Your sons.
16 When I thought deeply in order to understand this, it was painful for me,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into ruin.
19 How have they been brought into grief, as in a moment! They are fully eaten up with terrors,
20 like a dream when one awakens; so, O Jehovah, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
21 For my heart was grieved and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and I did not know; I was like a beast before You.
23 But I am always with You; You have held me by my right hand.
24 You shall lead me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in Heaven? And besides You I desire none on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart, and my part forever.
27 For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all who go lusting away from You.
28 And I, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in Jehovah God, to declare all Your works.
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.