« | Psalm 94 | » |
1 O God of vengeance, Jehovah, the God of vengeance, shine forth!
2 Lift up Yourself, Judge of the earth; give a just repayment to the proud.
3 How long shall the wicked, O Jehovah, how long shall the wicked exult?
4 They gush; they speak impudent things; all the workers of iniquity speak proudly.
5 They crush Your people, O Jehovah, and afflict Your inheritance.
6 They kill the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, Jehovah shall not see, nor shall the God of Jacob observe it.
8 Understand, you beastly ones among the people; and fools, when will you be wise?
9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
10 He who chastens the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge?
11 Jehovah knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain.
12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Jehovah, to teach him out of Your Law;
13 that You may give him rest from the days of trouble, until the pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For Jehovah will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance.
15 But judgment shall return to righteousness; and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17 Unless Jehovah had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
18 When I said, My foot slips; Your mercy, O Jehovah, held me up.
19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me Your comforts delight my soul.
20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with You, which frames mischief by a law?
21 They gather themselves against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
22 But Jehovah is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
23 And He will bring on them their own iniquity, and He will cut them off in their evil. Jehovah our God shall cut them off.
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.