« | Psalm 79 | » |
1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
2 They have given the dead bodies of Your servants as food for the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.
3 They have shed their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and none to bury.
4 We have become a shame to our neighbors, a scorn and mockery to those who are around us.
5 How long, O Jehovah? Will You be angry forever? Shall Your jealousy burn like fire?
6 Pour out Your wrath on the nations who have not known You, and on the kingdoms who have not called on Your name.
7 For they have eaten up Jacob, and wasted his dwelling-place.
8 O do not remember against us our former sins; let Your tender mercies meet us quickly; for we are brought very low.
9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us, and atone for our sins, for Your name's sake.
10 Why should the nations say, Where is their God? Let Him be known among the nations before our eyes by the revenging of the blood of Your servants which is shed.
11 Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; according to the greatness of Your power, leave a remnant of those who are to die,
12 and give to our neighbors their curse sevenfold into their bosom, the curse with which they have cursed You, O Lord.
13 Then we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.