« | Psalm 130 | » |
1 A Song of the going up. Out of the deep have I sent up my cry to you, O Lord.
2 Lord, let my voice come before you: let your ears be awake to the voice of my prayer.
3 O Jah, if you took note of every sin, who would go free?
4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be feared.
5 I am waiting for the Lord, my soul is waiting for him, and my hope is in his word.
6 My soul is watching for the Lord more than those who are watching for the morning; yes, more than the watchers for the morning.
7 O Israel, have hope in the Lord; for with the Lord is mercy and full salvation.
8 And he will make Israel free from all his sins.
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.