The Bible in Basic English (BBE) is an English translation of the Bible published in 1949 by Cambridge University Press. The BBE was translated by Professor Samuel Henry Hooke (1874-1968), an English scholar and Professor Emeritus of Oriental Languages at the University of London.
The purpose of the BBE translation was to make the Bible more accessible to a wider audience by using a simplified version of English. Hooke aimed to translate the Bible into what he called “Basic English” – a form of simplified English that uses a vocabulary of just 1000 common English words. This makes the BBE easier to understand for people learning English as a second language or those with a limited vocabulary.
Some key features of the Bible in Basic English translation include:
Limited Vocabulary
As mentioned above, the BBE uses only 1000 common English words in its vocabulary. This includes verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. The limited word list was compiled by linguist C.K. Ogden, who analyzed the most frequently used words in English. Any words not on the list of 1000 core words are replaced with a simpler synonym. For example, “beautiful” becomes “pleasing”, and “betray” becomes “give up”.
Simple Sentence Structures
The BBE aims for simplicity not just in vocabulary but also in grammar and sentence structure. Sentences are kept short and straightforward. Complex literary devices like metaphor and allegory are avoided in favor of plain and direct language.
Consistency in Translation
To aid understanding, the BBE strives to be consistent in how it translates recurring themes, phrases, and names. For example, God is referred to as “Father” throughout rather than switching between Lord, Jehovah, etc. Recurring phrases like “kingdom of God” are translated uniformly.
Use of “And”
The conjunction “and” is used frequently in the BBE to join phrases and clauses. This replicates the repetitive use of “and” in the original Hebrew and Greek texts. The simplicity of always using “and” is thought to aid comprehension.
Retention of Idioms
The BBE preserves some idiomatic language, like “by the skin of his teeth”, rather than paraphrasing the meaning. This allows readers to grasp some of the color and expression of the original languages. However, obscure or confusing idioms may be reworded.
Treatment of Greek Tense
One linguistic simplification is that the BBE does not always precisely convey the Greek verb tenses used in the New Testament. Simply using English past, present and future tense is deemed adequate for basic understanding.
Lack of Theological Bias
As a translation, the BBE does not set out to promote any particular theological perspective or denomination. It aims to accurately translate the source texts without bias or interpretative commentary.
Reception and Impact
Initially some criticized the BBE for being oversimplified and lacking literary elegance. However, it has stood the test of time as an accessible and understandable translation. It is popular for Bible instruction, prisons, youth groups and English learners. Millions of copies of the BBE have been distributed worldwide.
The BBE is still in print today. The latest revision was in 2003, editing obsolete grammar and word usage but retaining the core simplified English vocabulary and style. Many appreciate it as a useful companion or alternative to translations that use more sophisticated English.
While the BBE may lack the majesty of translations like the King James Version, its simplicity and clarity of language has opened up the Bible to generations of readers. It achieved Hooke’s goal to “make the Bible understandable by everybody.” For those seeking an easy-to-grasp English version, the Bible in Basic English delivers.
Examples of the Bible in Basic English
To illustrate the distinctive simple vocabulary and style, here are some examples contrasting the BBE with other popular English Bible translations:
The Lord’s Prayer
KJV – Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
ESV – Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
BBE – Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your kingdom come. Let your pleasure be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day bread for our needs. And make us free of our debts, as we have made those free who are in debt to us. And let us not be put to the test, but keep us safe from the Evil One.
John 3:16
KJV – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
ESV – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
BBE – For God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life.
Psalm 23
KJV – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
ESV – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
BBE – The Lord takes care of me as his sheep; I will not be without any good thing. He makes a resting-place for me in the green fields: he is my guide by the quiet waters. He gives new life to my soul: he is my guide in the ways of righteousness because of his name. Yes, though I go through the valley of deep shade, I will have no fear of evil; for you are with me, your rod and your support are my comfort. You make ready a table for me in front of my haters: you put oil on my head; my cup is overflowing. Truly, blessing and mercy will be with me all the days of my life; and I will have a place in the house of the Lord all my days.
Old Testament Examples
Here are some additional examples from the Old Testament illustrating the use of simpler vocabulary and grammar in the BBE:
Genesis 1:1
KJV – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
BBE – At the first God made the heaven and the earth.
Psalm 19:1
KJV – The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
BBE – The heavens are sounding the glory of God; the arch of the sky makes clear the work of his hands.
Isaiah 53:3
KJV – He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
BBE – Men made sport of him, turning away from him; he was a man of sorrows, marked by disease; and like one from whom men’s faces are turned away, he was looked down on, and we put no value on him.
Proverbs 3:5
KJV – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
BBE – Put all your hope in God, not looking to your reason for support.
New Testament Examples
The BBE style is also evident in these New Testament passages:
John 3:16
KJV – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
BBE – For God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life.
Matthew 6:9-13
KJV – After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
BBE – Let this be your prayer: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your kingdom come. Let your pleasure be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day bread for our needs. And make us free of our debts, as we have made those free who are in debt to us. And let us not be put to the test, but keep us safe from the Evil One.
John 14:6
KJV – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
BBE – Jesus said to him, I am the true and living way: no one comes to the Father but by me.
Romans 3:23
KJV – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
BBE – For all have done wrong and are far from the glory of God;
Benefits of the Bible in Basic English
The long history and wide use of the BBE around the world demonstrates its value as a Bible translation. Some key benefits include:
Accessibility
The limited vocabulary makes the BBE very accessible for all readers and learners of English. Those with learning disabilities or low literacy benefit greatly.
Comprehension
The simpler grammar and phrasing aid understanding for those new to the Bible. The consistency also helps readers grasp repeating themes.
Memorization
The simple language makes it easier to memorize verses and passages from the BBE. Shorter sentences and words facilitate memorization.
Teaching and Sharing
The BBE is ideal for teaching and explaining the Bible. The clear language helps teachers convey meaning accurately. It’s also useful for verse-by-verse study and analysis.
Evangelism
The straightforward text is excellent for evangelism and outreach. It allows the Gospel message and story of Jesus to be told simply and directly.
English Learners
Those learning English as a second language greatly benefit from the limited vocabulary and grammar. The BBE is a valuable educational resource.
Children
The BBE is frequently used to teach children about the Bible in Sunday School and home settings. Younger readers grasp the content easily.
Audio Production
The simple text improves listenability for audio Bibles and podcasts. Listeners can follow the narrative without complex language.
Criticisms and Controversies
The Bible in Basic English has faced some criticism over the years, including:
Overly Simplified
Some claim the BBE is too basic and the restricted vocabulary results in a wooden, literal translation. The simplicity comes at the cost of literary elegance.
Loss of Nuance
Substituting simple words for complex theological terms may lose some nuanced shades of meaning from the original texts.
Inaccuracies
There are accusations of inaccuracies stemming from lack of equivalent Basic English words. Critics argue meaning is distorted in places.
Not Literal Enough
Some conservatives say the BBE takes too many liberties in paraphrasing the source rather than directly translating each word.
Unsuitable for Study
Some scholars disapprove of the BBE for serious Bible study because depth and detail are sacrificed for basic comprehension.
Copyright Issues
Cambridge University Press has blocked online sharing of the BBE text, frustrating many who want to quote it freely.
However, supporters argue limitations are inevitable to make the Bible accessible to all. The BBE meets its aims despite flaws. Most agree it makes a valuable contribution as an easy to read translation.
The Legacy of the Bible in Basic English
While more complex modern translations have largely supplanted it, the BBE helped pave the way for plain English Bibles. Despite critics, it succeeded in conveying the essence of Scripture in a way anyone could grasp. Hooke’s vision introduced millions worldwide to the Bible for the first time.
For over 70 years, the Bible in Basic English has served readers seeking the Word of God in straightforward modern English. It delivers the Bible message in a readily understandable way. Generations have accessed Scripture through its pages. This unfussy translation of Holy Scripture into simple language is its enduring legacy. The BBE continues bringing people closer to the Bible.