Song of Solomon 1 | » |
1 The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
2 Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth; for Your love is better than wine.
3 For Your ointments have a lovely fragrance; Your name is as oil poured out; therefore the virgins love You.
4 Draw me, we will run after You. The King has brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in You, we will remember Your love more than wine; the upright love You.
5 I am black, but comely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not look on me, that I am black, that the sun has looked on me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but my vineyard I have not kept.
7 Tell me, You whom my soul loves, where do You feed, where do You lie down at noon? For why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of Your companions?
8 If you know not, most beautiful among women, go in the footsteps of the flock; and feed your kids beside the shepherds' tents.
9 O My love, I have compared you to My mares among Pharaoh's chariots.
10 Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with chains.
11 We will make you borders of gold with studs of silver.
12 While the King is in His circle, my spikenard gives its smell.
13 A bundle of myrrh is my Beloved to me. He shall lie all night between my breasts.
14 My Beloved is to me like a cluster of henna in the vineyards of Engedi.
15 Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; you have doves' eyes.
16 Behold, you are beautiful, my Beloved, yea, pleasant. Also our bed is green.
17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters are of fir.
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.