« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 A Psalm. Of David. To keep in memory. O Lord, be not bitter with me in your wrath; let not your hand be on me in the heat of your passion.
2 For your arrows have gone into my flesh, and I am crushed under the weight of your hand.
3 My flesh is wasted because of your wrath; and there is no peace in my bones because of my sin.
4 For my crimes have gone over my head; they are like a great weight which is more than my strength.
5 My wounds are poisoned and evil-smelling, because of my foolish behaviour.
6 I am troubled, I am made low; I go weeping all the day.
7 For my body is full of burning; all my flesh is unhealthy.
8 I am feeble and crushed down; I gave a cry like a lion because of the grief in my heart.
9 Lord, all my desire is before you; my sorrow is not kept secret from you.
10 My heart goes out in pain, my strength is wasting away; as for the light of my eyes, it is gone from me.
11 My lovers and my friends keep away from my disease; my relations keep far away.
12 Those who have a desire to take my life put nets for me; those who are designing my destruction say evil things against me, all the day their minds are full of deceit.
13 But I kept my ears shut like a man without hearing; like a man without a voice, never opening his mouth.
14 So I was like a man whose ears are shut, and in whose mouth there are no sharp words.
15 In you, O Lord, is my hope: you will give me an answer, O Lord, my God.
16 I said, Let them not be glad over me; when my foot is moved, let them not be lifted up with pride against me.
17 My feet are near to falling, and my sorrow is ever before me.
18 I will make clear my wrongdoing, with sorrow in my heart for my sin.
19 But they are strong who have hate for me without cause: those who are against me falsely are increased in numbers.
20 They give me back evil for good; they are my haters because I go after the thing which is right.
21 Do not give me up, O Lord; O my God, be near to me.
22 Come quickly to give me help, O Lord, my salvation.
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.