« | Psalm 90 | » |
1 A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our resting-place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were made, before you had given birth to the earth and the world, before time was, and for ever, you are God.
3 You send man back to his dust; and say, Go back, you children of men.
4 For to you a thousand years are no more than yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night.
5 ...
6 In the morning it is green; in the evening it is cut down, and becomes dry.
7 We are burned up by the heat of your passion, and troubled by your wrath.
8 You have put our evil doings before you, our secret sins in the light of your face.
9 For all our days have gone by in your wrath; our years come to an end like a breath.
10 The measure of our life is seventy years; and if through strength it may be eighty years, its pride is only trouble and sorrow, for it comes to an end and we are quickly gone.
11 Who has knowledge of the power of your wrath, or who takes note of the weight of your passion?
12 So give us knowledge of the number of our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Come back, O Lord; how long? let your purpose for your servants be changed.
14 In the morning give us your mercy in full measure; so that we may have joy and delight all our days.
15 Make us glad in reward for the days of our sorrow, and for the years in which we have seen evil.
16 Make your work clear to your servants, and your glory to their children.
17 Let the pleasure of the Lord our God be on us: O Lord, give strength to the work of our hands.
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.