« | Psalm 86 | » |
1 A Prayer of David. Bow down Your ear, O Jehovah, hear me; for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord; for I cry to You daily.
4 Give joy to the soul of Your servant; for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For You, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and rich in mercy to all those who call on You.
6 Give ear, O Jehovah, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my prayers.
7 In the day of my trouble I will call on You; for You will answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; none are like Your works.
9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great and do wonderful things; You alone are God.
11 Teach me Your way, O Jehovah; I will walk in Your truth; my heart rejoices to fear Your name.
12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore.
13 For great is Your mercy toward me; and You have delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
14 O God, the proud have risen against me, and the company of violent men have sought after my life, and have not set You before them.
15 But You, O God, are God full of pity, and gracious, long-suffering, and rich in mercy and truth.
16 Oh turn to me, and have mercy on me; give Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your handmaid.
17 Show me a token for good, so that they who hate me may see and be ashamed; because You, Jehovah, have helped me and comforted me.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.