The Webster Bible 9781532611537, 1532611536

Table of contents :
INTRODUCTION
GENESIS
EXODUS

Citation preview

THE

HOLY

BIBLE, CONTAINING

OLD

AND

NEW

THE

TESTAMENTS,

IN THE

COMMON

VERSION. WITH

AMENDMENTS

OF THE

BY NOAH WEBSTER,

WIPF & STOCK•

Eugene,

LANGUAGE,

LL. D.

Oregon

THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

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Genesis hath chapters - 50 II. Chronicles - - 36 10 Exodus - - - 40 Ezra Leviticus - - - - - 27 Nehemiah - - - - - 13 10 Numbers - - - - 36 Esther Deuteronomy - 34 Job - - - 42 - 150 Joshua - 24 Psalms 31 Judges - - - - - 21 Proverbs 12 4 Ecc:lesiastes Ruth I. Samuel - 31 The Song of Solomon - 8 24 Isaiah II. Samuel - - 66 52 I. Kings - 2';', Jeremiah 5 25 Lamentations - II. Kings 29 Ezekiel 48 I. Chronicles· - -

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Daniel Hosea - Joel - Amos Obadiah - Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai - Zechariah Malachi

12 14 3 9

I 4 7

3 3 3 2 14 4

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THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Matthew Mark Luke - - - - - John The Acts - - The Epistle to the Romans I. Corinthians - II. Corinthians Galatians

Ephesians Philippians 24 Colossians 21 I. Thessalonians 28 IL Thessalonians 16 I. Timothy 16 II. Timothy - - 13 Titus

28

16

6

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6 4

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4

Philemon

4 5 3 6

3 1

To the Hebrews - 13 The Epistle of James 5 I. Peter - - - - - - 5 II. Peter - 3 I. John - - - 5 II. John - 1 III. John - - - - - - 1

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Jude Revelation

Wipf and Stock Publishers 199 W 8th Ave, Suite 3 Eugene, OR 97401 The Webster Bible By Webster, Noah ISBN 13: 978-1-5326-1153-7 Publication date 10/5/2016 Previously published by Durrie & Peck, 1833

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PREFACE.

THE English version of the sacred scriptures, now in general use, was first published in the year 1611, in the reign of James I. Although the translators made many alterations in the language of former versions, yet no small part of the language is the same, as that of the versions made in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. · In the present version, the language is, in general, correct and pe~spicuous; the genuine popular English of Saxon origin ; peculiarly adapted to the subjects; and in many passages, uniting sublimity with beautiful simplicity. In my view, the general style of the version ought not to be altered. But in the lapse of two or three centuries, changes have taken place, which, in particular passages, impair the beauty ; in others, obscure the sense, of the original languages. Some words have fallen into disuse; and the signification of others, in current popular use, is not the same now as it was when they were introduced into the version. The effect of these changes, is, that some words are not understood by common readers, who have no access to commentaries, and who will always compose a great proportion of readers; while other words, being now used in a sense different from that which they had when the transla. tion was made, present a wrong signification or false ideas. Whenever words are understood in a sense different from that which they had when introduced, and different from that of the original languages, they do not present to the reader the Word of God. This circumstance is very important, even in things not the most essential; and in essential points, mistakes may be very injurious. In my own view of this subject, a.version of the scriptures for popular use, should consist of words expres.sing the sense which is most common, in popular usage, so that the first ideas suggested to the reader should be the true meaning of such words, according to the original languages. That many words in the present version, fail to do this, is certain. My principal aim is to remedy this evil. The inaccuracies in grammar, such as which for who, his for its, shall for will, should for would, and others, are very numerous in the present version. There are also some quaint and vulgar phrases which are not relished by those who love a pure style, and which are not in accordance with the general tenor of the language. To these may be added many words and phrases, very offensive to delicacy and even to decency. In the opinion of all persons with whom I have coqversed on this subject, such words and phrases ought not to be retained in the version. Language which cannot be uttered in company without a violation of decorum, or the rules of good breeding, exposes tqe scriptures to the scoffs of unbelievers, impairs their authority, and multiplies or confirms the enemies of our holy religion. These considerations, with the approbation of respectable men, the friends of religion and good judges of this subject, have induced me to undertake the

iv

PREFACE.

task of revising the language of the common version of the scriptures, and of presenting to the public an edition with such amendments, as will better express the true sense of the original languages, and remove objections to particular parts of the phraseology. In performing this task, I have been carefttl to avoid unnecessary innovations, and to retain the general character of the style. The principal alterations are comprised in three classes. I. The substitution of words and phrases now in good use, for such as are whoJly obsolete, or deemed below the dignity and solemnity of the subject. 2. The correction of errors in grammar. 3. The insertion of euphemisms, words and phrases which are not very offensive to delic~cy, in the place of such as cannot, with propriety, be uttered before a promiscuous audience. A few errors in the translation, which are admitted on an hands to be obvious, have been corrected ; and some obscu.re passages, illustrated. In making these amendments, I have consulted the original languages, and also several translations and commentaries, In the body of the work, my aim has been to preserve, but, in ce!tain passages, more clearly to express, the sense of the present version. The language of the Bible has. no inconsiderable influence in forming and preserving our nationaJ language. On this account, the language of the common version ought to be correct in grammatical construction, and in the use of appropriate words. This is the more important, as men who are accustomed to read the Bible with veneration, are apt to contract a predilection for its phraseology, and thus to become attached to phrases which are quaint or obsolete. This may be a real misfortune; for the use of words and phrases, when they have ceased to be a part of the living language, and appear odd or singular, impairs the purity of the language, and is apt to create a disrelish for it in those who have not, by long practice, contracted a like predilection. It may require some effort to subdue this predilection ; but it may be done, and for the sake of the rising generation, it is desirable. The language of the scriptures ought to be pure, chaste, simple and persi»cuous, free from any words or phrases which may excite observation by their singularity; and neither debased by vulgarisms, nor tricked out with the ornaments of affected elegance. As there are diversities of tastes among men, it is not to be expected that the alterations I have made in the language of the version will please aJI classes of readers. Some persons will think I have done too little; others, too much. And probably the result would be the same, were a revision to be executed by any other hand, or even by the joint labors of many hands. All I can say is, that I have executed this work in the manner which, in my judgment, appeared to be the best. To avoid giving offense to any denomination of christians, I have not knowingly made any alteration in the passages of the present version, on which the different denominations rely for the support of their peculiar tenets. In this country there is no legislative po\\'Cr which claims to have the right to prescribe what version of the scriptures shall be used in the churches, or by the people. And as all human opinions are fallible, it is doubtless for the inter-

PREFACE,

V

est of religion that no authority should be exerted in this case, except by commendation. At the same time, it is very important that all denominations of christians should use the same version, that in all public discourses, treatises and controversies, the passages cited as authorities should be uniform. Alterations in the popular version should not be frequent; but the changes incident to all living languages render it not merely expedient, but necessary at times to introduce such alterations as wiJI express the true sense of the original languages, in the current language of the age. A version thus amended may require no alteration for two or three centuries to come. In this undertaking, I subject myself to the charge of arrogance ; but I am not conscious of being actuated by any improper motive. I am aware of the sensitiveness of the reJigious public on this subject; and of the difficultieswhich attend the performance. But all men whom I have consulted, if they have thought much on the 1mbject, seem to be agreed in the opinion, that it is high time to have a revision of the common version of the scriptures; although no person appears to know how or by whom such reviaion is to be executed. In my own view, such revision is not merely a matter of expedience, but of moral duty; and as I have been encouraged to undertake this work, by respectable literary and religious characters, I have ventured to attempt a revision upon my own responsibility. If the work should fail to be well received, the loss will be my own, and I hope no injury wil1 be done. I have been painfully solicitous that no error should escape me. The reasons for the principal alterations introduced, wiJI be found in the explanatory notes. The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and th~ best corrector of all that is evil, in human society; the best book for regulating the temporal concerns of men, and the only book that can serve as an infallible guide to future felicity. With this estimate of its value, I have attempted to render the English version more useful, by correcting a few obvious errors, and removing some obscurities, with objectionab]e words and phrases ; and my earnest prayer is, that my labors may not be wholly unsuccessful. N. W. New Haven, September, 1833.

· Note.-The copy used by the compositors was the quarto Bible, prepared for the pre&sby the late President Witherspoon, and published by the late l$aae Collins, of New York. The proof-sheets were read and compared by another copy, either one published by the American Bible Society, or a copy from the authorized Edinburgh press, or other approved edition. No material differences in the copies have been discovered.

INTRODUCTION.

The principal alterations in the language of the commonversion of the Scriptures, made in this edition, stt1-tedand explained. Wko is substituted id:r-wkick, when it refers Evening for e-i,enand even-tide. Gen. 19.1, .to persons. &e. Its is substituted for kis, when it refers to Expire, generally for give or yield up the plants and things without life. ghost, Gen. 49. 33, &c. or yield the breath. Job To is used for unto. This latter word is not 11. 20; 14. 10. Custody, in some cases, for ward. Gen. 40. found in the Saxon books, and as it is never used in our present popular language, it is evi- 3, &e. dently a modern compound. The first sylla- Perhaps or it may be, in some cases, for perble un adds nothing to the signification or force adventure. Geu. 27. 12; 31. :H,&c. of to; but by increasing the number of unimCO'I/Js for kir.,c. The latter is nearly obsoportant syllables, rather impairs the strength lete, and the former is used in several passages of the whole clause or sentence in which it oc- of the version ; it is th,!refore judged expedicurs. It has been rejected by almost every ent to render the langu'.,ge uniform. Gen. 32. writer, for more than a century. 15, &c. Why is substituted for wherefore, when inEmployment or occupatiM1,for trade. The quiry is made; as, "wAy do the wicked live 1" latter, as the word is now used, is improper. Job 21. 7. Gen. 46. 32. 34. ~Vy and thy are generally substituted for Se1Jere,grievous or distrcssi'llg, for sore, and mine and tl,,ine, when used as adjectives. The corresponding adverbs, or bitterly for sorely •. latter are wholly obsolete. Gen. 41. 56, 57, &c. In some passages, a difWherein, therein, whereon, thereon, and other ferent word is used. See Gen. 19. 9; Judges similar compounds, are not wholly obsolete, 10. 9. but are considered, except in technical lan- Peopl,e or persons, for folk. Gen. 33. 15 ; guage, inelegant. I have not wholly rejected Mark 6. 5, &c. these words, but have reduced the number of Kinsmen for kinsfolk. Job 19. 14; Luke 2. them; substituting in which, in that or tAis, in 44, &c. it, on which, &e. Male-child for man-child. Gen. 17.10, &e. Assemble, collect, or convene, 1for the tautoloInterest for usury. Usury originally signigical words gatl.er together. In some cases, tied what is now called interest, or simply a gatker is retained and together omitted as su- compensation for the use of money. The Jews perftuous. Collection for gathering together. were not permitted to take interest from their Gen. 1. 10. brethren for the use of money loaned ; and Know or knew, for wist, wit and wot. Ex. when the Levities) law forbids the taking of 16. 15. Gen. 21. 26, &e. usury, the prohibition intended is that of any Part for deal, as a tenth part of dour. Ex. gain or compensation for the use of money or 29. 40. Deal, in this sense, is wholly antiqua- goods. Hence, usury in the scriptures is what ted. we call interest. The change of signification Bring for fetch., in most cases. in the word usury, which now denotes unlawSuppose for trow . . Luke 17. 9. ful interest, renders it proper to substitute inf,erest for mury. Ex. 00. 25; Lev. 25. 36, &c. Falsekood for 1,easing. Ps. 4. 2; 5. 6. Skillful for cunning, when used of persms; Hinder for let, Rom. 1. 13: Restrain. 2 and ctirio™ for the same word, when applied Thess. 2. 7. to things. Gen. 23. 27; Ex. 26. 1, &e. Nuniber for tale, when the latter has that Surely or certainly, for, " of a surety." The signification. Ex. 5. 8, &c. latter word is now used exclusively for securiButton for tache. Ex. 26. 6, &c. ty against loss, or for the person who gives bail Ate, in many cases, for did eat. Gen. 3. 6; for another. In the phrase of a surety, the 27. 25, &c. word is now improper. Gen. 15. 13, &c. Boiled for sodden. Ex. 12. 9; Lev. 6. 28, &e; Number for tell, whep used in the sense of Strictly for straitly. Gen. 43. 7; Ex. 13. 19; count. Gen. 15. 5, &c. I Sam.14. 28. . Si:tty for three score, and eighty for fO'IJ,rscore. StaJf.~for sla i-es. It seems that .~frtvcs,in the Two score and.fivescore are never used. It ap- translation, is used for the ploral of ~ta//';an pearst