« | Psalm 77 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cried to God with my voice, to God is my voice; and He gave ear to me.
2 In the day of my trouble I sought Jehovah; my hand was poured in the night, and ceased not; my soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit fainted. Selah.
4 You keep my eyes awake; I am troubled and I cannot speak.
5 I have thought on the days of old, the years of ages past.
6 I remember my song in the night; I speak with my own heart, and my spirit carefully searches.
7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more?
8 Is His mercy gone forever? Has His Word failed for all generations?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah.
10 And I said, This is my weakness, the years of the right hand of the Most High.
11 I will remember the works of Jehovah; surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
12 I will also think on all Your work, and talk of Your doings.
13 Your way, O God, is in holiness; who is so great a God as our God?
14 You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the people.
15 You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
16 The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You; they were afraid; the depths also were troubled.
17 The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flew here and there.
18 The voice of Your thunder was in the sky; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way is in the sea, and Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps are not known.
20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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.