« | Psalm 75 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. Set to "Do Not Destroy." A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare [that] Your name is near.
2 "When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.
3 The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly. Selah
4 'I said to the boastful, 'Do not deal boastfully,' And to the wicked, 'Do not lift up the horn.
5 Do not lift up your horn on high; Do [not] speak with a stiff neck.' "
6 For exaltation [comes] neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south.
7 But God [is] the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.
8 For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain [and] drink down.
9 But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 'All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, [But] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted."
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.