Psalm ## (##) - what does this mean?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Elzee
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
E

Elzee

Guest
My bible has the Pslams numbered, but then, in parentheses, there’s another number. For example: Psalm 61 (62).

What does this mean? What number do I use when talking to a non-Catholic whose bible doesn’t have this notation?
 
I find it depends on the bible you use. I have a Douay-Rheims that is the Haydock Study Bible - I think first issued around 1850 or so. There seems to be a difference in the numbering system of the Psalms in some of the older translations than in some of the newer ones like the NAB. I have found that a Psalm in the Haydock bible may be number x, but in the newer translations is x+1. Why there is a difference I don’t know. Sometime in bible study it gets confusing as some of us use one bible and others a different one. Turning to the Psalm in one doesn’t mean it is the same one in the other, so I just say look at the next one up in order and it usually corresponds. Again, I don’t know why there is a numbering difference in the older from the newer translations. At least that is my take on it.
MBS1
 
The NAB Introduction to the Psalms says the following:
The Hebrew Psalter numbers 150 songs. The corresponding number in the LXX differs because of a different division of certain psalms. Hence the numbering in the Greek Psalter (which was followed by the Latin Vulgate) is usually one digit behind the Hebrew. In the New American Bible the numbering of the verses follows the Hebrew numbering; many of the traditional English translations are often a verse number behind the Hebrew because they do not count the superscriptions as a verse.
Click to expand...
This may also be helpful:

Numbering the Psalms
ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~jtreat/the1115/resources/ps.html

Hope that helps!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top