Basic Bible

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.

--The Bible in Basic English, Psalm 23

The job of translating the Bible into Basic English began 20 years ago, under the direction of Samuel Henry Hooke, now professor emeritus of Old Testament studies at the University of London. Working with the Orthological Institute, his committee expanded the Basic vocabulary of 850 words to include 50 biblical terms (e.g., altar, leper, locust, prophet, savior) and 100 words used for English verse (e.g., angel, honey, beast). The translators passed their first major milestone in 1941, with the publication of the New Testament in Basic (150,000 copies sold). Last week, with publication by the Cambridge University Press of the whole Bible in Basic (128. 6d.), the job is complete.

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