Why are the pslams numbered differently?

[Garyjohn2]

I just got a new Bible (RSVC2E), and the Psalms are numbered with different numbers in paratheses. For example “Psalm 23 [22]”

I did a little research, and found that there is a Greek numbering system and a Hebrew numbering system for the Psalms…but why?? It looks to start around Psalm 10. What is the reason for this, and why is one used instead of the other??

Anyone know? Thanks!

 

[GEddie]

It has to do with the Latin Vulgate versus older manuscripts. You would see the same double numbering in the missalette.

In versions deriving from the Vulgate, such as the Douay-Reims for example, the really long psalm is numbered 118, while we know it as 119, in modern versions.

Also, heading material in the Psalms is counted as verse 1 in these older versions.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[Jesus_123]

. . . :coffeeread: . . .

PREFACE

The Douay-Rheims Bible is a scrupulously faithful translation into English of the Latin Vulgate Bible which St. Jerome (342-420) translated into Latin from the original languages. The Vulgate quickly became the Bible universally used in the Latin Rite (by far the largest rite of the Catholic Church). …

The Latin Vulgate Bible has been read and honored by the Western Church for 1500 years! …

INTRODUCTION

The whole Douay-Rheims Bible was revised and diligently compared with the Latin Vulgate by Bishop Richard Challoner in 1749-1752 A.D. The notes included in the text were written by Dr. Challoner. …

Every effort was made to ensure … an exact match to the original printed version. No words were added or ommitted from the text … No words were rearranged. No verse numbers were changed, except in the case of Psalm 9.

Psalm 9 originally contained 21 verses and there were 2 versions of Psalm 10, numbering 1-18 and 1-8. … it was decided to put the first Psalm 10 in the last part of Psalm 9 and renumber the verses 22-39 … the same numbering for all the Psalms as all the Douay Rheims Bibles. Note, in the Protestant Bibles the numbering of Psalms 10 through 146 differs by one.

:compcoff: Link: drbo.org/index.htm
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[Garyjohn2]

I see. But why are there still 2 numbering systems to this day? People can’t agree on how to number them?

Also, which is the more accurate?

 

[GEddie]

I see. But why are there still 2 numbering systems to this day? People can’t agree on how to number them?

Also, which is the more accurate?

The 2 systems remain because the older versions remain. They aren’t going anywhere and are probably part of lectionaries somewhere in the world.

As to accuracy, I’d go with the one that tracked the Jewish version of Psalms; probably the more modern one.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[promethius95945]

I see. But why are there still 2 numbering systems to this day? People can’t agree on how to number them?

Also, which is the more accurate?

Accurate to history? When the scriptures were first written there was NO numbering system. That’s a matter of convenience. Unfortunately you’re stuck with a separation of numbering systems (neither of which affects the accuracy of the scriptures).