« | Psalm 81 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. On Gittith, A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
2 Lift up a psalm, and bring the timbrel here, the pleasing lyre and harp.
3 Blow the ram's horn in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this was a Precept for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.
5 This He ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when He went out over the land of Egypt; I heard a language I understood not.
6 I removed his shoulder from the burden; his hands were delivered from the pots.
7 You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
8 Hear, O My people, and I will testify to you; O Israel, if you will listen to Me,
9 there shall be no strange god in you; nor shall you worship any strange god.
10 I am Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
11 But My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel would have none of Me.
12 So I gave them up to the stubbornness of their own hearts; and they walked in their own conceits.
13 Oh that My people had listened to Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!
14 I would soon have humbled their enemies, and would have turned My hand against their foes.
15 The haters of Jehovah would have been found liars to Him, and their time would have lasted forever.
16 And He would have fed them also with the finest of the wheat; and with honey out of the rock I would have satisfied you.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.