Bible in Basic English (BBE)
Completed by scholar Samuel Henry Hooke in 1949, the Bible in Basic English translates the entire text of scripture using a deliberately limited vocabulary of 850 basic words plus 100 special Bible terms. It offers a more approachable alternative to older translations like the King James Version (KJV), starting with Genesis (BBE).
The Old Testament (often abbreviated OT) is the first division of the Christian biblical canon, which is based primarily upon the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible (or Tanakh), a collection of ancient religious Hebrew writings by the Israelites believed by most Christians and religious Jews to be the sacred Word of God.
The New Testament (NT) is the second division of the Christian biblical canon. It discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christianity.
About the Bible in Basic English (BBE) Translation
The Bible in Basic English (BBE), completed in 1949 and first published with the New Testament in 1941, was produced by scholar Samuel Henry Hooke with the goal of making the Bible accessible to anyone who can read English, regardless of educational background. The BBE translates the entire scripture using a carefully selected vocabulary of just 850 basic English words supplemented by 100 special Bible words, making it one of the most readable Bible translations available for new readers, children, English language learners, and anyone seeking a clear, straightforward version of God's Word. While some traditional phrasing is simplified, the BBE Bible remains faithful to the meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek texts. The Bible in Basic English is particularly valuable for introducing the Bible's message to those unfamiliar with traditional religious language. Read the Bible in Basic English online here, with every chapter and verse available in clear, simple language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the Bible in Basic English and what was the goal behind it?
What makes the BBE's vocabulary different from other English translations?
Does simplifying the language make the BBE less accurate?
Who is the Bible in Basic English best suited for?
Where can I start reading the BBE online?
Today's Verse
And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
Verse Of The DayDespite its simplified phrasing, the BBE stays faithful to the meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek texts, making it a useful companion to more literal translations such as the American Standard-ASV1901 (ASV). Readers new to the Bible's language often start here before moving on to passages like Psalms (BBE).
