« | Psalm 88 | » |
1 A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. To the Chief Musician. Set to "Mahalath Leannoth." A Contemplation of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You.
2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry.
3 For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to the grave.
4 I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man [who has] no strength,
5 Adrift among the dead, Like the slain who lie in the grave, Whom You remember no more, And who are cut off from Your hand.
6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, In darkness, in the depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, And You have afflicted [me] with all Your waves. Selah
8 You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; [I am] shut up, and I cannot get out;
9 My eye wastes away because of affliction. LORD, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You.
10 Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise [and] praise You? Selah
11 Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? [Or] Your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
12 Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But to You I have cried out, O LORD, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.
14 LORD, why do You cast off my soul? [Why] do You hide Your face from me?
15 I [have been] afflicted and ready to die from [my] youth; I suffer Your terrors; I am distraught.
16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off.
17 They came around me all day long like water; They engulfed me altogether.
18 Loved one and friend You have put far from me, [And] my acquaintances into darkness.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.