Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Numbering of the Psalms

At the last Oblate meeting a question about the numbering  of the Psalms was raised. This difference is important particularly as you read the Rule of St. Benedict or the commentary on the Psalms that have been posted to the site. The reason for the difference is the Christian numbering of the Psalms, as found in the Septuagint, differs from the Hebrew numbering of the Psalms. The principle difference is Psalms 9 and 10 in Hebrew are joined together as Psalm 9 in the Greek/Latin versions.

Most modern bibles follow the Hebrew numbering. The New American Bible numbers the Psalms following the Hebrew numbers but arranges the Psalms in conformance with the Septuagint. For example the problem Psalm 9 is identified as 9-10 and is divided between section A and B. The New Revised Standard Bible follows the Hebrew numbering. For serious study I would suggest obtaining a copy of The Ignatius Bible, second edition (Revised Standard Version) which numbers the Psalms both ways. The Revised Grail Psalms as has the Psalms numbered both ways. The following table. which highlights the differences might also be of help.

Septuagint Hebrew Notes
1-8 Numbered the same in both the Greek and Hebrew
 9 9-10 Psalms 9 and 10 in Hebrew are together as Psalm 9 in Greek
 10-112 11-113 Greek is numbered lower by one than the same psalm in Hebrew
 113 114-115 Psalms 113 in Greek are Psalms 114 & 115 in Hebrew
 114-115  116 Psalms 114 & 115 in Greek are Psalm 116 in Hebrew
116-145 117-146 Greek is numbered lower by one than the same psalm in Hebrew
146-147 147 Psalms 146 and 147 in Greek form Psalm 147 in Hebrew
148-150 Numbered the same in both the Greek and Hebrew
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