Who Is This For?
Best For:
New readers, children, ESL learners, literacy programs, those with limited vocabulary, and anyone wanting the simplest possible English Bible.
Not Ideal For:
In-depth theological study, appreciation of biblical poetry, or readers wanting to engage with the full richness of the original texts.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the BBE
- Extremely easy to understand
- Excellent for ESL readers and language learners
- Simple vocabulary accessible to children
- Good for those with limited education
- Public domain - freely available
✗ Limitations to Consider
- Limited vocabulary can obscure theological nuances
- Poetry and rhetoric lose their beauty
- Some concepts oversimplified
- Less suitable for serious study
- Flat prose style
Overview
The Bible in Basic English is a unique translation using a vocabulary of only 1,000 words - the 850 words of C.K. Ogden's Basic English system plus 50 biblical terms and 100 words for poetry. This makes it one of the most accessible translations for those learning English, children, or anyone wanting Scripture in the simplest possible language.
Want to read the BBE Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the BBE
- Uses only 1,000 words total vocabulary
- Based on C.K. Ogden's Basic English system
- One of the most accessible translations ever made
- Public domain
- Glossary of 50 biblical terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bible in Basic English?
The Bible in Basic English is a unique translation using a vocabulary of only 1,000 words - the 850 words of C.K. Ogden's Basic English system plus 50 biblical terms and 100 words for poetry. This makes it one of the most accessible translations for those learning English, children, or anyone wanting Scripture in the simplest possible language.
How can I read the BBE Bible online?
You can read and search the Bible in Basic English online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the BBE translation.
When was the BBE Bible published?
The Bible in Basic English was first published in 1949. It is classified as a Simplified translation with a 5th Grade reading level.
Who should use the BBE Bible?
New readers, children, ESL learners, literacy programs, those with limited vocabulary, and anyone wanting the simplest possible English Bible.
How does the BBE compare to other Bible translations?
The Bible in Basic English (BBE) is a Simplified translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the BBE Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the BBE Translation
In the 1920s, linguist Charles Kay Ogden developed 'Basic English,' a simplified form of English using just 850 carefully chosen words designed to facilitate international communication. Ogden believed this core vocabulary, comprising 600 nouns, 150 adjectives, and 100 operative words, could express approximately 90% of concepts in everyday English.
Ogden recruited Samuel Henry Hooke, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Studies at the University of London, to lead a translation of the Bible into Basic English. The Orthological Institute in Cambridge oversaw the project, with scholars including Theodore H. Robinson contributing to the work.
The New Testament appeared in 1941 during World War II. The complete Bible, including the Old Testament, was published in 1949. The translators faced significant challenges in rendering the poetry and theological nuance of Scripture within such a limited vocabulary. A glossary explained the 50 specialized Bible terms added to Ogden's basic word list.
The BBE was printed in 1965 by Cambridge Press. Published without copyright notice and distributed in America, it entered the public domain in the United States.
Learn More on Wikipedia
Translators
Meet the 3 Key Translators and Contributors
Samuel Henry Hooke
Chief editor
Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Studies at the University of London (1874-1968). Expert in Semitic languages and ancient Near Eastern texts.
Theodore H. Robinson
Contributor
Old Testament scholar who assisted in rendering the Hebrew Bible within Basic English constraints.
C.K. Ogden
Linguistic consultant
Creator of Basic English. Oversaw the project at the Orthological Institute to ensure adherence to Basic English principles.
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
The BBE was translated from the standard Hebrew and Greek texts available in the early 20th century. The focus was on conveying meaning within the Basic English vocabulary rather than on textual-critical issues.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"The translation underwent rigorous fidelity checks, cross-referencing with Hebrew and Greek texts at every stage, overseen by Professor S.H. Hooke of the University of London."
— Cambridge University Press, Bible in Basic English Publication (1949) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
The restrictive 850-word vocabulary makes it difficult to maintain parallelism to Greek and Hebrew. The beauty of poetry in other versions is lost, as are subtle shades and nuances of meaning.
— C.S. Lewis, Times Literary Supplement review (1944) [source]
Revision History
View 3 Major Revisions and Updates
- 1941 New Testament published.
- 1949 Complete Bible (Old and New Testaments) published.
- 1965 Cambridge Press edition without copyright, entering public domain in the US.
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