« | Psalm 77 | » |
1 To the chief music-maker. After Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A Psalm. I was crying to God with my voice; even to God with my voice, and he gave ear to me.
2 In the day of my trouble, my heart was turned to the Lord: my hand was stretched out in the night without resting; my soul would not be comforted.
3 I will keep God in memory, with sounds of grief; my thoughts are troubled, and my spirit is overcome. (Selah.)
4 You keep my eyes from sleep; I am so troubled that no words come.
5 My thoughts go back to the days of the past, to the years which are gone.
6 The memory of my song comes back to me in the night; my thoughts are moving in my heart; my spirit is searching with care.
7 Will the Lord put me away for ever? will he be kind no longer?
8 Is his mercy quite gone for ever? has his word come to nothing?
9 Has God put away the memory of his pity? are his mercies shut up by his wrath? (Selah.)
10 And I said, It is a weight on my spirit; but I will keep in mind the years of the right hand of the Most High.
11 I will keep in mind the works of Jah: I will keep the memory of your wonders in the past.
12 I will give thought to all your work, while my mind goes over your acts of power.
13 Your way, O God, is holy: what god is so great as our God?
14 You are the God who does works of power: you have made your strength clear to the nations.
15 With your arm you have made your people free, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. (Selah.)
16 The waters saw you, O God; the waters saw you, they were in fear: even the deep was troubled.
17 The clouds sent out water; the skies gave out a sound; truly, your arrows went far and wide.
18 The voice of your thunder went rolling on; the world was flaming with the light of the storm; the earth was shaking.
19 Your way was in the sea, and your road in the great waters; there was no knowledge of your footsteps.
20 You were guiding your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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.