« | Psalm 76 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. For stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. God is known in Judah, His name is great in Israel.
2 And His abode is in Salem; and His dwelling-place in Zion.
3 There He broke the fiery arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
4 You are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
5 The stouthearted have been stripped; they slept their sleep; and none of the men of might have found their hands.
6 By Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the horse and the chariot have sunk into a sleep.
7 You, even You, are terrifying, and who can stand when once You are angry?
8 You cause judgment to be heard from Heaven; the earth feared and was still,
9 when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; the wrath that is left, You shall bind up.
11 Vow, and pay to Jehovah your God; let all that are around Him bring presents to the Fearful One.
12 He shall cut off the spirit in princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.