« | Psalm 80 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. A Testimony Concerning the Lilies. A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You dwelling between the cherubs, shine forth.
2 Stir up Your strength before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, and come, save us.
3 Turn us again, O God, and cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
4 O Jehovah, the God of Hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?
5 You feed them with the bread of tears; and give them tears to drink in great measure.
6 You make us a strife for our neighbors; and our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Turn us again, O God of Hosts, and cause Your face to shine; and we shall be saved.
8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared before it, and caused it to take deep root; and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with its shadow, and its boughs were as the great cedars.
11 It sent out its boughs to the sea, and its branches to the river.
12 Why have You broken down its hedges, so that all those who pass by the way pluck it?
13 The boar out of the wood wastes it, and the wild beast of the field eats it.
14 Return, we beg You, O God of Hosts; look down from Heaven, and behold, and visit this vine,
15 and the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, and the Son that You make strong for Yourself.
16 It is burned with fire, and cut down; they perish at the rebuke of Your holy face.
17 Let Your hand be on the Man of Your right hand, on the Son of man whom You have made strong for Yourself.
18 So we will not go back from You; make us live, and we will call on Your name.
19 Turn us again, O Jehovah, the God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved.
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.