« | Psalm 140 | » |
1 To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of David. O Lord, take me out of the power of the evil man; keep me safe from the violent man:
2 For their hearts are full of evil designs; and they are ever making ready causes of war.
3 Their tongues are sharp like the tongue of a snake; the poison of snakes is under their lips. (Selah.)
4 O Lord, take me out of the hands of sinners; keep me safe from the violent man: for they are designing my downfall.
5 The men of pride have put secret cords for my feet; stretching nets in my way, so that they may take me with their tricks. (Selah.)
6 I have said to the Lord, You are my God: give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my prayer.
7 O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, you have been a cover over my head in the day of the fight.
8 O Lord, give not the wrongdoer his desire; give him no help in his evil designs, or he may be uplifted in pride. (Selah.)
9 As for those who come round me, let their heads be covered by the evil of their lips.
10 Let burning flames come down on them: let them be put into the fire, and into deep waters, so that they may not get up again.
11 Let not a man of evil tongue be safe on earth: let destruction overtake the violent man with blow on blow.
12 I am certain that the Lord will take care of the cause of the poor, and of the rights of those who are troubled.
13 Truly, the upright will give praise to your name: the holy will have a place in your house.
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.
However, the BBE has faced some criticism, particularly from scholars and theologians who argue that the simplification process may lead to the loss of some nuances and deeper meanings present in the original languages. Some feel that the restricted vocabulary can oversimplify complex theological concepts, potentially limiting the reader’ s understanding of the full depth of the scriptures. Despite these criticisms, the Bible in Basic English remains a valuable resource for those seeking an easily understandable version of the Bible, providing a bridge for many to access the timeless messages contained within the holy scriptures.