« | Psalm 121 | » |
1 A Song of the going up. My eyes are lifted up to the hills: O where will my help come from?
2 Your help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
3 May he not let your foot be moved: no need of sleep has he who keeps you.
4 See, the eyes of Israel's keeper will not be shut in sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 You will not be touched by the sun in the day, or by the moon at night.
7 The Lord will keep you safe from all evil; he will take care of your soul.
8 The Lord will keep watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time and for ever.
The Bible in Basic English (BBE)
The Bible in Basic English (BBE) is a translation of the Bible that aims to make the scriptures accessible to people with limited English proficiency. Completed in 1941 by Professor Samuel Henry Hooke and a team of scholars, the BBE utilizes a simplified vocabulary of approximately 1,000 basic English words, along with additional words necessary to maintain the integrity of the biblical text. This approach ensures that the translation is easily understandable while still conveying the core messages and teachings of the Bible.
One of the defining features of the BBE is its commitment to simplicity and clarity. By using a restricted vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures, the BBE makes it easier for readers to grasp the fundamental ideas of the scriptures without being hindered by complex language. This makes the BBE particularly valuable for non-native English speakers, children, and individuals with limited literacy skills. The translation aims to break down language barriers, allowing a broader audience to engage with Bible teachings.
Despite its simplified language, the BBE strives to remain faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The translators worked carefully to ensure that the essential meanings and theological concepts were preserved, even as they adapted the language to be more accessible. This balance of simplicity and fidelity to the original texts helps maintain the Bible’ s depth and spiritual richness while making it more approachable. The BBE’ s emphasis on clarity without sacrificing essential meaning has made it a useful tool for teaching and evangelism.