« | Psalm 84 | » |
1 To the Chief Musician. On Gittith. A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How lovely are Your tabernacles, O Jehovah of Hosts!
2 My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of Jehovah; my heart and my flesh shout for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young, Your altars, O Jehovah of Hosts, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are they who dwell in Your house; they will still praise You. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You; Your ways are in their hearts.
6 Passing through the valley of weeping, they will make it a fountain; the early rain also covers it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength, appearing in Zion before God.
8 O Jehovah, the God of Hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God, our shield, and look on the face of Your anointed.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For Jehovah God is a sun and shield; Jehovah will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Jehovah of Hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in 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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.