« | Psalm 73 | » |
1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I [was] envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For [there are] no pangs in their death, But their strength [is] firm.
5 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men, Nor are they plagued like [other] men.
6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them [like] a garment.
7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.
8 They scoff and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression; They speak loftily.
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 drained by 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 always at ease; They increase [in] riches.
13 Surely I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, And washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.
15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16 When I thought [how] to understand this, It [was] too 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 to destruction.
19 Oh, how they are [brought] to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when [one] awakes, [So,] Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.
22 I [was] so foolish and ignorant; I was [like] a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I [am] continually with You; You hold [me] by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me [to] glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven [but You?] And [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; [But] God [is] the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28 But [it is] good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.
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.