« | Psalm 4 | » |
1 [To the chiefe musition on Neginoth, a psalme of Dauid.] Heare me when I call O God of my righteousnesse: thou hast set me at libertie when I was in distresse.
2 O ye sonnes of men, how long [wyll ye go about to bryng] my glory to confusion? ye loue vanitie, ye seeke after lyes. Selah.
3 For ye must know that God hath chosen to him selfe a godly [man]: God wyl heare when I call vnto hym.
4 Be ye angry, but sinne not: commune with your owne heart in your chaumber, and be styll. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifice of righteousnesse: and put your trust in God.
6 There be many that say, who wyll shewe vs [any] good? O God lift thou vp the light of thy countenaunce vpon vs.
7 Thou hast put gladnesse in my heart: since the time that their corne and wine increased.
8 I wyll lay me downe in peace and take my rest: for thou God only makest me to dwell in safetie.
The Bishop’s Bible (BB)
The Bishop’s Bible (BB) is a significant English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1568 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It was commissioned by the Church of England as a revision of the Great Bible and as a response to the Geneva Bible, which was popular among the Puritans but contained marginal notes that were considered politically and theologically contentious by the Anglican establishment. The primary goal of the Bishop’ s Bible was to create a translation that would be more acceptable to the ecclesiastical authorities and suitable for use in Anglican churches.
One of the distinguishing features of the Bishop’s Bible is its effort to maintain a high level of accuracy and scholarly integrity while also ensuring that the language used was dignified and appropriate for public reading. The translation was undertaken by a team of bishops and other scholars, hence its name. The translators aimed to preserve the poetic and literary qualities of the original texts, drawing on previous translations such as the Tyndale Bible, the Coverdale Bible, and the Great Bible, while also incorporating their scholarly insights and linguistic refinements.
The Bishop’s Bible was notable for its large, folio format, which was designed to be read from the pulpit. It included extensive marginal notes, though these were more restrained and less controversial than those found in the Geneva Bible. The translation also featured elaborate illustrations and maps, as well as a comprehensive introduction and various prefaces that provided context and guidance for readers. Despite its grandeur and scholarly merit, the Bishop’s Bible did not achieve the widespread popularity of the Geneva Bible among the general populace.