« | Psalm 76 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. In Judah God [is] known; His name [is] great in Israel.
2 In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion.
3 There He broke the arrows of the bow, The shield and sword of battle. Selah
4 You [are] more glorious and excellent [Than] the mountains of prey.
5 The stouthearted were plundered; They have sunk into their sleep; And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands.
6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep.
7 You, Yourself, [are] to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry?
8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still,
9 When God arose to judgment, To deliver all the oppressed of the earth. Selah
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself.
11 Make vows to the LORD your God, and pay [them;] Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared.
12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes; [He is] awesome to the kings of the earth.
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.