« | Psalm 97 | » |
1 Jehovah reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of islands be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness are all around Him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.
3 A fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies round about.
4 His lightnings lit up the world; the earth saw and trembled.
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of Jehovah, at the presence of Jehovah of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory.
7 All those who serve graven images are ashamed, those who boast themselves in idols; all gods bow down before Him.
8 Zion heard and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of Your judgments, O Jehovah.
9 For You, Jehovah, are high above all the earth; You are lifted on high far above all gods.
10 You who love Jehovah, hate evil; He keeps the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in Jehovah, righteous ones; and give thanks at the memory of His holiness.
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have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time.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.